Quality circles to improve prescribing of primary care physicians. Three comparative studies

Can peer effects explain prescribing appropriateness? a social network analysis

BACKGROUND

Optimizing prescribing practices is important due to the substantial clinical and financial costs of polypharmacy and an increasingly aging population. Prior research shows the importance of social relationships in driving prescribing behaviour. Using social network analysis, we examine the relationship between a physician practices' connectedness to peers and their prescribing performance in two German regions.

METHODS

We first mapped physician practice networks using links established between two practices that share 8 or more patients; we calculated network-level (density, average path length) and node-level measures (degree, betweenness, eigenvector). We defined prescribing performance as the total number of inappropriate medications prescribed or appropriate medications not prescribed (PIMs) to senior patients (over the age of 65) during the calendar year 2016. We used FORTA (Fit fOR The Aged) algorithm to classify medication appropriateness. Negative binomial regression models estimate the association between node-level measures and prescribing performance of physician practices controlling for patient comorbidity, provider specialization, percentage of seniors in practice, and region. We conducted two sensitivity analyses to test the robustness of our findings - i) limiting the network mapping to patients younger than 65; ii) limiting the network ties to practices that share more than 25 patients.

RESULTS

We mapped two patient-sharing networks including 436 and 270 physician practices involving 28,508 and 20,935 patients and consisting of 217,126 and 154,274 claims in the two regions respectively. Regression analyses showed a practice's network connectedness as represented by degree, betweenness, and eigenvector centrality, is significantly negatively associated with prescribing performance (degree-bottom vs. top quartile aRR = 0.04, 95%CI: 0.035,0.045; betweenness-bottom vs. top quartile aRR = 0.063 95%CI: 0.052,0.077; eigenvector-bottom vs. top quartile aRR = 0.039, 95%CI: 0.034,0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidence that physician practice prescribing performance is associated with their peer connections and position within their network. We conclude that practices occupying strategic positions at the edge of networks with advantageous access to novel information are associated with better prescribing outcomes, whereas highly connected practices embedded in insulated information environments are associated with poor prescribing performance.

Optimizing Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in German Primary Care: Results of the Regional Intervention Study CHANGE-3 and the Nested cRCT

Within primary care, acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) are the most common reason for prescribing antibiotics. The aim of the CHANGE-3 study was to investigate how antibiotic prescribing for non-complicated ARTIs can be reduced to a reasonable level. The trial was conducted as a prospective study consisting of a regional public awareness intervention in two regions of Germany and a nested cluster randomised controlled trial (cRCT) of a complex implementation strategy. The study involved 114 primary care practices and comprised an intervention period of six winter months for the nested cRCT and two times six winter months for the regional intervention. The primary outcome was the percentage of antibiotic prescribing for ARTIs between baseline and the two following winter seasons. The regression analysis confirmed a general trend toward the restrained use of antibiotics in German primary care. This trend was found in both groups of the cRCT without significant differences between groups. At the same time, antibiotic prescribing was higher in routine care (with the public campaign only) than in both groups of the cRCT. With regard to secondary outcomes, in the nested cRCT, the prescribing of quinolones was reduced, and the proportion of guideline-recommended antibiotics increased.

Implementation fidelity in a multifaceted program to foster rational antibiotics use in primary care: an observational study

BACKGROUND

The ARena study (Sustainable Reduction of Antimicrobial Resistance in German Ambulatory Care) is a three-arm, cluster randomized trial to evaluate a multifaceted implementation program in a German primary care setting. In the context of a prospective process evaluation conducted alongside ARena, this study aimed to document and explore fidelity of the implementation program.

METHODS

This observational study is based on data generated in a three-wave survey of 312 participating physicians in the ARena program and attendance documentation. Measures concerned persistence of participation in the ARena program and adherence to intervention components (thematic quality circles, e-learning, basic expenditure reimbursements, additional bonus payments and a computerized decision support system). Participants' views on five domains of the implementation were also measured. Binary logistic and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore which views on the implementation were associated with participants' adherence to quality circles and use of additional bonus compensation.

RESULTS

The analysis of fidelity showed overall high persistence of participation in the intervention components across the three intervention arms (90,1%; 97,9%; 92,9%). 96.4% of planned quality circles were delivered to study participants and, across waves, 30.4% to 93% of practices participated; 56.1% of physicians attended the maximum of four quality circles. 84% of the practices (n = 158) with a minimum of one index patient received a performance-based additional bonus payment at least once. In total, bonus compensation was triggered for 51.8% of affected patients. Participation rate for e-learning (a prerequisite for reimbursement of project-related expenditure) covered 90.8% of practices across all intervention arms, with the highest rate in arm II (96.5%). Uptake of expenditure reimbursement was heterogeneous across study arms, with a mean rate of 86.5% (89.1% in arm I, 96.4% in arm II and 74.1% in arm III). Participants' views regarding participant responsiveness (OR = 2.298) 95% CI [1.598, 3.305] and Context (OR = 2.146) 95% CI [1.135, 4.055] affected additional bonus payment. Participants' views on participant responsiveness (Beta = 0.718) 95% CI [0.479, 0.957], Context (Beta = 0.323) 95% CI [0.055, 0.590] and Culture of shared decision-making (Beta = -0.334) 95% CI [-0.614, -0.053] affected quality circle attendance.

CONCLUSION

This study showed an overall high fidelity to the implementation program. Participants' views on the implementation were associated with degree of intervention fidelity.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN, ISRCTN58150046.

Behavioral Economics Interventions to Improve Medical Decision-Making

BACKGROUND

In medicine, a wide gap exists between the medical care that ought to be possible in the light of the current state of medical research and the care that is actually provided. Behavioral biases and noise are two major reasons for this.

METHODS

We present the findings of a selective literature review and illustrate how interventions based on behavioral economics can help physicians make better decisions and thereby improve treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

A number of behavioral economics interventions, making use of, for example, default settings, active decision rules, social norms, and self-commitments, may improve physicians' clinical decision-making. Evidence on long-term effects is, however, mostly lacking.

CONCLUSION

Despite their apparent potential, the application of behavioral economic interventions to improve medical decisionmaking is still in its infancy, particularly in Germany.

The application of quality control circle to improve functional exercise execution rate of orthopaedic surgery patients: A SQUIRE-compliant quality-improving study

Since its application in medical institutions in China, quality control circle (QCC) has gained achievements in medical care and thus earned more attention from the administrative department of health. This paper focuses on the application of QCC (bone-strength test circle) as a new management concept and tool circle in improving the implementation rate of functional exercise in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, which further effectively improve the accuracy and compliance of functional exercise in patients undergoing surgery, and further effectively promote the rehabilitation of patients.From July 2018 to November 2018, the management tools and statistical methods of QCC were used to compare the promotion effect of functional exercise execution rate of orthopedic surgery patients before and after QCC activities.The checklist investigated 6 key causes of functional exercise in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery, the operative rate of orthopaedic surgery in all aspects changed significantly. Among them, the factors of inadequate propaganda and education were compared before and after the improvement, which decreased by 71% after the improvement. The incorrect factors of exercise decreased by 69% after improvement, the effect was more obvious, the difference was statistically significant (P < .05). The improvement rate was 59.4%.Through this activity, functional exercise education process and functional exercise paths, and corresponding standards for various orthopedic diseases were established. At the same time, the measures such as health education for patients were strengthened, and the expected goals were effectively achieved.

