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Toomey M, Gyawali R, Ho KC, Stapleton F, Keay L, Jalbert I. Developing realistic benchmarks for glaucoma care delivery. Clin Exp Optom 2024; 107:196-203. [PMID: 37952255 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2023.2275748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
CLINICAL RELEVANCE Realistic benchmarks can serve as comparators for optometrists wishing to engage in clinical practice audits of their glaucoma care. BACKGROUND The iCareTrack study established the appropriateness of glaucoma care delivery through clinical record audits of Australian optometry practices. Benchmarks required for monitoring and improving glaucoma care delivery do not exist. This study developed realistic benchmarks for glaucoma care and then benchmarked the performance of practices from the iCareTrack study to establish aspects of care that warrant attention from quality improvement initiatives. METHODS Benchmarks were developed from the pre-existing iCareTrack dataset using the Achievable Benchmarks of Care (ABC) method. The iCareTrack study had audited the appropriateness of glaucoma care delivery against 37 clinical indicators for 420 randomly sampled glaucoma patient records from 42 Australian optometry practices. The four-step ABC method calculates benchmarks based on the top 10% of best-performing practices adjusted for low patient encounter numbers. iCareTrack results were compared to the benchmarks to explore the distribution of practices that were at, above or below benchmark. RESULTS Benchmarks were developed for 34 of 37 iCareTrack indicators. For 26 (of 34) indicators, the benchmarks were at or above 90% appropriateness. The benchmarks for 14 (of 34) iCareTrack indicators were met by more than 80% of eligible practices, indicating excellent performance. Some aspects of glaucoma care such as peripheral anterior angle assessment, applanation tonometry, and visual field assessment appeared to be delivered sub-optimally by optometrists when compared to the benchmarks. CONCLUSION This study established benchmarks for glaucoma care delivery in optometry practices that reflect realistic and top achievable performance. The large number of indicators with benchmarks above 90% confirmed that glaucoma care can and should be delivered by optometrists at very high levels of appropriateness. Benchmarking identified pockets of sub-optimal performance that can now be targeted by quality improvement initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Toomey
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rajendra Gyawali
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kam Chun Ho
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Discipline of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Keay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isabelle Jalbert
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Huwel L, Van Eessen J, Gunst J, Malbrain ML, Bosschem V, Vanacker T, Verhaeghe S, Benoit DD. What is appropriate care? A qualitative study into the perceptions of healthcare professionals in Flemish university hospital intensive care units. Heliyon 2023; 9:e13471. [PMID: 36816284 PMCID: PMC9929305 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim This study examines when healthcare professionals consider intensive care as appropriate care. Background Despite attempts to conceptualize appropriate care in prior research, there is a lack of insight into its meaning and implementation in practice. This is an important issue because healthcare professionals as well as patients and relatives report inappropriate care in the intensive care unit (ICU) on a regular basis. Methods A qualitative study was designed, based on principles of grounded theory. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with nurses, doctors and doctors in training from three Flemish university hospitals. Analyses followed the Quagol method; insights were gained by means of the constant comparative method. Results Healthcare professionals described appropriate care as socially sustainable care, high-quality care, patient-oriented care, dignified care and meaningful care. They considered it important that care is not only proportional to the expected survival and quality of life of the patient and in line with the patient's or relatives' wishes, but also that the pursuit of the care goals is proportional to the patient's suffering.Although healthcare professionals indicated the same elements of appropriate care, they were defined and interpreted in individual and therefore different ways. This diversity lies at the basis of fields of tension and frustrations among healthcare professionals. Conclusion Appropriate care is defined and interpreted in individual and therefore different ways. In order to decide which type of care is appropriate for a specific patient, a process of open and constructive communication in a team is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lore Huwel
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Corresponding author.
