Physician, nurse, and social worker collaboration in primary care for chronically ill seniors

Preventive home visits and health--experiences among very old people

Background

As more people reach older age, there is a growing interest in improving old person’s health, activity, independence and social participation, thereby adding quality to the extended years. Preventive home visits (PHV) programs for old people have received much attention in recent decades. A large body of research shows mixed effects, and argues that a home visit is a complex social process influenced by numerous factors. To evaluate the impact of PHV, as well as making decisions on whether, how, and to whom the service should be provided, requires a deeper understanding of PHV than we have now. Consequently, the aim of the study was to describe the variations in older people’s (80+) experiences of a single preventive home visit and its consequences for health.

Methods

Seventeen participants between 80 and 92 years of age who had all received a structured PHV were interviewed in their own homes. The interviews were analyzed using the phenomenographic method, looking at the variations in the participants’ experiences.

Results

The interviews revealed four categories: “The PHV made me visible and proved my human value”; “The PHV brought a feeling of security”; “The PHV gave an incentive to action”; and “The PHV was not for me”.

Conclusions

The experiences of a PHV were twofold. On one hand, the positive experiences indicate that one structured PHV was able to empower the participants and strengthen their self-esteem, making them feel in control over their situation and more aware of the importance of keeping several steps ahead. Together this could motivate them to take measures and engage in health-promoting activities. On the other hand, the PHV was experienced as being of no value by a few. These findings may partly explain the positive results from PHV interventions and emphasize that one challenge for health care professionals is to motivate older people who are healthy and independent to engage in health-promoting and disease-preventive activities.

Mapping and modeling of physician collaboration network

Effective provisioning of healthcare services during patient hospitalization requires collaboration involving a set of interdependent complex tasks, which needs to be carried out in a synergistic manner. Improved patients' outcome during and after hospitalization has been attributed to how effective different health services provisioning groups carry out their tasks in a coordinated manner. Previous studies have documented the underlying relationships between collaboration among physicians on the effective outcome in delivering health services for improved patient outcomes. However, there are very few systematic empirical studies with a focus on the effect of collaboration networks among healthcare professionals and patients' medical condition. On the basis of the fact that collaboration evolves among physicians when they visit a common hospitalized patient, in this study, we first propose an approach to map collaboration network among physicians from their visiting information to patients. We termed this network as physician collaboration network (PCN). Then, we use exponential random graph (ERG) models to explore the microlevel network structures of PCNs and their impact on hospitalization cost and hospital readmission rate. ERG models are probabilistic models that are presented by locally determined explanatory variables and can effectively identify structural properties of networks such as PCN. It simplifies a complex structure down to a combination of basic parameters such as 2-star, 3-star, and triangle. By applying our proposed mapping approach and ERG modeling technique to the electronic health insurance claims dataset of a very large Australian health insurance organization, we construct and model PCNs. We notice that the 2-star (subset of 3 nodes in which 1 node is connected to each of the other 2 nodes) parameter of ERG has significant impact on hospitalization cost. Further, we identify that triangle (subset of 3 nodes in which each node is connected to the rest 2 nodes), alternative k-star (subset of k nodes in which 1 node is connected to each of other k - 1 nodes), and alternative k - 2 path (subset of k nodes in which, between a specific pair of nodes, there exists k - 2 paths of length 2) parameters of ERG have impact on the hospital readmission rate. Our findings can have implications for healthcare administrators or managers who could potentially improve the practice cultures in their organizations by following these outcomes.

The effectiveness of inter-professional working for older people living in the community: a systematic review

Health and social care policy in the UK advocates inter-professional working (IPW) to support older people with complex and multiple needs. Whilst there is a growing understanding of what supports IPW, there is a lack of evidence linking IPW to explicit outcomes for older people living in the community. This review aimed to identify the models of IPW that provide the strongest evidence base for practice with community dwelling older people. We searched electronic databases from 1 January 1990-31 March 2008. In December 2010 we updated the findings from relevant systematic reviews identified since 2008. We selected papers describing interventions that involved IPW for community dwelling older people and randomised controlled trials (RCT) reporting user-relevant outcomes. Included studies were classified by IPW models (Case Management, Collaboration and Integrated Team) and assessed for risk of bias. We conducted a narrative synthesis of the evidence according to the type of care (interventions delivering acute, chronic, palliative and preventive care) identified within each model of IPW. We retrieved 3211 records and included 37 RCTs which were mapped onto the IPW models: Overall, there is weak evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for IPW, although well-integrated and shared care models improved processes of care and have the potential to reduce hospital or nursing/care home use. Study quality varied considerably and high quality evaluations as well as observational studies are needed to identify the key components of effective IPW in relation to user-defined outcomes. Differences in local contexts raise questions about the applicability of the findings and their implications for practice. We need more information on the outcomes of the process of IPW and evaluations of the effectiveness of different configurations of health and social care professionals for the care of community dwelling older people.

Primary health care teams and the patient perspective: a social network analysis

BACKGROUND

Multidisciplinary care (MDC) has been proposed as a potential strategy to address the rising challenges of modern health issues. However, it remains unclear as to how patients' health connections may impact on multidisciplinary processes and outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

This research aims to gain a deeper understanding of patients' potential role in MDC: i) describe patients' health networks, ii) compare different care groups, iii) gain an understanding of the nature and extent of their interactions, and iv) identify the role of pharmacists within patient networks.