Assessing Reduction of Antibiotic Prescribing for Acute, Non-Complicated Infections in Primary Care in Germany: Multi-Step Outcome Evaluation in the Cluster-Randomized Trial ARena

The three-armed cluster-randomized trial ARena (sustainable reduction of antibiotic-induced antimicrobial resistance) aimed to foster appropriate antibiotic use and reduce overprescribing in German ambulatory care to counter antibiotic resistance. Multi-faceted interventions targeted primary care physicians, teams and patients. This study examined the effectiveness of the implementation program. ARena was conducted in 14 primary care networks with 196 practices. All arms received data-based feedback on antibiotics prescribing and quality circles. Arms II and III received different add-on components each. Primary outcome examined is the prescribing rate for systemic antibiotics for cases with non-complicated acute infections (upper respiratory tract, bronchitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, otitis media). Secondary outcomes refer to the prescribing of quinolones and guideline-recommended antibiotics. Based on pseudonymized quarterly claims data, mixed logistic regression models examined pre-post intervention antibiotic prescribing rate changes and compared to matched standard care. A significant rate reduction (arm I 11.7%; arm II 9.9%; arm III 12.7%) and significantly lower prescribing rates were observed for all arms (20.1%, 18.9% and 23.6%) compared to matched standard care (29.4%). Fluoroquinolone prescribing was reduced in all intervention arms and rates for recommended substances generally increased. No significant post-interventional difference between intervention arms was detected. Findings indicate implementation program impact compared to standard care.

Influence of physician networks on prescribing a new ingredient combination in heart failure: a longitudinal claim data-based study

Background

Since 2016, the combination of sacubitril/valsartan, which combines an angiotensin receptor and neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), has been recommended in the guidelines for the treatment of heart failure. The adoption of new drugs may be influenced by collaboration and exchange between physicians. We aimed to determine whether characteristics of the professional networks of prescribing physicians were associated with the prescribing of ARNI in Germany.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal analysis based on claims data in 2016–2018 in Germany. The characteristics of ambulatory care physicians’ networks were determined in the analysis of the patient-sharing networks of physicians in 2017. Binary logistic regression analysis with the outcome ‘prescribes ARNI in 2018’ (present or absent) was carried out, using network characteristics as predictors, adjusted for specialty and sociodemographic characteristics of physicians.

Results

The network analysis included 8370 physicians, who had 144,636 connections. Prescribers had more connections to other physicians compared to non-prescribers (median 31 vs. 23). Regression analysis showed that the numbers of linkages to prescribers of ARNI were positively associated with prescribing ARNI. For 6–10 connections, the average marginal effect (AME) was 0.04 (confidence interval [CI] 95% 0.01–0.06) and for > 10 links the AME 0.07 (CI 95% 0.05–0.10) compared to 0–5 connections to prescriber.

Conclusion

Physicians who shared patients with many other physicians were more likely to prescribe ARNI, independent of physicians’ specialty. This suggested that collaboration and exchange on the basis of patient-sharing with other physicians influenced their medication prescribing decisions.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13012-021-01150-y.

The application of quality control circle to improve the quality of samples: A SQUIRE-compliant quality-improving study

Since its application in medical institutions in China, quality control circle (QCC) has gained achievements in medical care and thus earned more attention from the administrative department of health.In order to improve the quality of laboratory specimens, we launched a QCC activity to solve the problems and evaluate the effect of it. The data of 30,105 unqualified specimens in our hospital were collected from February to June 2017. After the QCC activity, the data of 43,125 specimens taken from July to December 2017 were collected.The defect rate of the specimens before the QCC activity was 0.98% (297/30105), and after the QCC activity, it was 0.45% (193/43125), showing a significant statistical difference (P < .05). The achievement rate and improvement rate were 108.2% and 54.1%, respectively.After the implementation of QCC, the defect rate of specimens in clinical laboratories was significantly decreased, and the intangible factors were also improved, which demonstrated the positive effects of QCC on the quality control of specimens.

Physician networks and potentially inappropriate opioid prescriptions

Background: Opioid overdose is a national health priority and curbing inappropriate prescribing is critical. In 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued appropriate prescribing guidelines.Objectives: Examine associations between care networks defined by shared patients and problematic opioid prescribing.Methods: Analysis was at the provider-year level. Social network analysis (SNA) applied to the Medicaid MarketScan^® Research Database for the years 2010-2015 identified care communities, each community's level of integration (centralization), and each provider's integration (centrality). Nested multivariable logistic regressions controlling for patient mix and provider specialty simultaneously examined the risk of any (incident) and repeated (prevalent) inappropriate prescribing.Outcomes: Four behaviors defined by the CDC guidelines were examined: (1) more than 90 days continuous supply of high-dose opioid analgesics for chronic pain, (2) overlapping opioid supplies, (3) overlapping opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions, and (4) prescribing an extended release opioid for an acute pain diagnosis.Results: Provider centrality was associated with reduced incidence of outcome (2) (OR: 0.95) and decreased prevalence of outcomes (1), (2), and (3). However, higher incidence (OR: 1.32) and prevalence (OR: 1.027) of outcome (4) were observed. Conversely, centralization associated with decreased incidence of (1) and (2) and lower prevalence of (1), (2), and (3).Conclusions: Greater provider integration is associated with a lower risk of a provider's patients repeatedly having potentially inappropriate prescription fills; however, the association with a provider having any potentially problematic prescription is more ambiguous.

Development and validation of an instrument designed to measure factors influencing physician prescribing decisions

Background:

Previous attempts to develop an instrument to measure factors that influence prescribing decisions among physicians were relatively insufficient and lacked validation scale.

Objective:

We present a new tool that attempts to address this shortcoming. Hence, this study aims to develop and validate a self-administrated instrument to explain factors that influence the prescribing decisions of physicians.

Methods:

The questionnaire was developed based on literature and then subjected to an exhaustive assessment by a board of professionals and a pilot examination before being administered to 705 physicians. Three pre-tests were carried out to evaluate the quality of the survey items. In pre-test 1, after items are generated and the validity of their content is assessed by academics and physicians. In pre-test 2, the scale is carried out with a small sample of 20 respondents of physicians. In pre-test 3, fifty drop-off questionnaires were piloted amongst physicians to test the reliability.

Results:

On the basis of partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analyses using SmartPLS 3, the content and convergent validity of the instrument were confirmed with 44 items grouped into four categories, namely, marketing efforts, patient characteristics, pharmacist variables, and contextual factors with 13 reflective constructs.

Conclusions:

The study outcomes prove that the scale is more valid and reliable for measuring factors that influence the decision of the physician to prescribe the drug. The development and presentation of a scale of thirteen factors related to physicians prescribing decisions help to ensure valid findings and facilitates comparisons of studies and research settings.

[Educational intervention to improve diagnostic accuracy regarding psychological morbidity in general practice]

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a complex educational intervention to improve the diagnostic competencies of general practitioners (GPs) regarding the detection of depression, anxiety and somatization.

