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Aubrey-Basler K, Bursey K, Pike A, Penney C, Furlong B, Howells M, Al-Obaid H, Rourke J, Asghari S, Hall A. Interventions to improve primary healthcare in rural settings: A scoping review. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0305516. [PMID: 38990801 PMCID: PMC11239038 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0305516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Residents of rural areas have poorer health status, less healthy behaviours and higher mortality than urban dwellers, issues which are commonly addressed in primary care. Strengthening primary care may be an important tool to improve the health status of rural populations. OBJECTIVE Synthesize and categorize studies that examine interventions to improve rural primary care. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Experimental or observational studies published between January 1, 1996 and December 2022 that include an historical or concurrent control comparison. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE Pubmed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Embase. CHARTING METHODS We extracted and charted data by broad category (quality, access and efficiency), study design, country of origin, publication year, aim, health condition and type of intervention studied. We assigned multiple categories to a study where relevant. RESULTS 372 papers met our inclusion criteria, divided among quality (82%), access (20%) and efficiency (13%) categories. A majority of papers were completed in the USA (40%), Australia (15%), China (7%) or Canada (6%). 35 (9%) papers came from countries in Africa. The most common study design was an uncontrolled before-and-after comparison (32%) and only 24% of studies used randomized designs. The number of publications each year has increased markedly over the study period from 1-2/year in 1997-99 to a peak of 49 papers in 2017. CONCLUSIONS Despite substantial inequity in health outcomes associated with rural living, very little attention is paid to rural primary care in the scientific literature. Very few studies of rural primary care use randomized designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris Aubrey-Basler
- Discipline of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Division of Public Health and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Krystal Bursey
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Andrea Pike
- Discipline of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Carla Penney
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Bradley Furlong
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Mark Howells
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Harith Al-Obaid
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - James Rourke
- Discipline of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Shabnam Asghari
- Discipline of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Division of Public Health and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
| | - Amanda Hall
- Discipline of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Primary Healthcare Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
- Division of Public Health and Applied Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
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Mills N, Farrar N, Warnes B, Ashton KE, Harris R, Rogers CA, Lim E, Elliott D. Strategies to address recruitment to a randomised trial of surgical and non-surgical treatment for cancer: results from a complex recruitment intervention within the Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery 2 (MARS 2) study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e079108. [PMID: 38760029 PMCID: PMC11103236 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-079108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Recruiting to randomised trials is often challenging particularly when the intervention arms are markedly different. The Mesothelioma and Radical Surgery 2 randomised controlled trial (RCT) compared standard chemotherapy with or without (extended) pleurectomy decortication surgery for malignant pleural mesothelioma. Anticipating recruitment difficulties, a QuinteT Recruitment Intervention was embedded in the main trial phase to unearth and address barriers. The trial achieved recruitment to target with a 4-month COVID-19 pandemic-related extension. This paper presents the key recruitment challenges, and the strategies delivered to optimise recruitment and informed consent. DESIGN A multifaceted, flexible, mixed-method approach to investigate recruitment obstacles drawing on data from staff/patient interviews, audio recorded study recruitment consultations and screening logs. Key findings were translated into strategies targeting identified issues. Data collection, analysis, feedback and strategy implementation continued cyclically throughout the recruitment period. SETTING Secondary thoracic cancer care. RESULTS Respiratory physicians, oncologists, surgeons and nursing specialists supported the trial, but recruitment challenges were evident. The study had to fit within a framework of a thoracic cancer service considered overstretched where patients encountered multiple healthcare professionals and treatment views, all of which challenged recruitment. Clinician treatment biases, shaped in part by the wider clinical and research context alongside experience, adversely impacted several aspects of the recruitment process by restricting referrals for study consideration, impacting eligibility decisions, affecting the neutrality in which the study and treatment was presented and shaping patient treatment expectations and preferences. Individual and group recruiter feedback and training raised awareness of key equipoise issues, offered support and shared good practice to safeguard informed consent and optimise recruitment. CONCLUSIONS With bespoke support to overcome identified issues, recruitment to a challenging RCT of surgery versus no surgery in a thoracic cancer setting with a complex recruitment pathway and multiple health professional involvement is possible. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN ISRCTN44351742, Clinical Trials.gov NCT02040272.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Mills
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicola Farrar