METHODS

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with asthma patients from Sydney, Australia. Participants were recruited from a range of standard asthma health care access points (community group) and a specialized multidisciplinary asthma clinic (clinic group). Quantitative social network analysis provided structural insight into asthma networks while qualitative social network analysis assisted in interpretation of network data.

RESULTS

A total of 47 interviews were conducted (26 community group participants and 21 clinic group participants). Although participants' asthma networks consisted of a range of health care professionals (HCPs), these did not reflect or encourage MDC. Not only did participants favor minimal interaction with any HCP, they preferred sole-charge care and were found to strongly rely on lay individuals such as family and friends. While general practitioners and respiratory specialists were participants' principal choice of HCP, community pharmacists were less regarded.

CONCLUSION

Limited opportunities were presented for HCPs to collaborate, particularly pharmacists. As patients' choices of HCPs may strongly influence collaborative processes and outcomes, this research highlights the need to consider patient perspectives in the development of MDC models in primary care.

Nurse-led health promotion interventions improve quality of life in frail older home care clients: lessons learned from three randomized trials in Ontario, Canada

OBJECTIVE

This paper explores the lessons learned from a series of three randomized controlled trials that included 498 community-living frail older adults (≥65 years) using home care services in Southern Ontario, Canada. Each study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of different multi-component nurse-led health promotion and disease prevention (HPDP) interventions.

METHODS

The nurse-led HPDP interventions were 6- or 12-month multi-component and evidence-based strategies targeting known risk factors for functional decline and frailty. Across the three studies, a common approach was used to measure the change in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (SF-36) and the costs of use of health services (Health and Social Services Utilization Inventory) from baseline to the end of the intervention.

RESULTS

The main lesson learned from the three studies is that nurse-led HPDP interventions for frail older home care clients provide greater improvements in HRQOL compared with usual home care. Such approaches are highly acceptable to this population and can be implemented using existing home care resources. Nurse-led HPDP interventions should include multiple home visits, multidimensional screening and assessment, multi-component evidence-based HPDP strategies, intensive case management, inter-professional collaboration, providers with geriatric training and experience, referral to and coordination of community services, and theory use.

CONCLUSION

The results of the three trials underscore the need to reinvest in nurse-led HPDP interventions in home care to optimize HRQOL and promote ageing in place in the target population of frail older adults. More studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of additional nurse-led HPDP interventions in other contexts and settings.

Atypical alliances: the potential for social work and pharmacy collaborations in primary health care delivery

The growing prevalence of chronic conditions is a cause for concern globally, both in terms of its impact on the health of populations and also the strain it is predicted to place on health resources. There is a push to adopt more holistic and collaborative approaches to health care, and for the education of health care professionals to be reformed if these efforts are to be successful. A research project was undertaken in New Zealand in 2010-2011 aimed at exploring the perceptions of health care professionals on competencies in the field of chronic care. This article aims to highlight learning from the project regarding the "atypical alliance" between social work and pharmacy. Based on this, the authors argue that, with the growing expectations for interprofessional collaboration, effective primary and community health care delivery is increasingly dependent on relationships between educators in different health disciplines, between health professionals-in-training, and between education providers and health organizations.

Evaluation of a changed model of care delivery in a Canadian province using outcome mapping

BACKGROUND

Collaboration between the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness, the province's District Health Authorities (DHAs) and the Izaak Walton Killam (IWK) Health Center led to the development and implementation of a new collaborative model of patient-centered care delivery in the province.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to determine the effectiveness of the initiative in arriving at the envisioned care model by investigating its impacts (if any) on patient, system, and providers outcomes.

METHODS

A repeated surveys study design with mixed methods in an outcome mapping framework was used to measure process and outcome indicators for patients and families, providers, and the system.

RESULTS

Almost all outcomes at the patient and family, provider, and system level improved following the implementation of the model, and these effects were stronger on units where the model was more fully implemented.

CONCLUSIONS

The efforts of the province, DHAs and IWK to improve patient care through the new care model have been successful. This evaluation is unique in the broad range of indicators it incorporates. Comprehensive monitoring and evaluation of health system changes is critical to system effectiveness.

Collaboration between local health and local government agencies for health improvement

BACKGROUND

In many countries, national, regional and local inter- and intra-agency collaborations have been introduced to improve health outcomes. Evidence is needed on the effectiveness of locally developed partnerships which target changes in health outcomes and behaviours.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of interagency collaboration between local health and local government agencies on health outcomes in any population or age group.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Public Health Group Specialised Register, AMED, ASSIA, CENTRAL, CINAHL, DoPHER, EMBASE, ERIC, HMIC, IBSS, MEDLINE, MEDLINE In-Process, OpenGrey, PsycINFO, Rehabdata, Social Care Online, Social Services Abstracts, Sociological Abstracts, TRoPHI and Web of Science from 1966 through to January 2012. 'Snowballing' methods were used, including expert contact, citation tracking, website searching and reference list follow-up.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), controlled before-and-after studies (CBAs) and interrupted time series (ITS) where the study reported individual health outcomes arising from interagency collaboration between health and local government agencies compared to standard care. Studies were selected independently in duplicate, with no restriction on population subgroup or disease.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently conducted data extraction and assessed risk of bias for each study.