METHODS

Cluster-randomized controlled pilot study with six practices each in the intervention group and in the control group. Psychological morbidity was determined by patient self-report using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-D). GPs rated the extent of psychological morbidity on a numerical rating scale from 0 (no co-morbidity) to 10 (maximum) of the individual patient after the consultation, independent of the reason for encounter.

RESULTS

364 patients participated. There were moderate correlations between GP rating and the PHQ scales (Spearman correlation between 0.27 and 0.42). There was no significant difference between intervention and control group. Diagnostic accuracy of the GPs, as determined with areas under the curves (AUCs), ranged between 0.52 (95%KI 0.30-0.73) and 0.84 (95%KI 0.67-1.00). The AUCs showed significant heterogeneity (Cochran Q=25.0; p<0.01). The regression analysis with 'presence of psychological disorder' (in PHQ) as the dependent variable showed that longer duration of doctor-patient-relationship was negatively associated with psychological morbidity (OR 0.96; 95%KI 0.92-0.99; p=0.01). There was a significant interaction between the factors 'time of doctor-patient relationship' and 'GP rating' (ß=0.02; OR 1.02, 95%KI 1.01-1.03; p<0.001), pointing towards increasing diagnostic accuracy when patients are known for a longer time.

DISCUSSION

We found no significant effect regarding the educational intervention. The GPs' estimation regarding psychological morbidity correlated significantly with the self-rating of the patients on PHQ scales. However, there was a considerable inter-individual variation between the GPs' diagnostic accuracy. The diagnostic estimation improved with increasing duration of doctor-physician relationship.

CONCLUSION

A one-time educational intervention seems not to be sufficient to improve diagnostic competencies in the detection of psychological morbidity. The considerable variation of the diagnostic accuracy might explain why 'one-size-fits-all' educational interventions will not help improve diagnostic competencies.

Offering patients a choice for colorectal cancer screening: a quality improvement pilot study in a quality circle of primary care physicians

Background

Guidelines recommend primary care physicians (PCPs) offer patients a choice between colonoscopy and faecal immunochemical test (FIT) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Patients choose almost evenly between both tests but in Switzerland, most are tested with colonoscopy while screening rates are low. A quality circle (QC) of PCPs is an ideal site to train physicians in shared decision-making (SDM) that will help more patients decide if they want to be tested and choose the test they prefer.

Objective

Systematically assess CRC screening status of eligible 50–75 y.o. patients and through SDM increase the proportion of patients who have the opportunity to choose CRC screening and the test (FIT or colonoscopy).

Methods

Working through four Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles in their QC, PCPs adapted tools for SDM and surmounted organisational barriers by involving practice assistants. Each PCP included 20, then 40 consecutive 50–75 y.o. patients, repeatedly reported CRC status as well as the proportion of eligible patients with whom CRC screening could be discussed and patients’ decisions.

Results

9 PCPs initially included 176, then 320 patients. CRC screening status was routinely noted in the electronic medical record and CRC screening was implemented in daily routine, increasing eligible patients’ chance to be offered screening. Over a year, screening rates trended upwards, from 37% to 40% (p=0.46) and FIT use increased (2%–7%, p=0.008). Initially, 7/9 PCPs had no patient ever tested with FIT; after the intervention, only 2/8 recorded no FIT tests.

Conclusions

Through data-driven PDSA cycles and significant organisational changes, PCPs of a QC systematically collected data on CRC screening status and implemented SDM tools in their daily routine. This increased patients’ chance to discuss CRC screening. The more balanced use of FIT and colonoscopy suggests that patients’ values and preferences were better respected.

Converting habits of antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections in German primary care - study protocol of the cluster-randomized controlled CHANGE-3 trial

BACKGROUND

The overuse of antibiotics is a major cause for the worldwide rise of antibiotic resistance. Although it is well known that acute respiratory tract infections (ARTI) are mainly caused by viruses and are often self limiting, antibiotics are too frequently prescribed in primary care. CHANGE-3 examines whether a complex intervention focusing on improving communication and provision of prescribing feedback reduces antibiotic use in patients suffering from ARTI.

METHODS/DESIGN

The CHANGE-3 trial is a cluster-randomized controlled trial nested within a web-based public campaign conducted in two regions in Germany. A total of 114 medical practices will be included. Practices randomized to the intervention will receive a practice-specific antibiotic-prescription feedback and an educational outreach visit. During the visit the whole practice team will receive an introduction to e-learning modules addressing patient-centered communication on antibiotics. Furthermore, the practices will receive tablet PCs with information on antibiotics and the treatment of ARTI to be presented to patients. Practices randomized to the control will provide care as usual. The primary outcome measure is the antibiotic prescribing rate for patients with a history of ARTI. Data collected before the intervention, during the intervention and after the intervention will be compared. The use of narrow- vs. broad-spectrum antibiotics will be analyzed as a secondary outcome. A process evaluation is also part of the trial.

DISCUSSION

This study should contribute to the growing body of research on reducing antibiotic prescription.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN, ISRCTN15061174 . Registered retrospectively on 13 July 2018.

Quality circles for quality improvement in primary health care: Their origins, spread, effectiveness and lacunae- A scoping review

Quality circles or peer review groups, and similar structured small groups of 6–12 health care professionals meet regularly across Europe to reflect on and improve their standard practice. There is debate over their effectiveness in primary health care, especially over their potential to change practitioners’ behaviour. Despite their popularity, we could not identify broad surveys of the literature on quality circles in a primary care context. Our scoping review was intended to identify possible definitions of quality circles, their origins, and reported effectiveness in primary health care, and to identify gaps in our knowledge. We searched appropriate databases and included any relevant paper on quality circles published until December 2017. We then compared information we found in the articles to that we found in books and on websites. Our search returned 7824 citations, from which we identified 82 background papers and 58 papers about quality circles. We found that they originated in manufacturing industry and that many countries adopted them for primary health care to continuously improve medical education, professional development, and quality of care. Quality circles are not standardized and their techniques are complex. We identified 19 papers that described individual studies, one paper that summarized 3 studies, and 1 systematic review that suggested that quality circles can effectively change behaviour, though effect sizes varied, depending on topic and context. Studies also suggested participation may affirm self-esteem and increase professional confidence. Because reports of the effect of quality circles on behaviour are variable, we recommend theory-driven research approaches to analyse and improve the effectiveness of this complex intervention.

[Measuring, assessing, acting: A practice test of quality indicators for coronary heart disease]

BACKGROUND

There are only limited possibilities for doctors in outpatient services to establish quality management that is based on data-driven feedback regarding the quality of health care. However, transparency about one's own activities is a prerequisite for refining this quality. The aim of this project was to make the quality of care for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) more transparent, use this as a basis to initiate improvement processes, and explore the framework conditions and factors promoting or inhibiting the intended improvement of health care quality.

METHOD

48 general practitioners (GPs) in 32 GP practices from a Bavarian doctors' network (Qualität und Effizienz, QuE) participated in the project. On the basis of claims data from the AOK-Bayern (a statutory health insurance in Bavaria), data from disease management programs (DMP) and medically documented data, 11 quality indicators for patients with CHD were calculated. The indicator scores were individually presented in feedback reports for each doctor's practice. These were the basis for two quality circles. The indicators were measured again after 12 months, and changes against the baseline measurement were registered. GPs from Bavaria formed the control group. Focus groups with the quality circle moderators and two participant surveys were used to identify promoting and inhibiting factors.