| | - Joke Van Eessen
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jan Gunst
- Leuven University Hospital, Department of Intensive Care Medicine; Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Intensive Care Medicine, Onderwijs & Navorsing 1 (O&N1) Building of Campus Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manu L.N.G. Malbrain
- Brussels University Hospital, Department of Intensive Care; Brussels Health Campus, Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Jette, Belgium
- International Fluid Academy, iMERiT vzw, Dreef 3, 3360 Lovenjoel, Belgium
| | - Veerle Bosschem
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Vanacker
- Ghent University Hospital, Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sofie Verhaeghe
- Ghent University, Centre for Nursing and Midwifery, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, UZ Gent, 5K3 (entrance 42), Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
- VIVES University College Leuven, Department of Nursing, VIVES Roeselare, Wilgenstraat 32, 8800 Roeselare, Belgium
- Hasselt University, Faculty of Medicine and Life Science; Agoralaan, 3590 Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Dominique D. Benoit
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Hibbert PD, Molloy CJ, Wiles LK, Cameron ID, Gray LC, Reed RL, Kitson A, Georgiou A, Gordon SJ, Westbrook J, Arnolda G, Mitchell RJ, Rapport F, Estabrooks C, Alexander GL, Vincent C, Edwards A, Carson-Stevens A, Wagner C, McCormack B, Braithwaite J. Designing Clinical Indicators for Common Residential Aged Care Conditions and Processes of Care: The CareTrack Aged Development and Validation Study. Int J Qual Health Care 2022; 34:6571667. [PMID: 35445264 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who live in aged care homes have high rates of illness and frailty. Providing evidence-based care to this population is vital to ensure the highest possible quality of life. This study (CareTrack Aged, CT Aged) aimed to develop a comprehensive set of clinical indicators for guideline-adherent, appropriate care of commonly managed conditions and processes of care in aged care. METHODS Indicators were formulated from recommendations found through systematic searches of Australian and international clinical practice guidelines (CPGs). Experts reviewed the indicators using a multi-round modified Delphi process to develop consensus on what constitutes appropriate care. RESULTS From 139 CPGs, 5,609 recommendations were used to draft 630 indicators. Clinical experts (n=41) reviewed the indicators over two rounds. A final set of 236 indicators resulted, mapped to 16 conditions and processes of care. The conditions and processes were admission assessment; bladder and bowel problems; cognitive impairment; depression; dysphagia and aspiration; end of life/palliative care; hearing and vision; infection; medication; mobility and falls; nutrition and hydration; oral and dental care; pain; restraint use; skin integrity; and sleep. CONCLUSIONS The suite of CT Aged clinical indicators can be used for research, assessment of quality of care in individual facilities and across organisations to guide improvement, and to supplement regulation or accreditation of the aged care sector. They are a step forward for Australian and international aged care sectors, helping to improve transparency, so that the level of care delivered to aged care consumers can be rigorously monitored and continuously improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Hibbert
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,IIMPACT in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Charlotte J Molloy
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,IIMPACT in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Louise K Wiles
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,IIMPACT in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ian D Cameron
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Leonard C Gray
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Richard L Reed
- Discipline of General Practice, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alison Kitson
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Georgiou
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan J Gordon
- Caring Futures Institute, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Johanna Westbrook
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gaston Arnolda
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca J Mitchell
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frances Rapport
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carole Estabrooks
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Charles Vincent
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Radcliffe Observatory, University of Oxford, Oxford, England, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Edwards
- PRIME Centre Wales & Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Carson-Stevens
- PRIME Centre Wales & Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Cordula Wagner
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Utrecht/Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brendan McCormack
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Toomey M, Ho KC, Gyawali R, Stapleton F, Wiles L, Hibbert P, Keay L, Jalbert I. The appropriateness of and barriers to glaucoma care delivery by Australian optometrists. Clin Exp Optom 2022; 105:593-601. [PMID: 35037600 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.2004861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CLINICAL RELEVANCE Establishing the level of appropriateness and barriers to glaucoma care delivery by Australian optometrists are important first steps in developing tailored interventions aimed at improving glaucoma care delivery. BACKGROUND To determine the appropriateness of and barriers to glaucoma care by optometrists. METHODS A mixed method study was conducted. Phase I was a retrospective cross-sectional medical record audit that assessed glaucoma care appropriateness against 37 clinical indicators from a nationally representative sample of 42 optometry practices. In Phase II, focus groups and interviews involving 31 optometrists