MAIN RESULTS

Sixteen studies were identified (28,212 participants). Only two were considered to be at low risk of bias. Eleven studies contributed data to the meta-analyses but a narrative synthesis was undertaken for all 16 studies. Six studies examined mental health initiatives, of which one showed health benefit, four showed modest improvement in one or more of the outcomes measured but no clear overall health gain, and one showed no evidence of health gain. Four studies considered lifestyle improvements, of which one showed some limited short-term improvements, two failed to show health gains for the intervention population, and one showed more unhealthy lifestyle behaviours persisting in the intervention population. Three studies considered chronic disease management and all failed to demonstrate health gains. Three studies considered environmental improvements and adjustments, of which two showed some health improvements and one did not.Meta-analysis of three studies exploring the effect of collaboration on mortality showed no effect (pooled relative risk of 1.04 in favour of control, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.17). Analysis of five studies (with high heterogeneity) looking at the effect of collaboration on mental health resulted in a standardised mean difference of -0.28, a small effect favouring the intervention (95% CI -0.51 to -0.06). From two studies, there was a statistically significant but clinically modest improvement in the global assessment of function symptoms score scale, with a pooled mean difference (on a scale of 1 to 100) of -2.63 favouring the intervention (95% CI -5.16 to -0.10).For physical health (6 studies) and quality of life (4 studies) the results were not statistically significant, the standardised mean differences were -0.01 (95% CI -0.10 to 0.07) and -0.08 (95% CI -0.44 to 0.27), respectively.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Collaboration between local health and local government is commonly considered best practice. However, the review did not identify any reliable evidence that interagency collaboration, compared to standard services, necessarily leads to health improvement. A few studies identified component benefits but these were not reflected in overall outcome scores and could have resulted from the use of significant additional resources. Although agencies appear enthusiastic about collaboration, difficulties in the primary studies and incomplete implementation of initiatives have prevented the development of a strong evidence base. If these weaknesses are addressed in future studies (for example by providing greater detail on the implementation of programmes; using more robust designs, integrated process evaluations to show how well the partners of the collaboration worked together, and measurement of health outcomes) it could provide a better understanding of what might work and why. It is possible that local collaborative partnerships delivering environmental Interventions may result in health gain but the evidence base for this is very limited.Evaluations of interagency collaborative arrangements face many challenges. The results demonstrate that collaborative community partnerships can be established to deliver interventions but it is important to agree goals, methods of working, monitoring and evaluation before implementation to protect programme fidelity and increase the potential for effectiveness.

Managing patients with multimorbidity: systematic review of interventions in primary care and community settings

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve outcomes in patients with multimorbidity in primary care and community settings.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CAB Health, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, the database of abstracts of reviews of effectiveness, and the Cochrane EPOC (effective practice and organisation of care) register (searches updated in April 2011).

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials, controlled clinical trials, controlled before and after studies, and interrupted time series analyses reporting on interventions to improve outcomes for people with multimorbidity in primary care and community settings. Multimorbidity was defined as two or more chronic conditions in the same individual. Outcomes included any validated measure of physical or mental health and psychosocial status, including quality of life outcomes, wellbeing, and measures of disability or functional status. Also included were measures of patient and provider behaviour, including drug adherence, utilisation of health services, acceptability of services, and costs.

DATA SELECTION

Two reviewers independently assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed study quality. As meta-analysis of results was not possible owing to heterogeneity in participants and interventions, a narrative synthesis of the results from the included studies was carried out.

RESULTS

10 studies examining a range of complex interventions totalling 3407 patients with multimorbidity were identified. All were randomised controlled trials with a low risk of bias. Two studies described interventions for patients with specific comorbidities. The remaining eight studies focused on multimorbidity, generally in older patients. Consideration of the impact of socioeconomic deprivation was minimal. All studies involved complex interventions with multiple components. In six of the 10 studies the predominant component was a change to the organisation of care delivery, usually through case management or enhanced multidisciplinary team work. In the remaining four studies, intervention components were predominantly patient oriented. Overall the results were mixed, with a trend towards improved prescribing and drug adherence. The results indicated that it is difficult to improve outcomes in this population but that interventions focusing on particular risk factors in comorbid conditions or functional difficulties in multimorbidity may be more effective. No economic analyses were included, although the improvements in prescribing and risk factor management in some studies could provide potentially important cost savings.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence on the care of patients with multimorbidity is limited, despite the prevalence of multimorbidity and its impact on patients and healthcare systems. Interventions to date have had mixed effects, although are likely to be more effective if targeted at risk factors or specific functional difficulties. A need exists to clearly identify patients with multimorbidity and to develop cost effective and specifically targeted interventions that can improve health outcomes.

Interventions for improving outcomes in patients with multimorbidity in primary care and community settings

BACKGROUND

Many people with chronic disease have more than one chronic condition, which is referred to as multimorbidity. While this is not a new phenomenon, there is greater recognition of its impact and the importance of improving outcomes for individuals affected. Research in the area to date has focused mainly on descriptive epidemiology and impact assessment. There has been limited exploration of the effectiveness of interventions for multimorbidity.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve outcomes in patients with multimorbidity in primary care and community settings. Multimorbidity was defined as two or more chronic conditions in the same individual.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CAB Health, AMED, HealthStar, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), the EPOC Register and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE), and the EPOC Register in April 2011.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We considered randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), controlled before and after studies (CBAs), and interrupted time series analyses (ITS) reporting on interventions to improve outcomes for people with multimorbidity in primary care and community settings. The outcomes included any validated measure of physical or mental health, psychosocial status including quality of life outcomes, well-being, and measures of disability or functional status. We also included measures of patient and provider behaviour including measures of medication adherence, utilisation of health services, and acceptability of services and costs.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed studies for eligibility, extracted data, and assessed study quality. Meta-analysis of results was not possible so we carried out a narrative synthesis of the results from the included studies.

