Doctors' experience providing primary care for refugee women living with chronic pain: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The experiences of GPs in Australia highlight key considerations regarding workload demands, remuneration incentives and the practical implications of working in regions with high ethnic density. This exploration helps to understand the elements that influence GPs delivery of care, particular for refugee women who exhibit disproportionately higher rates of chronic pain. This qualitative study explored the experiences of GPs providing care for refugee women living with chronic pain.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 10 GPs (9 female and 1 male) practicing across metropolitan Melbourne, Australia. GPs were recruited via purposive sampling and a snowballing strategy. Participants work experience ranged from one to 32 years. Audio recordings of the interviews were transcribed verbatim and stored in qualitative data Nvivo 12 software for coding. Transcripts of interviews were analysed thematically using a phenomenological approach.

RESULTS

Three overarching themes were identified: (1) meeting the needs of refugee women living with chronic pain; (2) the role of the GP; and (3) the challenges of the health care system. These themes reflected the complexity of consultations which arose, in part, from factors such as trust, the competencies of clinician's and the limitations posed by time, funding and interpreter use.

CONCLUSION

GPs acknowledged the uniqueness of refugee women's chronic pain needs and whilst doctors welcomed care, many were often challenged by the complex nature of consultations. Those that worked in settings that aligned with refugee women's needs highlighted the importance of cultivating culturally safe clinical environments and listening to their patients' stories. However, system level challenges such as time, funding and resource constraints created significant challenges for GPs. Exploring GPs experiences allows for a better understanding of how vectors of disadvantage intersect in health care and highlights the need to better support doctors to improve health care provision for refugee women living with chronic pain.

How effective are allied health group interventions for the management of adults with long-term conditions? An umbrella review of systematic reviews and its applicability to the Australian primary health system

BACKGROUND

Group allied health interventions for people with chronic conditions may be a solution to increasing access to allied health in primary care. This umbrella review aimed to determine the effectiveness of allied health group interventions to improve health-related outcomes for adults with chronic conditions and the applicability of the findings to the Australian primary health care context.

METHODS

An umbrella review of systematic reviews conducted April-July 2022, searching eight databases. Systematic reviews were eligible if they included randomised controlled trials (RCT) or quasi-RCTs, community dwelling adults aged ≥ 18, at least one chronic condition, group intervention in scope for allied health professionals, and published in English after 2000. Studies were excluded if interventions were conducted in hospital or aged care facilities, out of scope for allied health, or unsupervised.

RESULTS

Two thousand three hundred eighty-five systematic reviews were identified: after screening and full text review 154 were included and data extracted from 90. The chronic conditions included: cancer (n = 15), cardiovascular disease (n = 6), mixed chronic conditions (n = 3), kidney disease (n = 1), low back pain (n = 12), respiratory disease (n = 8), diabetes (n = 14), heart failure (n = 9), risk of falls (n = 5), hypertension (n = 4, osteoarthritis (n = 6) and stroke (n = 8). Most group interventions included prescribed exercise and were in scope for physiotherapists and exercise physiologists. Overall, allied health group exercise programs for community dwelling adults improved health outcomes for most chronic conditions. Aggregated data from the systematic reviews suggests programs of 45-60 min per session, 2-3 times per week for 12 weeks. Lifestyle education and support for people with type-2 diabetes improved glycaemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

Prescribed group exercise delivered by allied health professionals, predominantly by exercise physiologists and physiotherapists, significantly improved health outcomes for community dwelling adults with a broad range of chronic conditions.

The effectiveness of chronic disease management planning on self-management among patients with diabetes at general practice settings in Australia: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Medicare provides significant funding to improve, encourage and coordinate better practices in primary care. Medicare-rebated Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans are a structured approach to managing chronic diseases in Australia. These chronic disease care plans are intended to be a vehicle to deliver guideline-based / evidence-based care.. However, recommended care is not always provided, and health outcomes are often not achieved. This scoping review aimed to identify the specific components of CDM plans that are most effective in promoting self-management, as well as the factors that may hinder or facilitate the implementation of these plans in general practice settings in Australia.

METHOD

A comprehensive search was conducted using multiple electronic databases, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts of the identified studies via Covidence, and the full texts of eligible studies were reviewed for inclusion. A data extraction template was developed based on the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organization of Care Group (EPOC) to classify the intervention methods and study outcomes. A narrative synthesis approach was used to summarize the findings of the included studies. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist.