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | - Barbara Warnes
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | - Kate E Ashton
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | - Rosie Harris
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris A Rogers
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
| | - Eric Lim
- Academic Division of Thoracic Surgery, The Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Daisy Elliott
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences, Bristol, UK
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Cay G, Finco M, Garcia J, McNitt-Gray JL, Armstrong DG, Najafi B. Towards a Remote Patient Monitoring Platform for Comprehensive Risk Evaluations for People with Diabetic Foot Ulcers. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:2979. [PMID: 38793835 PMCID: PMC11124849 DOI: 10.3390/s24102979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) significantly affect the lives of patients and increase the risk of hospital stays and amputation. We suggest a remote monitoring platform for better DFU care. This system uses digital health metrics (scaled from 0 to 10, where higher scores indicate a greater risk of slow healing) to provide a comprehensive overview through a visual interface. The platform features smart offloading devices that capture behavioral metrics such as offloading adherence, daily steps, and cadence. Coupled with remotely measurable frailty and phenotypic metrics, it offers an in-depth patient profile. Additional demographic data, characteristics of the wound, and clinical parameters, such as cognitive function, were integrated, contributing to a comprehensive risk factor profile. We evaluated the feasibility of this platform with 124 DFU patients over 12 weeks; 39% experienced unfavorable outcomes such as dropout, adverse events, or non-healing. Digital biomarkers were benchmarked (0-10); categorized as low, medium, and high risk for unfavorable outcomes; and visually represented using color-coded radar plots. The initial results of the case reports illustrate the value of this holistic visualization to pinpoint the underlying risk factors for unfavorable outcomes, including a high number of steps, poor adherence, and cognitive impairment. Although future studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of this visualization in personalizing care and improving wound outcomes, early results in identifying risk factors for unfavorable outcomes are promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gozde Cay
- Digital Health and Access Center (DiHAC), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.C.)
| | - M.G. Finco
- Digital Health and Access Center (DiHAC), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.C.)
| | - Jason Garcia
- Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Jill L. McNitt-Gray
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90007, USA
| | - David G. Armstrong
- Southwestern Academic Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Bijan Najafi
- Digital Health and Access Center (DiHAC), Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (G.C.)
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Kirkland EB, Dericke D, Bays CC, Wallinger C, McElligott J, Slaughter S, Moran WP. Dissemination of Remote Patient Monitoring: An Academic-Community Primary Care Partnership in South Carolina. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2023; 29:516-524. [PMID: 37071046 PMCID: PMC10198796 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Remote patient monitoring (RPM) for diabetes and hypertension may reduce barriers to patient care, leading to improved disease control and decreased morbidity and mortality. PROGRAM We describe the implementation of a community-academic partnership to improve diabetes and hypertension control for underserved populations using RPM. IMPLEMENTATION In 2014, our academic medical center (AMC) began working with community health centers (CHCs) to implement a centrally monitored RPM program for patients with diabetes. AMC nurses recruited, trained, and supported community partners through regular communication. Community sites were responsible for enrollment, follow-up visits, and all treatment adjustments. EVALUATION More than 1350 patients have been enrolled across 19 counties and 16 predominantly rural CHCs. The majority of patients reported low annual household income and African American or Hispanic background. It took about 6 to 9 months of planning at each CHC prior to first enrolled patient. More than 30% of patients utilizing the newer device continued to transmit glucose readings regularly at week 52 of enrollment. Hemoglobin A 1c data reporting was completed for more than 90% of patients at 6 and 12 months postenrollment. DISCUSSION Partnering of our AMC with CHCs enabled dissemination of an effective, inexpensive tool that engaged underserved populations in rural South Carolina and improved chronic disease management. We supported implementation of clinically effective diabetes RPM programs at several CHCs, reaching a large number of historically underserved and underresourced rural CHC patients with diabetes. We summarize key steps to achieving a successful, collaborative RPM program through AMC-CHC partnerships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Barnhardt Kirkland
- Center for Health Disparities, Division of General Internal Medicine (Drs Kirkland, Slaughter, and Moran and Mss Dericke and Wallinger), and Section of Health Systems Research and Policy (Ms Bays), Department of Medicine, and Division of General Pediatrics (Dr McElligott), Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