MAIN RESULTS

Ten studies examining a range of complex interventions for patients with multimorbidity were identified. All were RCTs and there was low risk of bias. Two of the nine studies focused on specific co-morbidities. The remaining studies focused on multimorbidity, generally in older patients. All studies involved complex interventions with multiple elements. In six of the ten studies, the predominant intervention element was a change to the organisation of care delivery, usually through case management or enhanced multidisciplinary team work. In the remaining four studies, the interventions were predominantly patient oriented. Overall the results were mixed with a trend towards improved prescribing and medication adherence. The results indicate that it is difficult to improve outcomes in this population but that interventions focusing on particular risk factors or functional difficulties in patients with co-morbid conditions or multimorbidity may be more effective. Cost data were limited with no economic analyses included, though the improvements in prescribing and risk factor management in some studies provided potentially significant cost savings.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review highlights the paucity of research into interventions to improve outcomes for multimorbidity with the focus to date being on co-morbid conditions or multimorbidity in older patients. The limited results suggest that interventions to date have had mixed effects but have shown a tendency to improve prescribing and medication adherence, particularly if interventions can be targeted at risk factors or specific functional difficulties in people with co-morbid conditions or multimorbidity. There is a need for clear definitions of participants, consideration of appropriate outcomes, and further pragmatic studies based in primary care settings.

The efficacy of a senior outreach program in the reduction of hospital readmissions and emergency department visits among chronically ill seniors

This study reports on the effectiveness of a community-based senior outreach program in decreasing rehospitalizations and emergency department visits among chronically ill seniors. Participants had been repeatedly hospitalized with chronic illnesses and were subsequently served in an in-home program designed to address their psychosocial and medical needs. Participation in the program was found to be related to lower hospital readmission rates and emergency department usage. Clients also reported decreased financial concerns and depression and anxiety and increased social support. The study adds to the growing body of work supporting community-based programs as effective strategies for decreasing health care usage and improving quality of life for chronically ill seniors.

A comparison of specialist rehabilitation and care assistant support with specialist rehabilitation alone and usual care for people with Parkinson's living in the community: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Parkinson's Disease is a degenerative neurological condition that causes movement problems and other distressing symptoms. People with Parkinson's disease gradually lose their independence and strain is placed on family members. A multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation for people with Parkinson's is recommended but has not been widely researched. Studies are needed that investigate cost-effective community-based service delivery models to reduce disability and dependency and admission to long term care, and improve quality of life.

METHODS

A pragmatic three parallel group randomised controlled trial involving people with Parkinson's Disease and live-in carers (family friends or paid carers), and comparing: management by a specialist multidisciplinary team for six weeks, according to a care plan agreed between the professionals and the patient and carer (Group A); multidisciplinary team management and additional support for four months from a trained care assistant (Group B); usual care, no coordinated team care planning or ongoing support (Group C). Follow up will be for six months to determine the impact and relative cost-effectiveness of the two interventions, compared to usual care. The primary outcomes are disability (patients) and strain (carers). Secondary outcomes include patient mobility, falls, speech, pain, self efficacy, health and social care use; carer general health; patient and carer social functioning, psychological wellbeing, health related quality of life. Semi structured interviews will be undertaken with providers (team members, care assistants), service commissioners, and patients and carers in groups A and B, to gain feedback about the acceptability of the interventions. A cost - effectiveness evaluation is embedded in the trial.

DISCUSSION

The trial investigates components of recent national policy recommendations for people with long term conditions, and Parkinson's Disease in particular, and will provide guidance to inform local service planning and commissioning.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN: ISRCTN44577970.

Well-structured teams and the buffering of hospital employees from stress

Membership in well-structured teams, which show clarity in team and individual goals, meet regularly, and recognize diverse skills of their members, is known to reduce stress. This study examined how membership of well-structured teams was associated with lower levels of strain, when testing a work stressors-to-strains relationship model across the three levels of team structure, namely well-structured, poorly structured (do not fulfill all the criteria of well-structured teams) and no team. The work stressors tested, were quantitative overload and hostile environment, whereas strains were measured through job satisfaction and intention to leave job. This investigation was carried out on a random sample of 65,142 respondents in acute/specialist National Health Service hospitals across the UK. Using multivariate analysis of variance, statistically significant differences between means across the three groups of team structure, with mostly moderate effect sizes, were found for the study variables. Those in well-structured teams have the highest levels of job satisfaction and the least intention to leave job. Multigroup structural equation modelling confirmed the model's robustness across the three groups of team structure. Work stressors explained 45%, 50% and 65% of the variance of strains for well-structured, poorly structured and no team membership, respectively. An increase of one standard deviation in work stressors, resulted in an increase in 0.67, 0.70 and 0.81 standard deviations in strains for well-structured, poorly structured and no team membership, respectively. This investigation is an eye-opener for hospitals to work towards achieving well-structured teams, as this study shows weaker stressor-to-strain relationships for members of these teams.