RESULTS

Seventeen articles were included in the review for analysis and highlighted the effectiveness of CDM plans on improving patient self-management. The findings demonstrated that the implementation of CDM plans can have a positive impact on patient self-management. However, the current approach is geared towards providing care to patients, but there are limited opportunities for patients to engage in their care actively. Furthermore, the focus is often on achieving the outcomes outlined in the CDM plans, which may not necessarily align with the patient's needs and preferences. The findings highlighted the significance of mutual obligations and responsibilities of team care for patients and healthcare professionals, interprofessional collaborative practice in primary care settings, and regular CDM plan reviews.

CONCLUSION

Self-management support remains more aligned with a patient-centred collaboration approach and shared decision-making and is yet to be common practice. Identifying influential factors at different levels of patients, healthcare professionals, and services affecting patients' self-management via CDM plans can be crucial to developing the plans.

Osteopathy Referrals to and from General Practitioners: Secondary Analysis of Practitioner Characteristics from an Australian Practice-Based Research Network

Australian osteopaths engage in multidisciplinary care and referrals with other health professionals, including general practitioners (GPs), for musculoskeletal care. This secondary analysis compared characteristics of Australian osteopaths who refer to, and receive referrals from, GPs with osteopaths who do not refer. The analysis was undertaken to identify pertinent characteristics that could contribute to greater engagement between Australian osteopaths and GPs. Data were from the Australian osteopathy practice-based research network comprising responses from 992 osteopaths (48.1% response rate). Osteopaths completed a practice-based survey exploring their demographic, practice, and clinical management characteristics. Backward logistic regression identified significant characteristics associated with referrals. Osteopaths who reported sending referrals (n = 878, 88.5%) to GPs were more likely than their non-referring colleagues to receive referrals from GPs (aOR = 4.80, 95% CI [2.62-8.82]), send referrals to a podiatrist (aOR = 3.09, 95% CI [1.80-5.28]) and/or treat patients experiencing degenerative spinal complaints (aOR = 1.71, 95% CI [1.01-2.91]). Osteopaths reporting receiving referrals (n = 886, 89.3%) from GPs were more likely than their non-referring colleagues to send referrals to GPs (aOR = 4.62, 95% CI [2.48-8.63]) and use the Medicare EasyClaim system (aOR = 4.66, 95% CI [2.34-9.27]). Most Australian osteopaths who report engaging in referrals with GPs for patient care also refer to other health professionals. Referrals from GPs are likely through the Chronic Disease Management scheme. The clinical conditions resulting in referrals are unknown. Further research could explore the GP-osteopath referral network to strengthen collaborative musculoskeletal care. The outcomes of this study have the potential to inform Australian osteopaths participating in advocacy, public policy and engagement with Australian GPs.

Primary, allied health, geriatric, pain and palliative healthcare service utilisation by aged care residents, 2012-2017

OBJECTIVES

To examine the incidence and trends in primary care, allied health, geriatric, pain and palliative care service use by permanent residential aged care (PRAC) residents and the older Australian population.

METHODS

Repeated cross-sectional analyses on PRAC residents (N = 318,484) and the older (≥65 years) Australian population (N ~ 3.5 million). Outcomes were Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) subsidised primary care, allied health, geriatric, pain and palliative services between 2012-13 and 2016-17. GEE Poisson models estimated incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRR).

RESULTS

In 2016-17, PRAC residents had a median of 13 (interquartile range [IQR] 5-19) regular general medical practitioner (GP) attendances, 3 (IQR 1-6) after-hours attendances and 5% saw a geriatrician. Highlights of utilisation changes from 2012-13 to 2016-17 include the following: GP attendances increased by 5%/year (IRR = 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.05) for residents compared to 1%/year (IRR = 1.01, 95%CI 1.01-1.01) for the general population. GP after-hours attendances increased by 15%/year (IRR = 1.15, 95%CI 1.14-1.15) for residents and 9%/year (IRR = 1.08, 95%CI 1.07-1.20) for the general population. GP management plans increased by 12%/year (IRR = 1.12, 95%CI 1.11-1.12) for residents and 10%/year (IRR = 1.10, 95%CI 1.09-1.11) for the general population. Geriatrician consultations increased by 28%/year (IRR = 1.28, 95%CI 1.27-1.29) for residents compared to 14%/year (IRR = 1.14, 95%CI 1.14-1.15) in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilisation of most examined services increased in both cohorts over time. Preventive and management care, by primary care and allied health care providers, was low and likely influences the utilisation of other attendances. PRAC residents' access to pain, palliative and geriatric medicine services is low and may not address the residents' needs.