explored audit findings to identify barriers to appropriate glaucoma care. Barriers were analysed by deductive and inductive qualitative analysis. Saliency analysis was used to identify key domains that influence glaucoma care. RESULTS Appropriate glaucoma care was delivered for 63% (95% CI 61%, 64%) of the 420 patient encounters audited. Appropriate care was delivered above 80% for most (57%) indicators, while 14 (38%) indicators were delivered below 60% appropriateness. Good compliance to appropriate care was noted for key indicators of intraocular pressure measurement (90%, 95% CI 87%, 93%) and optic nerve head/retinal nerve fibre layer imaging (78%, 95% CI 74%, 82%). Important barriers identified were beliefs about expected outcomes, lack of perceived relevancy, time constraints, poor organisational culture, knowledge gaps, focusing on some aspects of glaucoma care to the detriment of others, the complexity of glaucoma care, information recall, and social norms. CONCLUSION Glaucoma care was appropriate in most patient encounters, with opportunity to improve some aspects of history taking and physical examinations. Barriers to glaucoma care were diverse, existing at both the practitioner and organisational levels. These findings provide direction for the development of a tailored improvement intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Toomey
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kam Chun Ho
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Population Health Research Unit, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rajendra Gyawali
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louise Wiles
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Iimpact in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - Peter Hibbert
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Iimpact in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lisa Keay
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,The George Institute for Global Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isabelle Jalbert
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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5
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Toomey M, Jalbert I. Knowledge translation for the everyday optometrist. Clin Exp Optom 2021; 104:744-755. [PMID: 33831335 DOI: 10.1080/08164622.2021.1898275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A gap exists between best evidence and actual clinical care provided to patients. The advent of evidence-based practice was meant to address this gap by providing practitioners with a method to search, evaluate and incorporate evidence into practice. However, the gap continues to exist. The health research fields of knowledge translation and implementation science have evolved over the last few decades to assist practitioners in embedding research findings and best evidence into routine practice. Knowledge translation seeks to improve public health outcomes by facilitating the movement of best evidence from the bench to clinical practice. Implementation science is the study of methods to integrate research findings and evidence-based practice into routine practice. This literature review aims to revisit the concepts of evidence-based practice and to introduce knowledge translation and implementation science by exploring their roles and influences in the delivery of appropriate glaucoma care by optometrists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda Toomey
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isabelle Jalbert
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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6
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Hibbert PD, Runciman WB, Carson-Stevens A, Lachman P, Wheaton G, Hallahan AR, Jaffe A, White L, Muething S, Wiles LK, Molloy CJ, Deakin A, Braithwaite J. Characterising the types of paediatric adverse events detected by the global trigger tool – CareTrack Kids. JOURNAL OF PATIENT SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2516043520969329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionA common method of learning about adverse events (AEs) is by reviewing medical records using the global trigger tool (GTT). However, these studies generally report rates of harm. The aim of this study is to characterise paediatric AEs detected by the GTT using descriptive and qualitative approaches.MethodsMedical records of children aged 0–15 were reviewed for presence of harm using the GTT. Records from 2012–2013 were sampled from hospital inpatients, emergency departments, general practice and specialist paediatric practices in three Australian states. Nurses undertook a review of each record and if an AE was suspected a doctor performed a verification review of a summary created by the nurse. A qualitative content analysis was undertaken on the summary of verified AEs.ResultsA total of 232 AEs were detected from 6,689 records reviewed. Over four-fifths of the AEs (193/232, 83%) resulted in minor harm to the patient. Nearly half (112/232, 48%) related to medication/intravenous (IV) fluids. Of these, 83% (93/112) were adverse drug reactions. Problems with medical devices/equipment were the next most frequent with nearly two-thirds (32/51, 63%) of these related to intravenous devices. Problems associated with clinical processes/procedures comprise one in six AEs (38/232, 16%), of which diagnostic problems (12/38, 32%) and procedural complications (11/38, 29%) were the most frequent.ConclusionAdverse drug reactions and issues with IVs are frequently identified AEs reflecting their common use in paediatrics. The qualitative approach taken in this study allowed AE types to be characterised, which is a prerequisite for developing and prioritising improvements in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Hibbert
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - William B Runciman
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew Carson-Stevens
- Division of Population Medicine, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Lachman
- International Society for Quality in Health Care, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gavin Wheaton