Collaboration between local health and local government agencies for health improvement

BACKGROUND

In many countries, national, regional and local inter- and intra-agency collaborations have been introduced in order to improve health outcomes. Evidence is needed on the effectiveness of locally-developed partnerships which target changes in individual health outcomes and behaviours.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of interagency collaboration between local health and local government agencies on health outcomes.

SEARCH STRATEGY

Twenty-five databases were searched using a highly sensitive search strategy. 'Snowballing' methods were also used, including expert contact, website searching and reference list follow up.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), controlled before-and-after studies (CBAs) and interrupted time series (ITS) where the study reported on interagency collaboration between health and local government agencies. Studies were selected independently in duplicate by two of five authors.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

From the team of five review authors, two authors independently conducted data extraction and assessed risk of bias for each study.

MAIN RESULTS

Eleven studies were identified, presenting information on a total of 26,686 participants. Owing to the heterogeneity between studies a narrative synthesis was undertaken. The included studies covered a range of topics. Six studies examined mental health initiatives, of which one study showed health benefit; four showed modest improvement in one or more of the outcomes measured, but no clear overall health gain; and one study showed no evidence of health gain. Two studies were related to lifestyle improvements of which one failed to show health gains for the intervention population, while the other showed more unhealthy lifestyle behaviours persisting in the intervention population. Three studies were related to chronic disease management and all three failed to demonstrate health gains.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Collaboration between local health and local government is commonly considered best practice. However, the review did not identify any reliable evidence that inter‑agency collaboration, compared to standard services, leads to health improvement. A few studies identified component benefits but these were not reflected in overall outcome scores and could have resulted from the use of significant additional resources. Although agencies appear enthusiastic about collaboration, methodological flaws in the primary studies and incomplete implementation of initiatives have prevented the development of a strong evidence base. If these flaws are addressed in future studies (for example by providing greater detail on the implementation of programs, using more robust designs, with integrated process evaluations and measurement of health outcomes) it could provide a better understanding of what might work and why.When updating this review, we will analyse any partnership or process evaluations of our included studies to try to identify markers of success in local collaborative partnerships that could inform policy developments in the future.

Interprofessional stroke rehabilitation for stroke survivors using home care

OBJECTIVE

To compare a specialized interprofessional team approach to community-based stroke rehabilitation with usual home care for stroke survivors using home care services.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trial of 101 community-living stroke survivors (<18 months post-stroke) using home care services. Subjects were randomized to intervention (n=52) or control (n=49) groups. The intervention was a 12-month specialized, evidence-based rehabilitation strategy involving an interprofessional team. The primary outcome was change in health-related quality of life and functioning (SF-36) from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes were number of strokes during the 12-month follow-up, and changes in community reintegration (RNLI), perceived social support (PRQ85-Part 2), anxiety and depressive symptoms (Kessler-10), cognitive function (SPMSQ), and costs of use of health services from baseline to 12 months.

RESULTS

A total of 82 subjects completed the 12-month follow-up. Compared with the usual care group, stroke survivors in the intervention group showed clinically important (although not statistically significant) greater improvements from baseline in mean SF-36 physical functioning score (5.87, 95% CI -3.98 to 15.7; p=0.24) and social functioning score (9.03, CI-7.50 to 25.6; p=0.28). The groups did not differ for any of the secondary effectiveness outcomes. There was a higher total per-person costs of use of health services in the intervention group compared to usual home care although the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.76).

CONCLUSIONS

A 12-month specialized, interprofessional team is a feasible and acceptable approach to community-based stroke rehabilitation that produced greater improvements in quality of life compared to usual home care. Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00463229.

Prevalence, formation, maintenance, and evaluation of interdisciplinary student aging interest groups

The authors describe the prevalence, formation, maintenance, and evaluation of student aging interest groups. They conducted a cross-sectional electronic survey of the 46 academic medical centers funded by the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. To evaluate their group of approximately 50 students, the authors conducted an electronic pretest and posttest of attitudes toward interdisciplinary education and knowledge about aging. Twenty-nine of 32 responding institutions funded by the Reynolds Foundation conducted a group; only medical students participated in one half of these groups. Panel presentations were the most prevalent group activity. Evaluation of their group revealed that an interprofessional service learning experience had the greatest impact on student perceptions of the educational preparation and competency of other disciplines. At posttest, medical students in their group had significantly less positive perceptions of actual cooperation between disciplines than did physical therapy or pharmacy students. Aging interest groups conducted by institutions funded by the Reynolds Foundation did not have a high level of interdisciplinary participation. Intermittent exposure to other disciplines during a small number of group activities may be insufficient to overcome "disciplinary split" and achieve interprofessional team orientation without changes in the structure of medical education.

Collaborative practice in a global health context: Common themes from developed and developing countries

This paper reports on a study commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) to explore common themes of collaborative practice. The WHO requested global clarification of (1) the nature of collaborative practice, (2) its perceived importance, and (3) strategies for systematizing collaborative practice throughout national health systems. While there are many interpretations of collaborative practice around the world, there was a need to ascertain common underlying themes that illustrate good practice in both developed and developing countries to inform an international Framework for Action. A multiple case study design was used to examine collaborative practice in primary health care and commonalities across countries. Staff at each of WHO's six regional offices invited key informants in one or two primary health care organizations where collaborative practice was the model of care to complete case studies. Ten case studies were received from ten different countries, representing all six WHO regions. The results are described according to the study's three areas of focus: describing collaborative practice globally, the shared importance of collaborative practice, and systematizing collaborative practice. Collaborative practice requires a strong political framework that encourages interprofessional education and teamworking. Shared governance models and enabling legislation are required. At a practical level, interprofessional health care teams function most efficiently with shared clinical pathways and a common patient record.