RESULTS

The baseline values showed a good level of care. Potential for improvement became apparent for pharmacotherapy with beta blockers and statins. After conducting the quality circles four of the eleven indicators showed an increase as intended ("beta blockers for CHD and cardiac insufficiency", "beta blockers after myocardial infarction", "statins", "successful blood pressure control"). For three of these indicators the increase rates were higher than those in the Bavarian control group. One indicator ("statins") was striking because of the wide variation of practice values suggesting differences in care within the network. The majority of participating doctors regarded the database as valid. Quality circles were highly appreciated as an opportunity for professional exchange among colleagues. The data-based feedback reports helped to make deficits in health care transparent and to identify actions that need to be taken. Barriers to implementing quality improvement measures in clinical practice became apparent.

DISCUSSION

Reflecting quality indicators in quality circles can effectively trigger quality improvement processes. Barriers would appear to exist, in particular, to the implementation of measures into daily practice routine. Additional organizational support offered by higher-level quality management structures, IT solutions for patient-related data processing as well as a system of financial compensation, which rewards professional concern for quality, may help to overcome the existing barriers.

German healthcare professionals' perspective on implementing recommendations about polypharmacy in general practice: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Key recommendations for the management of patients with polypharmacy are structured medication counselling (SMC), medication lists and systematic medication reviews.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to identify determinants (hindering and facilitating factors) for the implementation of the recommendations in general practice.

METHODS

This study was linked to a tailored intervention aimed at improving the implementation of the recommendations in German general practice. Interviews and focus groups with different healthcare professionals were carried out in the design phase and after delivery of the intervention. The material from both data collections was analysed separately in a content analytical approach resulting in two sets of categories. For this study, the subcategories of both sets were assigned to the Tailoring Interventions for Chronic Diseases (TICD) checklist, a comprehensive framework of determinants of practice.

RESULTS

Interviews with 24 general practitioners (GPs), 4 other medical specialists, 1 pharmacist, 3 nurses and 6 medical assistants as well as 2 mixed focus groups with 17 professionals were conducted. We identified 93 determinants: 29 referred to medication counselling, 21 to the use of medication lists, 20 to medications reviews and 23 to all recommendations. The determinants were related to all 7 main domains and to 25 of the 57 subdomains on the TICD checklist including guideline factors, patient factors, individual healthcare professional factors, social, political and legal factors, incentives and resources, and capacity for organizational change.

CONCLUSION

While many interventions to improve polypharmacy focus on the provision of pharmacological knowledge, a much wider range of domains need to be addressed, such as communication skills, patient involvement and practice organization.

Quality indicators assessing antibiotic use in the outpatient setting: a systematic review followed by an international multidisciplinary consensus procedure

Objectives

Quality indicators (QIs) assessing the appropriateness of antibiotic use are essential to identify targets for improvement and guide antibiotic stewardship interventions. The aim of this study was to develop a set of QIs for the outpatient setting from a global perspective.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed by searching MEDLINE and relevant web sites in order to retrieve a list of QIs. These indicators were extracted from published trials, guidelines, literature reviews or consensus procedures. This evidence-based set of QIs was evaluated by a multidisciplinary, international group of stakeholders using a RAND-modified Delphi procedure, using two online questionnaires and a face-to-face meeting between them. Stakeholders appraised the QIs' relevance using a nine-point Likert scale. This work is part of the DRIVE-AB project.

Results

The systematic literature review identified 43 unique QIs, from 54 studies and seven web sites. Twenty-five stakeholders from 14 countries participated in the consensus procedure. Ultimately, 32 QIs were retained, with a high level of agreement. The set of QIs included structure, process and outcome indicators, targeting both high- and middle- to low-income settings. Most indicators focused on general practice, addressing the common indications for antibiotic use in the community (particularly urinary and respiratory tract infections), and the organization of healthcare facilities. Twelve indicators specifically addressed outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT).

Conclusions

We identified a set of 32 outpatient QIs to measure the appropriateness of antibiotic use. These QIs can be used to identify targets for improvement and to evaluate the effects of antibiotic stewardship interventions.

Impact of interventions to promote the use of generic drugs: a systematic review

The need to increase access to medicines, coupled with the limited acceptance of generics has sparked the search for effective interventions to promote it. This systematic review aimed to conduct a survey on interventions to promote the use of generic drugs and its impact. Randomized clinical trials, non-randomized controlled trials, controlled before-after studies and interrupted time series were included. The analysis of the impact of interventions and quality of evidence followed Cochrane's guidelines. Impact of interventions was rated from "very large" to "very small" and the quality of evidence was rated from "high" to "very low". Seventeen papers addressing prescribers, pharmacists and users were selected. There were educational, financial incentives and use of electronic prescription and managerial interventions. Interventions applied to prescribers had little to medium impact, with very low-to-low quality evidence. Interventions applied to pharmacists had small impact with very low quality evidence. Interventions applied to users had medium and large impact with very low-to-low quality evidence. Further studies with good quality addressing interventions are required.

[Integral incident management system in primary care: Beyond patient safety]

OBJECTIVE

To describe an integral system of notification and management of incidents, created by the Primary Care Team of Guineueta, as well as the main results after 18 months of implementation.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

Using a simple online form, health professionals notified any type of, already categorised, incident. Each of them were distributed to an improvement team that assessed and performed the necessary actions. In addition, the Quality Committee immediately assessed the ones that affected patient safety, as well as the most relevant or repetitive ones every 6 months.

RESULTS

During the first 18 months of operation of the system, the health professionals reported 1,267 incidents, most notably informatics, maintenance/technical assistance, and errors in scheduling, in internal circuits and protocols. Eight of them were considered to significantly affect patient safety.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the described system has been consolidated into our team, facilitating the detection of problems, the accomplishment of improvement actions and involving the professionals in the improvement of the quality.

Effect of audit and feedback with peer review on general practitioners' prescribing and test ordering performance: a cluster-randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Much research worldwide is focussed on cost containment and better adherence to guidelines in healthcare. The research focussing on professional behaviour is often performed in a well-controlled research setting. In this study a large-scale implementation of a peer review strategy was tested on both test ordering and prescribing behaviour in primary care in the normal quality improvement setting.

METHODS

We planned a cluster-RCT in existing local quality improvement collaboratives (LQICs) in primary care. The study ran from January 2008 to January 2011. LQICs were randomly assigned to one of two trial arms, with each arm receiving the same intervention of audit and feedback combined with peer review. Both arms were offered five different clinical topics and acted as blind controls for the other arm. The differences in test ordering rates and prescribing rates between both arms were analysed in an intention-to-treat pre-post analysis and a per-protocol analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one LQIC groups, including 197 GPs working in 88 practices, entered the trial. The intention-to-treat analysis did not show a difference in the changes in test ordering or prescribing performance between intervention and control groups. The per-protocol analysis showed positive results for half of the clinical topics. The increase in total tests ordered was 3% in the intervention arm and 15% in the control arm. For prescribing the increase in prescriptions was 20% in the intervention arm and 66% in the control group. It was observed that the groups with the highest baseline test ordering and prescription volumes showed the largest improvements.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that the results from earlier work could not be confirmed by our attempt to implement the strategy in the field. We did not see a decrease in the volumes of tests ordered or of the drugs prescribed but were able to show a lesser increase instead. Implementing the peer review with audit and feedback proved to be not feasible in primary care in the Netherlands.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered at the Dutch trial register under number ISRCTN40008171 on August 7^th 2007.