Uptake of Team Care Arrangements for adults newly diagnosed with cancer

BACKGROUND

Medicare-subsidised Team Care Arrangements (TCAs) support Australian general practitioners to implement shared care between collaborating health professionals for patients with chronic medical conditions and complex needs. We assessed the prevalence of TCAs, factors associated with TCA uptake and visits to TCA-subsidised allied health practitioners, for adults newly diagnosed with cancer in New South Wales, Australia.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective individual patient data linkage study with 13 951 45 and Up Study participants diagnosed with incident cancer during 2006-16. We used a proportional hazards model to estimate the factors associated with receipt of a TCA after cancer diagnosis.

RESULTS

In total, 6630 patients had a TCA plan initiated (47.5%). A TCA was more likely for patients aged ≥65years, those with higher service utilisation 4-15months prior to cancer diagnosis, a higher number of comorbidities, lower self-rated overall health status, living in areas of greater socio-economic disadvantage, lower educational attainment and those with no private health insurance. A total of 4084 (61.6%) patients with a TCA had at least one TCA-subsidised allied health visit within 24months of the TCA.

CONCLUSIONS

TCAs appear to be well targeted at cancer patients with chronic health conditions and lower socioeconomic status. Nevertheless, not all patients with a TCA subsequently attended a TCA-subsidised allied healthcare professional. This suggests either a misunderstanding of the plan, the receipt of allied health via other public schemes, a low prioritisation of the plan compared to other health care, or suboptimal availability of these services.

Utilisation of government-subsidised chronic disease management plans and cardiovascular care in Australian general practices

Background

Government-subsidised general practice management plans (GPMPs) facilitate chronic disease management; however, impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) is unknown. We aimed to determine utilisation and impact of GPMPs for people with or at elevated risk of CVD.

Methods

Secondary analysis of baseline data from the CONNECT randomised controlled trial linked to Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) claims. Multivariate regression examining the association of GPMP receipt and review with: (1) ≥ 1 MBS-subsidised allied health visit in the previous 24 months; (2) adherence to dual cardioprotective medication (≥ 80% of days covered with a dispensed PBS prescription); and (3) meeting recommended LDL-cholesterol and blood pressure (BP) targets concurrently.

Results

Overall, 905 trial participants from 24 primary health care services consented to data linkage. Participants with a GPMP (46.6%, 422/905) were older (69.4 vs 66.0 years), had lower education (32.3% vs 24.7% high school or lower), lower household income (27.5% vs 17.0% in lowest bracket), and more comorbidities, particularly diabetes (42.2% vs 17.6%) compared to those without a GPMP. After adjustment, a GPMP was strongly associated with allied health visits (odds ratio (OR) 14.80, 95% CI: 9.08–24.11) but not higher medication adherence rates (OR 0.82, 95% CI: 0.52–1.29) nor meeting combined LDL and BP targets (OR 1.31, 95% CI: 0.72–2.38). Minor differences in significant covariates were noted in models using GPMP review versus GPMP initiation.

Conclusions

In people with or at elevated risk of CVD, GPMPs are under-utilised overall. They are targeting high-needs populations and facilitate allied health access, but are not associated with improved CVD risk management, which represents an opportunity for enhancing their value in supporting guideline-recommended care.

Findings and lessons learnt implementing a cardiovascular disease quality improvement program in Australian primary care: a mixed method evaluation

Background

There are discrepancies between evidence-based guidelines for screening and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and implementation in Australian general practice. Quality-improvement (QI) initiatives aim to reduce these gaps. This study evaluated a QI program (QPulse) that focussed on CVD assessment and management.

Methods

This mixed-methods study explored the implementation of guidelines and adoption of a QI program with a CVD risk-reduction intervention in 34 general practices. CVD screening and management were measured pre- and post-intervention. Qualitative analyses examined participants’ Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) goals and in-depth interviews with practice stakeholders focussed on barriers and enablers to the program and were analysed thematically using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT).

Results

Pre- and post-intervention data were available from 15 practices (n = 19,562 and n = 20,249, respectively) and in-depth interviews from seven practices. At baseline, 45.0% of patients had their BMI measured and 15.6% had their waist circumference recorded in the past 2 years and blood pressure, lipids and smoking status were measured in 72.5, 61.5 and 65.3% of patients, respectively. Most high-risk patients (57.5%) were not prescribed risk-reducing medications. After the intervention there were no changes in the documentation and prevalence of risk factors, attainment of BP and lipid targets or prescription of CVD risk-reducing medications. However, there was variation in performance across practices with some showing isolated improvements, such as recording waist circumference (0.7-32.2% pre-intervention to 18.5-69.8% post-intervention), BMI and smoking assessment. Challenges to the program included: lack of time, need for technical support, a perceived lack of value for quality improvement work, difficulty disseminating knowledge across the practice team, tensions between the team and clinical staff and a part-time workforce.