Leaders in hospital-based social work: the roles and functions of directors of social work in the case management model

PURPOSE

The purpose of this research is to provide an overview of the management skills and competencies required by a director of social work as they perform their multiple roles and functions in order to effectively manage a medical social work team to better serve the needs of patients through the new hospital-based case management model.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

This is a conceptual paper that reviews the literature on managerial roles, management functions, and skills and competencies of directors of social work. Management frameworks that are applicable under the case management model are discussed. Interviews with five directors of social work and their perceptions are described.

FINDINGS

Managing a department that is going through continuous changes is often difficult.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

This paper has practical implications for general health care managers and specifically, directors of social work, to develop skills and gain competencies to be successful in today's evolving health care environment This research also has practical implications for social workers to gain insight into productive and effective ways to collaborate with members of an interdisciplinary team.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

This paper is original and of value to those working in social work and in the health care field to develop their skills and competencies as they perform new roles and functions in the complex health care environment.

Cancer prevention and control: a role for medical assistants?

This study aimed to assess medical assistants' willingness to engage in patient education and counseling about cancer prevention and control. A questionnaire was mailed to 402 medical assistants living in Maryland in June 2006 to assess attitudes and practices about counseling and educating patients on cancer prevention and control topics. Findings reveal that medical assistants are engaging patients in discussions about cancer prevention, with diet/nutrition and exercise being most often discussed. Medical assistants are willing to counsel and educate patients on cancer prevention and control topics.

Measuring non-technical skills in medical emergency care: a review of assessment measures

AIM

To review the literature on non-technical skills and assessment methods relevant to emergency care.

BACKGROUND

Non-technical skills (NTS) include leadership, teamwork, decision making and situation awareness, all of which have an impact on healthcare outcomes. Significant concerns have been raised about the rates of adverse medical events, many of which are attributed to NTS failures.

METHODS

Ovid, Medline, ProQUEST, PsycINFO and specialty websites were searched for NTS measures using applicable access strategies, inclusion and exclusion criteria. Publications identified were assessed for relevance.

RESULTS

A range of non-technical skill measures relevant to emergency care was identified: leadership (n = 5), teamwork (n = 7), personality/behavior (n = 3) and situation awareness tools (n = 1). Of these, 9 have been used with emergency care populations/clinicians. All had varying degrees of reliability and validity. In the last decade there has been some development of teamwork measures specific to emergency care with a predominantly global and collective rating of broad skills.

CONCLUSION

A variety of non-technical skill measures are available; only a few have been used in the emergency care arena. There is a need for an increase in the focused assessment of teamwork skills for a greater understanding of team performance to enhance patient safety in medical emergency care.

From staff-mix to skill-mix and beyond: towards a systemic approach to health workforce management

Throughout the world, countries are experiencing shortages of health care workers. Policy-makers and system managers have developed a range of methods and initiatives to optimise the available workforce and achieve the right number and mix of personnel needed to provide high-quality care. Our literature review found that such initiatives often focus more on staff types than on staff members' skills and the effective use of those skills. Our review describes evidence about the benefits and pitfalls of current approaches to human resources optimisation in health care. We conclude that in order to use human resources most effectively, health care organisations must consider a more systemic approach--one that accounts for factors beyond narrowly defined human resources management practices and includes organisational and institutional conditions.

[Descriptive study of the type of patient cared for in a link-nursing program]

OBJECTIVE

Determine the type of patients in a program of link nursing of the urban area.

METHODS

Descriptive observational study conducted at the Hospital Clinic de Barcelona (HCB). The study population were patients hospitalized in the Institute of Orthopedics, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Vascular Surgery and Post Coronary Care. The data was obtained through the registration of patients enrolled in the program between November 2006 and April 2008. We analyzed sociodemographic variables (gender, age, reason for admission, the institution where hospitalized, hospital stay, primary care (PAC) reference destination of the patient on discharge from hospital) and physical variables (Barthel dependency score and recommendations of the link nurse to reference PAC).

RESULTS

Information was analysed from 2025 (99.26%) out of 2040 eligible patients. Fifteen were excluded because they did not have complete information for data analysis. The average age for men was 73.55 years and 66.53 years for women (P<0.01). There was sever dependence in 92 (9.10%) males and 61 (6.02%) women (P<0.01). The average number of hospital stays for men was 9.7 and 9.65 for women (P<0.01). Continuity of care at home was not required in 571 (56.48%) males and 605 (59.66%).

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of the population was elderly with an index of slight dependence, demonstrating that this population need continuous monitoring of their progress after discharge, although the Barthel index was not severe or total.

Timely discharge of older patients from hospital: improving the process

Elderly patients represent a large number of admissions to hospital, accounting for a disproportionate number of hospital bed days. Discharge planning can improve the safety and appropriateness of discharge from hospital, and can have a positive impact on length of stay and efficiency. Despite this, discharge planning is often neglected. This review, both evidence and experience based, is provided to aid with the safe discharge of elderly patients back into the community.