Improving medication management for patients with multimorbidity in primary care: a qualitative feasibility study of the MY COMRADE implementation intervention

Background

For the majority of patients with multimorbidity, the prescription of multiple long-term medications (polypharmacy) is indicated. However, polypharmacy poses a risk of adverse drug events, drug interactions and excessive treatment burdens. To help general practitioners (GPs) conduct more comprehensive medication reviews for patients with multimorbidity, we developed the theoretically-informed MultimorbiditY COllaborative Medication Review And DEcision Making (MY COMRADE) implementation intervention. In this study, we assessed the feasibility and acceptability of MY COMRADE by GPs.

Methods

A non-randomised feasibility study using a qualitative framework approach was conducted. General practices were recruited by purposively sampling from interested GPs attending continuing professional development meetings (CPD) in southwest Ireland. Participating practices were instructed on the MY COMRADE implementation intervention which has five components: (i) action planning; (ii) allocation of protected time; (iii) peer-supported medication review; (iv) use of a prescribing checklist and (v) self-incentives (allocation of CPD points). GPs in participating practices agreed to conduct medication reviews on multimorbid patients from their own caseload using the MY COMRADE approach. After completing these reviews, qualitative interviews were conducted to evaluate GPs’ experiences of the intervention and were analysed using the framework method.

Results

GPs from ten practices participated in the study. The GPs reported that MY COMRADE was an acceptable approach to implementing medication review in general practice, especially for complex patients with multimorbidity. Action plans for the medication reviews varied between practices, but all reviews led to recommendations for optimising medications and patient safety. Many GPs felt that using the MY COMRADE approach would ultimately lead to more efficient use of their time, but a minority felt that the time and cost implications of using two GPs to review medications would not be sustainable unless greater incentives were used.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that MY COMRADE is an acceptable and feasible approach to supporting comprehensive medication reviews for patients with multimorbidity. These findings indicate that a large scale trial of the effectiveness of MY COMRADE is now required to fully evaluate its potential to change prescribing behaviour and improve downstream outcomes such as prescribing appropriateness and treatment burden.

Trial registration

ISRCTN registry: ISRCTN34837446.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40814-017-0129-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A tailored programme to implement recommendations for multimorbid patients with polypharmacy in primary care practices-process evaluation of a cluster randomized trial

Background

We developed and evaluated a tailored programme to implement three evidence-based recommendations for multimorbid patients with polypharmacy into primary care practices: structured medication counselling including brown bag reviews, the use of medication lists and medication reviews. No effect on the primary outcome was found. This process evaluation aimed to identify factors associated with outcomes by exploring nine hypotheses specified in the logic model of the tailored programme.

Methods

The tailored programme was developed with respect to identified determinants of practice and consisted of a workshop for practice teams, elaboration of implementation action plans, aids for medication reviews, a multilingual info-tool for patients on a tablet PC, posters and brown paper bags as reminders for patients. The tailored programme was evaluated in a cluster randomized trial. The process evaluation was based on various data sources: interviews with general practitioners and medical assistants of the intervention group and a survey with general practitioners of the intervention and control group, written reports on the implementation action plans, documentation forms for structured medication counselling and the log file of the info-tool.

Results

We analyzed 12 interviews, 21 questionnaires, 120 documentation forms for medication counselling, 5 implementation action plans and one log file of the info-tool. The most frequently reported effect of the tailored programme was the increase of awareness for the health problem and the recommendations, while implementation of routine processes was only reported for structured medication counselling. The survey largely confirmed the usefulness of the applied strategies, yet the interviews provided a more detailed understanding of the actual use of the strategies and several suggestions for modifications of the tailored programme.

Conclusions

The tailored programme seemed to have induced awareness as a first step of behaviour change. Several modifications of the tailored programme may enhance its effectiveness such as conducting outreach visits instead of a workshop, improved targeting, provision of evidence, integration of tools into the practice software and information materials in tailored formats.

Trial registration

This study is linked to an outcome evaluation study with the registration ISRCTN34664024, assigned 14/08/2013.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13012-017-0559-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Impact of a tailored program on the implementation of evidence-based recommendations for multimorbid patients with polypharmacy in primary care practices-results of a cluster-randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Multimorbid patients receiving polypharmacy represent a growing population at high risk for negative health outcomes. Tailoring is an approach of systematic intervention development taking account of previously identified determinants of practice. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a tailored program to improve the implementation of three important processes of care for this patient group: (a) structured medication counseling including brown bag reviews, (b) the use of medication lists, and (c) structured medication reviews to reduce potentially inappropriate medication.

METHODS

We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial with a follow-up time of 9 months. Participants were general practitioners (GPs) organized in quality circles and participating in a GP-centered care contract of a German health insurance. Patients aged >50 years, suffering from at least 3 chronic diseases, receiving more than 4 drugs, and being at high risk for medication-related events according to the assessment of the treating GP were enrolled. The tailored program consisted of a workshop for GPs and health care assistants, educational materials and reminders for patients, and the elaboration of implementation action plans. The primary outcome was the change in the degree of implementation between baseline and follow-up, measured by a summary score of 10 indicators. The indicators were based on structured surveys with patients and GPs.

RESULTS

We analyzed the data of 21 GPs (10 - intervention group, 11 - control group) and 273 patients (130 - intervention group, 143 - control group). The increase in the degree of implementation was 4.2 percentage points (95% confidence interval: -0.3, 8.6) higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.1). Two of the 10 indicators were significantly improved in the intervention group: medication counseling (p = 0.017) and brown bag review (p = 0.012). Secondary outcomes showed an effect on patients' self-reported use of medication lists when buying drugs in the pharmacy (p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The tailored program may improve implementation of medication counseling and brown bag review whereas the use of medication lists and medication reviews did not improve. No effect of the tailored program on the combined primary outcome could be substantiated. Due to limitations of the study, results have to be interpreted carefully. The factors facilitating and hindering successful implementation will be examined in a comprehensive process evaluation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ISRCTN34664024 , assigned 14/08/2013.

Role of quality control circle in sustained improvement of hand hygiene compliance: an observational study in a stomatology hospital in Shandong, China

BACKGROUND

Hand hygiene is an important element of the WHO multimodal strategy for healthcare-associated infection control, whereas compliance of hand hygiene among healthcare workers (HCWs) remains a challenge to sustain. In order to increase the hand hygiene compliance of HCWs, a quality control circle (QCC) program was carried out in our hospital, and the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) method was applied for 12 months.

FINDINGS

Hand hygiene compliance rates improved over time, with significant improvement between preintervention (60.1%) and postintervention (97.2%) periods (P < 0.001). Nurses (88.3%) exhibited higher compliance than dentists (87.3%), and female (88.4%) HCWs were more likely to perform hand hygiene than males (85.6%), both P < 0.001. Overall hand hygiene compliance and observance of the five indications exhibited significant linear increases over time (P < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the success of a multifaceted intervention, conducted by QCC program and PDCA method, which led to a significant improvement of hand hygiene compliance. Though training is the most basic intervention element, surveillance, evaluation and feedback should be explored as additional interventions to ensure that hand hygiene compliance is achieved and sustained at high levels.