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Kirkland EB, Johnson E, Bays C, Marsden J, Verdin R, Ford D, King K, Sterba KR. Diabetes Remote Monitoring Program Implementation: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Delivery Strategies, Barriers and Facilitators. TELEMEDICINE REPORTS 2023; 4:30-43. [PMID: 36950477 PMCID: PMC10027345 DOI: 10.1089/tmr.2022.0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is being increasingly utilized as a type of telemedicine modality to improve access to quality health care, although there are documented challenges with this type of innovation. The goals of this study were to characterize clinic delivery strategies for an RPM program and to examine barriers and facilitators to program implementation in a variety of community clinic settings. METHODS Primary data were collected via individual and small group interviews and surveys of clinical staff from South Carolina primary care clinics participating in an RPM program for patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 in 2019. We used a parallel convergent mixed methods study design with six South Carolina primary care outpatient clinics currently participating in a diabetes remote monitoring program. Clinic staff participants completed surveys to define delivery strategies and experiences with the program in a variety of clinical settings. Interviews of clinic staff examined barriers and facilitators to program implementation guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Quantitative survey data were summarized via descriptive statistics. Qualitative data from interviews were analyzed in a template analysis approach with primary themes identified and organized by two independent coders and guided by the CFIR. Quantitative and qualitative findings were then synthesized in a final step. RESULTS RPM program delivery strategies varied across clinic, patient population, and program domains, largely affected by staffing, leadership buy-in, resources, patient needs, and inter-site communication. Barriers and facilitators to implementation were linked to similar factors that influenced delivery strategy. DISCUSSION RPM programs were implemented in a variety of different clinic settings with program delivery tailored to fit within each clinic's workflow and meet patients' needs. By addressing the barriers identified in this study with focused training and support strategies, delivery processes can improve implementation of RPM programs and thus benefit patient outcomes in rural and community settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth B. Kirkland
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Emily Johnson
- College of Nursing, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Chloe Bays
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Rebecca Verdin
- Center for Telehealth, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Dee Ford
- Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Kathryn King
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Katherine R. Sterba
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Gunderson M, Melton GB. Ambulatory Remote Patient Monitoring Beyond COVID-19: Engagement and Sustainment Considerations. Mayo Clin Proc 2022; 97:2184-2185. [PMID: 36464459 PMCID: PMC9618433 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2022.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Gunderson
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Genevieve B Melton
- Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; Institute for Health Informatics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN; Center for Learning Health Systems Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
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Kruklitis R, Miller M, Valeriano L, Shine S, Opstbaum N, Chestnut V. Applications of Remote Patient Monitoring. Prim Care 2022; 49:543-555. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pop.2022.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Kirkland E, Schumann SO, Schreiner A, Heincelman M, Zhang J, Marsden J, Mauldin P, Moran WP. Patient Demographics and Clinic Type Are Associated With Patient Engagement Within a Remote Monitoring Program. Telemed J E Health 2021; 27:843-850. [PMID: 34115942 DOI: 10.1089/tmj.2020.0535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Remote physiological monitoring (RPM) is accessible, convenient, relatively inexpensive, and can improve clinical outcomes. Yet, it is unclear in which clinical setting or target population RPM is maximally effective. Objective: To determine whether patients' demographic characteristics or clinical settings are associated with data transmission and engagement. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study of adults enrolled in a diabetes RPM program for a minimum of 12 months as of April 2020. We developed a multivariable logistic regression model for engagement with age, gender, race, income, and primary care clinic type as variables and a second model to include first-order interactions for all demographic variables by time. The participants included 549 adults (mean age 53 years, 63% female, 54% Black, and 75% very low income) with baseline hemoglobin A1c ≥8.0% and enrolled in a statewide diabetes RPM program. The main measure was the transmission engagement over time, where engagement is defined as a minimum of three distinct days per week in which remote data are transmitted. Results: Significant predictors of transmission engagement included increasing age, academic clinic type, higher annual household income, and shorter time-in-program (p < 0.001 for each). Self-identified race and gender were not significantly associated with transmission engagement (p = 0.729 and 0.237, respectively). Conclusions: RPM appears to be an accessible tool for minority racial groups and for the aging population, yet engagement is impacted by primary care location setting and socioeconomic status. These results should inform implementation of future RPM studies, guide advocacy efforts, and highlight the need to focus efforts on maintaining engagement over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Kirkland
- Center for Health Disparities Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Samuel O Schumann
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Andrew Schreiner
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Marc Heincelman
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Section of Health Systems Research and Policy, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Justin Marsden
- Section of Health Systems Research and Policy, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Patrick Mauldin
- Section of Health Systems Research and Policy, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - William P Moran
- Center for Health Disparities Research, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA.,Division of General Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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