Building empowering partnerships for interprofessional care

While partnership approaches have the potential to achieve cost-effective quality health care, several attributes of the current context make partnerships difficult to achieve. This paper provides an analysis of the socio-cultural, structural and human challenges to building partnerships at both personal and organizational levels, together with an empowering interdisciplinary approach for overcoming these barriers. Premised on empirical evidence, 'flexible client-driven care', currently being tested in the home care sector in Canada, encompasses structures and processes that promote relationship-building and conscientious critical application of individual and collective potential for achieving health care. Strategies for implementing empowering partnership-building at both personal and organizational levels are elaborated, together with the challenges encountered. The practical issues addressed afford insights and ideas for others who may be attempting to achieve similar partnership aims.

Interdisciplinary collaboration between primary care, social insurance and social services in the rehabilitation of people with musculoskeletal disorder: Effects on self-rated health and physical performance

Previous research shows there can be good results from co-financing between welfare sectors on the perceived quality of interprofessional collaboration. However, little is known about the impact on patient outcome of such schemes. This study aimed to assess whether co-financed teams with personnel from primary care, social insurance and social services have any effect on patients' health status. A comparative study of patients attending health care centres with and without a co-financed collaboration model was carried out. Although research has shown positive results from co-financed collaboration on staff and organization, we could not find that this new interdisciplinary team structure gave a better patient health outcome than conventional care.

Integrated care for severely disabled long-term care facility residents: is it better?

The demands of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) residents are complex which usually require a range of professionals and caregivers to provide treatment and care. To reduce this fragmentation of care, integrated care models are developed in modern health care system, and a gradual change from traditional LTCF care to integrated care has occurred in many countries. Although integrated care is assumed to improve the quality of care, evidences supporting these effects are insufficient. We recruited 7 private LTCF (74 residents) in northern Taipei and randomized them into integrated care model (N=42, mean age=82.8+/-8.0 years, 54.8% males) and traditional model (N=32, 81.7+/-8.8 years, 43.8% males). Integrated care model group was provided an actively working interdisciplinary team in addition to traditional nursing and personal care in traditional model group. Physical function, nutritional status and several quality indicators (unplanned feeding tube replacement, unplanned urinary catheter replacement, pneumonia, urinary tract infection and so on) were compared with both groups. Overall, LTCF residents in the integrated care model group showed significant improvement in serum levels of albumin (3.78+/-0.32 vs. 3.60+/-0.45, p=0.004) and hemoglobin (12.62+/-1.58 vs. 12.03+/-1.24, p=0.004) during the study period. Among selected quality indicators, subjects in integrated care model group were similar to traditional model group except that integrated care model group had a significantly reduced unplanned feeding tube replacement rate. In conclusion, the clinical effectiveness of integrated care model among severly disabled LTCF residents is minimal and a further cost-effectiveness study is needed to promote optimal quality of care in this setting.

Daily practice teams in nursing homes: evidence from New York state

PURPOSE

Most health care organizations, including nursing homes, report having teams. However, little is known about everyday practice teams among staff providing direct resident care. We assess the prevalence of such teams in nursing homes as reported by direct care staff and administrators, and examine characteristics of facilities that foster these teams.

DESIGN AND METHODS

The analytical model is based on 149 nursing homes. Data sources include surveys of administrators (n = 292) and direct care staff (n = 6,867), and Online Survey Certification and Reporting System. Linear regression with robust standard errors and sampling probability weights is used to examine the relationship between daily practice teams and facility characteristics.

RESULTS

On average, 16% of workers per facility report practicing in formal multidisciplinary teams providing daily resident care. Team prevalence is 3.3% higher when managers view teams as very important for clinical care quality, 2.6% higher when the directors of nursing report formally organized teams, 2.5% higher for each 10% increase in workers' involvement in teams other than the daily practice teams, and 1.95% higher for each 1-hr increase in nursing hours.

IMPLICATIONS

Our study shows that multidisciplinary daily practice teams can be found in most facilities in our large sample, but their penetration within nursing homes is far from pervasive; in 72% of facilities, staff report team prevalence of less than 25%. Given that the majority of managers report teamwork as very important to their facilities' operations, we discuss why only a relatively small proportion of daily care is provided in this fashion.

Integrating social workers into primary care: physician and nurse perceptions of roles, benefits, and challenges

The primary aim of this article is to identify, from the perspective of primary care physicians and nurses, the challenges encountered in provision of health care to older adults and to identify potential roles, challenges, and benefits of integrating social workers into primary care teams. As more older adults live longer with multiple chronic conditions, primary care has been confronted with complex psychosocial problems that interact with medical problems pointing to a potential role for a social worker. From a policy perspective, the lack of strong evidence documenting the benefits that will accrue to patients and providers is a key barrier preventing the wider use of social workers in primary care. This article presents findings from three focus groups with primary care physicians and nurses to examine the perspectives of these key providers about the benefits and challenges of integrating social workers into the primary care team.

Review of nurse home visiting interventions for community-dwelling older persons with existing disability

Despite there being a considerable number of meta-analyses and reviews synthesizing the nurse in-home visiting literature, there have been no reviews examining nurse in-home visiting for patients who are already disabled. This article presents a literature review and synthesis of 10 trials targeted on older adults with disability. The review is organized into structure and process components related to the outcome variable disability based on the classic Donabedian model. The review suggests that the components of in-home visiting associated with favorable disability outcomes include multiple home visits, geriatric training and experience, health provider collaboration, multidimensional assessment, and theory use. In contrast, lack of process measures, physician collaboration, training, and specific intervention components targeting disability are associated with ineffective interventions. This review helps provide insight into variables that influence disability outcomes as well as the development of best-practice models of in-home visiting to older adults with existing disability.