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew R Hallahan
- Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, Randwick, Australia
| | - Les White
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Louise K Wiles
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - Charlotte J Molloy
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anita Deakin
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, New South Wales, Australia
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7
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Ho KC, Stapleton F, Wiles L, Hibbert P, White A, Jalbert I. iCareTrack: measuring the appropriateness of eyecare delivery in Australia. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2020; 40:433-441. [DOI: 10.1111/opo.12699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kam Chun Ho
- School of Optometry and Vision Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
- Population Health Research Unit Singapore Eye Research Institute Singapore
- Injury Division The George Institute for Global Health Sydney Australia
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
| | - Louise Wiles
- School of Optometry and Vision Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Australian Institute of Health InnovationMacquarie University Sydney Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health School of Health Sciences University of South Australia Adelaide Australia
| | - Peter Hibbert
- School of Optometry and Vision Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Australian Institute of Health InnovationMacquarie University Sydney Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health School of Health Sciences University of South Australia Adelaide Australia
| | - Andrew White
- School of Optometry and Vision Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
- Save Sight Institute Westmead HospitalUniversity of Sydney Sydney Australia
- Centre for Vision Research Westmead Institute for Medical Research Westmead HospitalUniversity of Sydney Sydney Australia
| | - Isabelle Jalbert
- School of Optometry and Vision Science University of New South Wales Sydney Australia
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8
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Wiles LK, de Wet C, Dalton C, Murphy E, Harris MF, Hibbert PD, Molloy CJ, Arnolda G, Ting HP, Braithwaite J. The quality of preventive care for pre-school aged children in Australian general practice. BMC Med 2019; 17:218. [PMID: 31805928 PMCID: PMC6896286 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-019-1455-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variable and poor care quality are important causes of preventable patient harm. Many patients receive less than recommended care, but the extent of the problem remains largely unknown. The CareTrack Kids (CTK) research programme sought to address this evidence gap by developing a set of indicators to measure the quality of care for common paediatric conditions. In this study, we focus on one clinical area, 'preventive care' for pre-school aged children. Our objectives were two-fold: (i) develop and validate preventive care quality indicators and (ii) apply them in general medical practice to measure adherence. METHODS Clinical experts (n = 6) developed indicator questions (IQs) from clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations using a multi-stage modified Delphi process, which were pilot tested in general practice. The medical records of Australian children (n = 976) from general practices (n = 80) in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia identified as having a consultation for one of 17 CTK conditions of interest were retrospectively reviewed by trained paediatric nurses. Statistical analyses were performed to estimate percentage compliance and its 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS IQs (n = 43) and eight care 'bundles' were developed and validated. Care was delivered in line with the IQs in 43.3% of eligible healthcare encounters (95% CI 30.5-56.7). The bundles of care with the highest compliance were 'immunisation' (80.1%, 95% CI 65.7-90.4), 'anthropometric measurements' (52.7%, 95% CI 35.6-69.4) and 'nutrition assessments' (38.5%, 95% CI 24.3-54.3), and lowest for 'visual assessment' (17.9%, 95% CI 8.2-31.9), 'musculoskeletal examinations' (24.4%, 95% CI 13.1-39.1) and 'cardiovascular examinations' (30.9%, 95% CI 12.3-55.5). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first known attempt to develop specific preventive care quality indicators and measure their delivery to Australian children in general practice. Our findings that preventive care is not reliably delivered to all Australian children and that there is substantial variation in adherence with the IQs provide a starting point for clinicians, researchers and policy makers when considering how the gap between recommended and actual care may be narrowed. The findings may also help inform the development of specific improvement interventions, incentives and national standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise K Wiles
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute (UniSA CRI), School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carl de Wet
- Healthcare Improvement Unit, Clinical Excellence Division, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Elisabeth Murphy
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, North Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark F Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter D Hibbert
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute (UniSA CRI), School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Charlotte J Molloy
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia Cancer Research Institute (UniSA CRI), School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Gaston Arnolda
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hsuen P Ting
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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9