Role of quality control circle in sustained improvement of hand hygiene compliance: an observational study in a stomatology hospital in Shandong, China

Background

Hand hygiene is an important element of the WHO multimodal strategy for healthcare-associated infection control, whereas compliance of hand hygiene among healthcare workers (HCWs) remains a challenge to sustain. In order to increase the hand hygiene compliance of HCWs, a quality control circle (QCC) program was carried out in our hospital, and the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) method was applied for 12 months.

Findings

Hand hygiene compliance rates improved over time, with significant improvement between preintervention (60.1%) and postintervention (97.2%) periods (P < 0.001). Nurses (88.3%) exhibited higher compliance than dentists (87.3%), and female (88.4%) HCWs were more likely to perform hand hygiene than males (85.6%), both P < 0.001. Overall hand hygiene compliance and observance of the five indications exhibited significant linear increases over time (P < 0.005).

Conclusion

This study highlights the success of a multifaceted intervention, conducted by QCC program and PDCA method, which led to a significant improvement of hand hygiene compliance. Though training is the most basic intervention element, surveillance, evaluation and feedback should be explored as additional interventions to ensure that hand hygiene compliance is achieved and sustained at high levels.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13756-016-0160-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The Reasons behind the (Non)Use of Feedback Reports for Quality Improvement in Physical Therapy: A Mixed-Method Study

OBJECTIVES

To explain the use of feedback reports for quality improvements by the reasons to participate in quality measuring projects and to identify barriers and facilitators.

DESIGN

Mixed methods design.

METHODS

In 2009-2011 a national audit and feedback system for physical therapy (Qualiphy) was initiated in the Netherlands. After each data collection round, an evaluation survey was held amongst its participants. The evaluation survey data was used to explain the use of feedback reports by studying the reasons to participate with Qualiphy with correlation measures and logistic regression. Semi-structured interviews with PTs served to seek confirmation and disentangle barriers and facilitators.

RESULTS

Analysis of 257 surveys (response rate: 42.8%) showed that therapists with only financial reasons were less likely to use feedback reports (OR = 0.24;95%CI = 0.11-0.52) compared to therapists with a mixture of reasons. PTs in 2009 and 2010 were more likely to use the feedback reports for quality improvement than PTs in 2011 (OR = 2.41;95%CI = 1.25-4.64 respectively OR = 3.28;95%CI = 1.51-7.10). Changing circumstances in 2011, i.e. using EHRs and financial incentives, had a negative effect on the use of feedback reports (OR = 0.40, 95%CI = 0.20-0.78). Interviews with 12 physical therapists showed that feedback reports could serve as a tool to support and structure quality improvement plans. Barriers were distrust and perceived self-reporting bias on indicator scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementing financial incentives that are not well-specified and well-targeted can have an adverse effect on using feedback reports to improve quality of care. Distrust is a major barrier to implementing quality systems.

The challenge of transferring an implementation strategy from academia to the field: a process evaluation of local quality improvement collaboratives in Dutch primary care using the normalization process theory

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

A quality improvement strategy consisting of comparative feedback and peer review embedded in available local quality improvement collaboratives proved to be effective in changing the test-ordering behaviour of general practitioners. However, implementing this strategy was problematic. We aimed for large-scale implementation of an adapted strategy covering both test ordering and prescribing performance. Because we failed to achieve large-scale implementation, the aim of this study was to describe and analyse the challenges of the transferring process.

METHODS

In a qualitative study 19 regional health officers, pharmacists, laboratory specialists and general practitioners were interviewed within 6 months after the transfer period. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and independently coded by two of the authors. The codes were matched to the dimensions of the normalization process theory.

RESULTS

The general idea of the strategy was widely supported, but generating the feedback was more complex than expected and the need for external support after transfer of the strategy remained high because participants did not assume responsibility for the work and the distribution of resources that came with it.

CONCLUSION

Evidence on effectiveness, a national infrastructure for these collaboratives and a general positive attitude were not sufficient for normalization. Thinking about managing large databases, responsibility for tasks and distribution of resources should start as early as possible when planning complex quality improvement strategies. Merely exploring the barriers and facilitators experienced in a preceding trial is not sufficient. Although multifaceted implementation strategies to change professional behaviour are attractive, their inherent complexity is also a pitfall for large-scale implementation.

Behaviour change interventions to promote prescribing of generic drugs: a rapid evidence synthesis and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To summarise evidence on the effectiveness of behaviour change interventions to encourage prescribing of generic forms of prescription drugs where clinically appropriate in the UK National Health Service (NHS) and similar settings.

DESIGN

Systematic review.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We conducted a rapid evidence synthesis in two stages: First, we searched databases, such as the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE), for systematic reviews of interventions that reported outcomes related to utilisation of generic drugs. In the second stage, we searched several databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify primary studies of any interventions not covered by systematic reviews.

DATA EXTRACTION AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT

Data were extracted into a standardised data extraction form. Standardised quality assessment tools were used to assess study quality. Two reviewers were involved in data extraction and quality assessment.

RESULTS

10 reviews were included for the initial evidence synthesis, but most were of limited usefulness to our focused review question. One review evaluated the effect of prescribing policies using financial incentives and showed an increase in generic prescribing. Thirteen primary studies of other interventions were included for the rapid review. Two studies showed an increase in percentage of overall generic prescribing with an educational intervention; two studies showed an improvement in generic prescribing rates when physicians collaborated with pharmacists, though in one study this was not statistically significant; two US studies showed improvements in generic prescribing with electronic prescribing. Five out of seven studies showed positive results with multifaceted interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The existing evidence remains insufficient to determine which behaviour change intervention or combination of interventions is most effective due to methodological weaknesses and conflicting results. Based on the evidence, financial incentives with educational intervention and audit/feedback look promising but decision-makers should take into account the practicality and costs of the interventions before implementation.

[Potentially inappropriate medication in elderly primary care patients : A retrospective, longitudinal analysis]

BACKGROUND

Elderly people are often burdened by several diseases. This accounts for a higher medication intake and increases the risk of adverse drug events. To minimize this risk, several lists (Beers, PRISCUS) have been published of drugs that elderly patients should not take. We present a longitudinal analysis of the use of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) over a period 4.5 years in a cohort of patients aged 75 years or more.

METHODS

Data were collected from the prospective, multicenter, observational study "German Study on Ageing, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe)," initially enrolling 3,327 patients. We investigated the prevalence of PIM by checking medications during visits to patients' homes. Furthermore, we analyzed the use of individual PIM agents over time.

RESULTS

At baseline, we found a PIM prevalence of 29 % according to the PRISCUS list, which decreased to 25.0 % 4.5 years later (χ(2): 7.87, p = 0.004). The Beers list yielded a prevalence of 21 % at baseline, decreasing after 4.5 years to 17.1 % (χ(2): 10.77, p = 0.000). A time-dependent multilevel model confirmed these results. Older age, depression, and the use of numerous prescribed agents are independent risk factors for using a PRISCUS-PIM.

CONCLUSION

Our results seem to support a trend toward a more rational drug therapy because fewer patients were prescribed PIM. Thus, for the individual patient, the risk of adverse effects and side effects is reduced as are the costs of these effects.