Collaborative and interdisciplinary health care teams: ready or not?

Collaborative team-based practice within an interdisciplinary health service environment is an important consideration for the nursing profession. Policy directions suggest that collaborative professional skills can address complex client needs within a framework of primary health care and social accountability for health service quality, cost, and access. The pursuit of collaborative and interdisciplinary care is generally agreed to be a worthy goal. However, implementation methodologies and outcomes related to collaborative and interdisciplinary care remain elusive within a rapidly changing health care environment. This article provides a critical analysis of the multiple historical, political, economic, and social professionalization challenges associated with the achievement of collaborative team-based practice. The author argues that it is not feasible to implement broad-based team structures at the present time. Considerable effort would be required to prepare disciplines to function as a team and to address fragmented services, equitable service funding, and procurement of resources to sustain team efforts. Strategic and influential use of power and knowledge may support the efforts of nurse leaders in practice, education, research, and administration to effect change for the development of collaborative and interdisciplinary practice.

Successful GP intervention with frequent attenders in primary care: randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Frequent attenders to GP clinics can place an unnecessary burden on primary care. Interventions to reduce frequent attendance have had mixed results.

AIM

To assess the effectiveness of a GP intervention to reduce frequent-attender consultations.

DESIGN OF STUDY

Randomised controlled trial with frequent attenders divided into an intervention group and two control groups (one control group was seen by GPs also providing care to patients undergoing the intervention).

SETTING

A health centre in southern Spain.

METHOD

Six GPs and 209 randomly-selected frequent attenders participated. Three GPs were randomly allocated to perform the new intervention: of the 137 frequent attenders registered with these three GPs, 66 were randomly allocated to receive the intervention (IG) and 71 to a usual care control group (CG2). The other three GPs offered usual care to the other 72 frequent attenders (CG1). The main outcome measure was the total number of consultations 1 year post-intervention. Baseline measurements were recorded of sociodemographic characteristics, provider-user interface, chronic illnesses, and psychosocial variables. GPs allocated to the new intervention received 15 hours' training which incorporated biopsychosocial, organisational, and relational approaches. After 1 year of follow-up frequent attenders were contacted. An intention-to-treat analysis was used.

RESULTS

A multilevel model was built with three factors: time, patient, and doctor. After adjusting for covariates, the mean number of visits at 1 year in IG was 13.10 (95% confidence interval [CI]=11.39 to 14.94); in the CG1 group was 19.37 (95% CI=17.31 to 21.55); and in the CG2 group this was 16.72 (95% CI=4.84 to 18.72).

CONCLUSION

The new intervention with GPs resulted in a significant and relevant reduction in frequent-attender consultations. Although further trials are needed, this intervention is recommended to GPs interested in reducing consultations by their frequent attenders.

Complex interventions to improve physical function and maintain independent living in elderly people: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In old age, reduction in physical function leads to loss of independence, the need for hospital and long-term nursing-home care, and premature death. We did a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of community-based complex interventions in preservation of physical function and independence in elderly people.

METHODS

We searched systematically for randomised controlled trials assessing community-based multifactorial interventions in elderly people (mean age at least 65 years) living at home with at least 6 months of follow-up. Outcomes studied were living at home, death, nursing-home and hospital admissions, falls, and physical function. We did a meta-analysis of the extracted data.

FINDINGS

We identified 89 trials including 97 984 people. Interventions reduced the risk of not living at home (relative risk [RR] 0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.97). Interventions reduced nursing-home admissions (0.87, 0.83-0.90), but not death (1.00, 0.97-1.02). Risk of hospital admissions (0.94, 0.91-0.97) and falls (0.90, 0.86-0.95) were reduced, and physical function (standardised mean difference -0.08, -0.11 to -0.06) was better in the intervention groups than in other groups. Benefit for any specific type or intensity of intervention was not noted. In populations with increased death rates, interventions were associated with reduced nursing-home admission. Benefit in trials was particularly evident in studies started before 1993.

INTERPRETATION

Complex interventions can help elderly people to live safely and independently, and could be tailored to meet individuals' needs and preferences.

Advancing the evidence base for social work in long-term care: the disconnect between practice and research

This article reviews the research literature relative to social work practice in geriatric long-term care (LTC) settings with the aim of determining the state of the evidence base for practice. Overall, this body of research supports the efficacy of social work services within the context of community-based case management and interdisciplinary models of geriatric intervention; however, there is less evidence of a discipline-specific contribution, particularly in institutional health care settings (e.g., nursing homes and hospitals) where a great number of gerontological social workers are employed. Implications of this review include the need to prioritize research within gerontological social work in order to enhance best practice knowledge and skills in settings where it is most needed.

Caring for body and soul: the importance of recognizing and managing psychological distress in persons with multimorbidity

Primary care providers routinely encounter patients with interacting physical and psychological conditions that present as undifferentiated symptoms and feelings. Caring for the whole patient requires a good understanding of the interconnection between physical, psychological and social dimensions that may affect patients' well-being. In this article, we review the relationship between psychological distress and multimorbidity through the presentation of clinical vignettes from the real world of primary care, and discuss a team-based approach to managing care for this complex patient population.