Conclusion

The barriers associated with this QI program was considerable in Australian GP practices. Findings highlighted they were not able to effectively operationalise the intervention due to numerous factors, ranging from lack of internal capacity and leadership to competing demands and insufficient external support.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Reference Number (ACTRN12615000108516), registered 06/02/2015.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-07310-6.

Allied health are key to improving health for people with chronic disease: but where are the outcomes and where is the strategy?

The global burden of chronic disease has forced health systems to focus on improved care. This has led to improved health outcomes for some populations, but not for all people or for all conditions. The rising prevalence of chronic disease has also significantly increased demands on healthcare systems, with unsustainable costs to funders. To improve health and social outcomes for all people with chronic disease, it is critical to embrace allied health professionals as key members of primary healthcare teams. The recognised efficacy and cost-effectiveness of many allied health interventions suggest that implementation into usual care would result in enhanced outcomes for people accessing healthcare, their families and communities, and for health systems. Our aim is to highlight the current unacceptable lack of allied health integration into primary healthcare teams, and illustrate the potential value of improved and equitable access to allied health professionals for managing chronic conditions and multimorbidity.

Gender Comparison of Receipt of Government-Funded Health Services and Medication Prescriptions for the Management of Patients With Cardiovascular Disease in Primary Care

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors remains a major burden in terms of disease, disability, and death in the Australian population and mental health is considered as an important risk factor affecting cardiovascular disease. A multidisciplinary collaborative approach in primary care is required to ensure an optimal outcome for managing cardiovascular patients with mental health issues. Medicare introduced numerous primary care health services and medications that are subsidised by the Australian government in order to provide a more structured approach to reduce and manage CVD. However, the utilisation of these services nor gender comparison for CVD management in primary care has been explored. Therefore, the aim is to compare the provision of subsidised chronic disease management plans (CDMPs), mental health care and prescription of guideline-indicated medications to men and women with CVD in primary care practices for secondary prevention.

METHODS

De-identified data for all active patients with CVD were extracted from 50 Australian primary care practices. Outcomes included the frequency of receipt of CDMPs, mental health care and prescription of evidence-based medications. Analyses adjusted for demography and clinical characteristics, stratified by gender, were performed using logistic regression and accounted for clustering effects by practices.

RESULTS

Data for 14,601 patients with CVD (39.4% women) were collected. The odds of receiving the CDMPs was significantly greater amongst women than men (preparation of general practice management plan [GPMP]: (46% vs 43%; adjusted OR [95% CI]: 1.22 [1.12, 1.34]). Women were more likely to have diagnosed with mental health issues (32% vs 20%, p<0.0001), however, the adjusted odds of men and women receiving any government-subsidised mental health care were similar. Women were less often prescribed blood pressure, lipid-lowering and antiplatelet medications. After adjustment, only an antiplatelet medication or agent was less likely to be prescribed to women than men (44% vs 51%; adjusted OR [95% CI]: 0.84 [0.76, 0.94]).

CONCLUSION

Women were more likely to receive CDMPs but less likely to receive antiplatelet medications than men, no gender difference was observed in the receipt of mental health care. However, the receipt of the CDMPs and the mental health treatment consultations were suboptimal and better use of these existing services could improve ongoing CVD management.

Perspectives of general practitioners about a collaborative asthma care model in primary care

INTRODUCTION

Asthma affects 2.7 million people in Australia and is predominantly managed by general practitioners (GPs) within primary care. Despite national focus on this condition, asthma control in the population is suboptimal, with many preventable hospitalizations. In the light of robust evidence supporting the role of pharmacists in the management of chronic diseases including asthma, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) proposed a General Practice Pharmacist (GPP) model in 2015. In this proposal, a non-dispensing pharmacist, co-located within the primary care setting and collaborating with GPs and allied health professionals, can make a positive impact on patients' health and minimize costs due to medication misadventure. The aim of this study was to obtain the views of GPs regarding the GPP model for better management of asthma in a qualitative study.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 GPs, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and later analyzed for emergent themes. The GPs support the idea of a GPP as time and task pressures restrict them in adhering to asthma management guidelines.

RESULTS

Support from another health professional in such a pressured environment can positively impact patient's health. Funding, clear role delineation within general practice, training of pharmacists working as GPPs, and effective communication systems were described as the potential catalysts for the success of the model.

CONCLUSION

Sustainable funding and the willingness of practice owners/managers were described as the barriers. The GPs agreed that pharmacists can make a positive difference in patient's asthma management once the barriers were effectively addressed.