Exploring why quality circles work in primary health care: a realist review protocol

BACKGROUND

Quality circles (QCs) are commonly used in primary health care in Europe to consider and improve standard practice over time. They represent a complex social intervention that occurs within the fast-changing system of primary health care. Numerous controlled trials, reviews, and studies have shown small but unpredictable positive effect sizes on behavior change. Although QCs seem to be effective, stakeholders have difficulty understanding how the results are achieved and in generalizing the results with confidence. They also lack understanding of the active components of QCs which result in changes in the behavior of health care professionals. This protocol for a realist synthesis will examine how configurations of components and the contextual features of QCs influence their performance.

METHODS/DESIGN

Stakeholder interviews and a scoping search revealed the processes of QCs and helped to describe their core components and underlying theories. After clarifying their historical and geographical distribution, a purposive and systematic search was developed to identify relevant papers to answer the research questions, which are: understanding why, how, and when QCs work, over what time frame, and in what circumstances. After selecting and abstracting appropriate data, configurations of contexts and mechanisms which influence the outcome of QCs within each study will be identified. Studies will be grouped by similar propositional statements in order to identify patterns and validation from stakeholders sought. Finally, theories will be explored in order to explain these patterns and to help stakeholders maintain and improve QC performance.

DISCUSSION

Analyzing context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) patterns will reveal how QCs work and how contextual factors interact to influence their outcome. The aim is to investigate unique configurations that enable them to improve the performance of health care professionals. Using a standardized reporting system, this realist review will allow the research questions to be answered to the satisfaction of key stakeholders and enable on-going critical examination and dissemination of the findings.

STUDY REGISTRATION

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42013004826.

A tailored implementation intervention to implement recommendations addressing polypharmacy in multimorbid patients: study protocol of a cluster randomized controlled trial

Background

Multimorbid patients frequently receive complex medication regimens and are at higher risk for adverse drug reactions and hospitalisations. Managing patients with polypharmacy is demanding, because it requires coordination of multiple prescribers and intensive monitoring. Three evidence-based recommendations addressing polypharmacy in primary care are structured medication counselling, use of medication lists and medication reviews to avoid potentially inappropriate medication (PIM). Although promising to improve patient outcomes, these recommendations are not well implemented in German routine care. Implementation of guidelines is often hindered by specific “determinants of change”. “Tailored” interventions are designed to specifically address previously identified determinants. This study examines a tailored intervention tto implement the aforementioned recommendations into German primary care practices. This study is part of the European Tailored Interventions for Chronic Diseases project, which aims at contributing knowledge about the methods used for tailoring.

Methods/Design

The study is designed as a cluster randomized controlled trial with primary care practices of general practitioners (GPs) who are organized in quality circles. Quality circles will be the unit of randomization with a 1:1 ratio. Follow-up time is 6 months. GPs and healthcare assistants in the intervention group will receive training on medication management. Each GP will create a tailored concept of how to implement the three recommendations into his/her practice. Evidence-based checklists for medication counselling and medication reviews will be provided for physicians. A tablet PC with an interactive educational tool and information leaflets will be provided for use by patients to inform about the necessity of continuous medication management. Control practices will not receive special training and will provide care as usual. Primary outcome is the degree of implementation of the three recommendations, which will be measured using a prespecified set of indicators. Additionally, the PIM prescription rate, patient activation, patients’ beliefs about medicine, medication adherence and patients’ social support will be measured.

Discussion

This study will contribute knowledge about the feasibility of implementing recommendations for managing patients with polypharmacy in primary care practices. Additionally, this study will contribute knowledge about methods for tailoring of implementation interventions.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov ISRCTN34664024

The role of quality control circles in sustained improvement of medical quality

We used quality control circles (QCC) followed by the PDCA Deming cycle and analyzed the application of QCC to the sustained improvement of a medical institution in Zhejiang province. Analyses of the tangible and intangible achievements of QCC revealed that the achievement indices for reductions in internal errors, reductions in costs, improvements in the degree of patient satisfaction, improvements in work quality, and improvements in economic performance were 109.84% ± 16.47%, 135.04% ± 50.33%, 126.26% ± 53.69%, 100.58% ± 22.83%, and 104.07% ± 5.45%, respectively. The improvements in these areas were 61.12% ± 13.2%, 60.47% ± 28.91%, 34.41% ± 22.96%, 49.22% ± 25.39%, and 73.70% ± 5.24%, respectively. The intangible achievements were reflected as follows: 5% of QCC members showed an activity growth value of 1–2 points, 83% 1–2 points, 12% more than 2 points. As a result, QCC activity showed prominent results in fostering long-lasting improvement in the quality of medical institutions in terms of both tangible and intangible factors. In short, QCC can be used as an effective tool to improve medical quality.

General practitioners' experiences, attitudes, and opinions regarding the pneumococcal vaccination for adults: a qualitative study

Introduction

Diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae generate substantial morbidity and mortality. Despite official recommendations to vaccinate everyone over the age of 64, the estimated vaccination rate for this target population is around 2%. In Switzerland, pneumococcal vaccinations are for the most part provided by general practitioners (GPs); in addition, a small number of patients get vaccinated during a hospital stay. We wanted to investigate GPs’ attitudes and opinions about the pneumococcal vaccination in primary care and why it is so rarely provided.

Methods

For this qualitative study, we conducted semistructured interviews with 20 GPs. Transcriptions of all interviews were analyzed following the technique of qualitative content analysis, supported by the ATLAS.ti^© software.

Results

Most GPs reported that they know pneumococcal vaccination is recommended for several risk groups and elderly patients. As to reasons for the low vaccination rate, GPs mentioned the pneumococcal vaccination had little priority in daily practice, especially in comparison with the importance of other vaccinations, namely influenza. This low level of priority was supported by the fact that the GPs rarely ever experienced a case of a severe pneumococcal disease in their daily work. Furthermore, perceived insufficient evidence resulting from existing epidemiologic data and clinical trials enhanced the little attention given to the pneumococcal vaccination.

Conclusion

We found the generally low level of priority given within a consultation, the missing awareness of this subject in daily practice, and the perception of epidemiologic and scientific data as insufficient, as the reasons for the low rate in pneumococcal vaccinations. Efforts to increase the epidemiologic data on the pneumococcal vaccination should be taken. To increase the vaccination rate, it would be necessary to raise the awareness and priority of the pneumococcal vaccination; a feasible way could be the combination of the seasonal flu vaccination campaign with a campaign for pneumococcal vaccination.

[Peer groups: a model for the continuous professional development in general practice]

AIM

The purposes of this study were to analyse the peer groups' activity and functioning in General Practice in Isere department, the participants' characteristics, and their opinion on this activity.

METHODS

A census of existing groups was realized by asking professional organisations to provide us a complete list of the groups in the department. For each group, a member was asked to answer a questionnaire about the institution. Each general practitioner (GP) participating to a group was sent a questionnaire about his profile and was asked to give his personal opinion on the group.

RESULTS

The group inventory was difficult to realize, as no organisation was able to give us a complete list. Sixteen groups were included in the study, involving a total of 131 GPs. Groups were 1 to 10 years old, most of them were independent. The mean number of meetings was eight times a year. Participants were more often females, new graduates or young doctors, and internship supervisors. They were highly satisfied about this activity which allowed them to increase the quality of patient care (98%), and to change their practice (75%).

CONCLUSION

This study showed that peer group activity was growing in Isere. It was widely welcomed by GPs, who wondered in which way those groups could satisfy the obligations of professional development mentioned in the 2009 French law: Hospital, Patient, Health, Territory (HPST).

Applicability of the Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC) instrument in Germany resulting in a new questionnaire: questionnaire of chronic illness care in primary care

Background

The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is an evidence based, population based approach to improve care for people with chronic conditions. The Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC) instrument is widely used to measure to what extent within a healthcare system the CCM is implemented. The aim of this study was to translate and culturally adapt the ACIC Instrument for the German healthcare system.

Methods

For translating the ACIC instrument, principles of Good Practice for the Translation and Cultural Adaptation Process by the ISPOR Task Force were followed. Focus groups were additionally conducted with general practitioners to adapt the items culturally.

Results

The ACIC instrument can not be used in the German healthcare system easily due to a multifaceted understanding of words, different levels of knowledge of the CCM and fundamental differences between health systems.

Conclusions

As following the CCM leads to benefits for patients with chronic illnesses, measuring to which extent it is implemented is of major interest. A new questionnaire using the CCM as its theoretical basis, sensitive to the healthcare systems of the host country has to be created. Knowledge transfer between countries by using an instrument from a different healthcare system can lead to a completely new questionnaire.

Primary care practice-based care management for chronically ill patients (PraCMan): study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN56104508]

BACKGROUND

Care management programmes are an effective approach to care for high risk patients with complex care needs resulting from multiple co-occurring medical and non-medical conditions. These patients are likely to be hospitalized for a potentially "avoidable" cause. Nurse-led care management programmes for high risk elderly patients showed promising results. Care management programmes based on health care assistants (HCAs) targeting adult patients with a high risk of hospitalisation may be an innovative approach to deliver cost-efficient intensified care to patients most in need.

METHODS/DESIGN

PraCMan is a cluster randomized controlled trial with primary care practices as unit of randomisation. The study evaluates a complex primary care practice-based care management of patients at high risk for future hospitalizations. Eligible patients either suffer from type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic heart failure or any combination. Patients with a high likelihood of hospitalization within the following 12 months (based on insurance data) will be included in the trial. During 12 months of intervention patients of the care management group receive comprehensive assessment of medical and non-medical needs and resources as well as regular structured monitoring of symptoms. Assessment and monitoring will be performed by trained HCAs from the participating practices. Additionally, patients will receive written information, symptom diaries, action plans and a medication plan to improve self-management capabilities. This intervention is addition to usual care. Patients from the control group receive usual care. Primary outcome is the number of all-cause hospitalizations at 12 months follow-up, assessed by insurance claims data. Secondary outcomes are health-related quality of life (SF12, EQ5D), quality of chronic illness care (PACIC), health care utilisation and costs, medication adherence (MARS), depression status and severity (PHQ-9), self-management capabilities and clinical parameters. Data collection will be performed at baseline, 12 and 24 months (12 months post-intervention).

DISCUSSION

Practice-based care management for high risk individuals involving trained HCAs appears to be a promising approach to face the needs of an aging population with increasing care demands.

Strategies for improving the quality of care in psoriasis with the use of treatment goals--a report on an implementation meeting

Targeted treatment, early intervention and the use of treatment goals is a new approach in medicine that has been implemented across several disciplines (e.g. diabetes, pulmonary arterial hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis) over the last 5-10 years. As in other chronic diseases, well-defined treatment goals may be helpful in guiding physicians in their care of patients with psoriasis, thereby obviating poor outcomes. Individual treatment goals were recently developed for the first time in psoriasis by a European Consensus group of experts from 19 European countries to supplement guidelines and promote the consistent use of available therapies to improve patient care. Goal-oriented therapy involves treating according to a treatment algorithm, regularly monitoring therapeutic response and prompt modification of therapy if goals are not met. In the absence of hard outcomes in psoriasis (e.g. biomarkers or biomedical predictors of clinical response), the European Consensus group based their treatment goals on changes in Psoriasis Area Severity Index and Dermatology Life Quality Index scores. Further evidence generation is important to determine whether surrogate markers for disease progression (e.g. co-morbidities) or predictors of clinical response can be identified for psoriasis. Furthermore, psoriasis may have a potential cumulative effect on the life course of patients, the understanding of which is likely to provide the rationale for earlier treatment strategies in psoriasis. For the work of the European Consensus group to have an impact on clinical care, transmission of treatment goals into guidelines, along with implementation of treatment goals at both the regional and national level is needed. Thus, dermatology experts from Europe, the Middle East, Australia and Canada gathered in Frankfurt, 2010, for a 1.5 day educational meeting run by the Progressive Psoriasis Initiative to discuss how treatment goals in psoriasis might best be implemented in clinical practice. The meeting conclusions are presented here.

[Does implementation of benchmarking in quality circles improve the quality of care of patients with asthma and reduce drug interaction?]

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this cluster-randomised controlled trial was to evaluate the efficacy of quality circles (QCs) working either with general data-based feedback or with an open benchmark within the field of asthma care and drug-drug interactions.

METHODS

Twelve QCs, involving 96 general practitioners from 85 practices, were randomised. Six QCs worked with traditional anonymous feedback and six with an open benchmark. Two QC meetings supported with feedback reports were held covering the topics "drug-drug interactions" and "asthma"; in both cases discussions were guided by a trained moderator. Outcome measures included health-related quality of life and patient satisfaction with treatment, asthma severity and number of potentially inappropriate drug combinations as well as the general practitioners' satisfaction in relation to the performance of the QC.

RESULTS

A significant improvement in the treatment of asthma was observed in both trial arms. However, there was only a slight improvement regarding inappropriate drug combinations. There were no relevant differences between the group with open benchmark (B-QC) and traditional quality circles (T-QC). The physicians' satisfaction with the QC performance was significantly higher in the T-QCs.

CONCLUSION

General practitioners seem to take a critical perspective about open benchmarking in quality circles. Caution should be used when implementing benchmarking in a quality circle as it did not improve healthcare when compared to the traditional procedure with anonymised comparisons.

[Quality circles in German ambulatory care: results of a continuous documentation in the regions of Bremen, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Westphalia-Lippe 1995-2007]

BACKGROUND

Quality circles (QC) are viewed as one of the most important tools of quality improvement and continuing education in ambulatory care. Yet, little is known about the quality of QC work.

METHODS

From 1995 to 2007, an external assessment of QC work took place at four regional Associations of Statutory Health Insurance (SHI) Physicians. After each meeting, QC leaders completed questionnaires. This basic documentation focused on important features of QC work--continuity, topics, methods, results and satisfaction.

RESULTS

28,800 meetings in 1,640 quality circles were documented, and 27,255 documents from 1,241 groups analysed. Continuity was high over long periods, and medical topics were dealt with in more than 80% of the time. The use of appropriate methods, however, have room for improvement. Participants were very satisfied.

CONCLUSIONS

For the first time the quality of QC structures, processes and results was assessed in Germany using a broad dataset. The working principles of QC appear to be well-established. Using the basic documentation practical recommendations are made to improve the quality of QC.