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Hibbert PD, Wiles LK, Cameron ID, Kitson A, Reed RL, Georgiou A, Gray L, Westbrook J, Augustsson H, Molloy CJ, Arnolda G, Ting HP, Mitchell R, Rapport F, Gordon SJ, Runciman WB, Braithwaite J. CareTrack Aged: the appropriateness of care delivered to Australians living in residential aged care facilities: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e030988. [PMID: 31243038 PMCID: PMC6597647 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-030988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aged population is increasing rapidly across the world and this is expected to continue. People living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) represent amongst the sickest and frailest cohort of the aged population, with a high prevalence of chronic conditions and complex comorbidities. Given the vulnerability of RACF residents and the demands on the system, there is a need to determine the extent that care is delivered in line with best practice ('appropriate care') in RACFs. There is also a recognition that systems should provide care that optimises quality of life (QoL), which includes support for physical and psychological well-being, independence, social relationships, personal beliefs and a caring external environment. The aims of CareTrack Aged are to develop sets of indicators for appropriate care and processes of care for commonly managed conditions, and then assess the appropriateness of care delivered and QoL of residents in RACFs in Australia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will extract recommendations from clinical practice guidelines and, using expert review, convert these into sets of indicators for 15 common conditions and processes of care for people living in RACFs. We will recruit RACFs in three Australian states, and residents within these RACFs, using a stratified multistage sampling method. Experienced nurses, trained in the CareTrack Aged methods ('surveyors'), will review care records of recruited residents within a 1-month period in 2019 and 2020, and assess the care documented against the indicators of appropriate care. Surveyors will concurrently assess residents' QoL using validated questionnaires. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been reviewed and approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of Macquarie University (5201800386). The research findings will be published in international and national journals and disseminated through conferences and presentations to interested stakeholder groups, including consumers, national agencies, healthcare professionals, policymakers and researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Hibbert
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Cancer Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Louise K Wiles
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Cancer Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Ian D Cameron
- John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alison Kitson
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard L Reed
- Flinders University General Practice and Primary Health Care, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew Georgiou
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Len Gray
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Johanna Westbrook
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hanna Augustsson
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charlotte J Molloy
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Cancer Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gaston Arnolda
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hsuen P Ting
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rebecca Mitchell
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Frances Rapport
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan J Gordon
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - William B Runciman
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, Cancer Research Institute, School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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10
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Ho KC, Rahardjo D, Stapleton F, Wiles L, Hibbert PD, White AJR, Hayen A, Jalbert I. Can the appropriateness of eye care be measured through cross-sectional retrospective patient record review in eye care practices in Australia? The iCareTrack feasibility study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024298. [PMID: 30837251 PMCID: PMC6429871 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The CareTrack study found that a wide range of appropriateness of care (ie, care in line with evidence-based or consensus-based guidelines) was delivered across many health conditions in Australia. This study therefore aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using the CareTrack method (a retrospective onsite record review) to measure the appropriateness of eye care delivery. DESIGN Cross-sectional feasibility study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Two hundred and thirteen patient records randomly selected from eight optometry and ophthalmology practices in Australia, selected through a combination of convenience and maximum variation sampling. METHODS Retrospective record review designed to assess the alignment between eye care delivered and 93 clinical indicators (Delphi method involving 11 experts) extracted from evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Number of eligible patient records, sampling rates and data collection time. This feasibility study also tested the ability of 93 clinical indicators to measure percentage appropriate eye care for preventative, glaucoma and diabetic eye care. A secondary outcome was the percentage of practitioner-patient encounters at which appropriate eye care was received. RESULTS A median of 20 records (range 9 to 63) per practice were reviewed. Data collection time ranged from 3 to 5.5 hours (median 3.5). The most effective sampling strategy involved random letter generation followed by sequential sampling. The appropriateness of care was 69% (95% CI 67% to 70%) for preventative eye care, 60% (95% CI 56% to 58%) for glaucoma and 63% (95% CI 57% to 69%) for diabetic eye care. CONCLUSIONS Appropriateness of eye care can be measured effectively using retrospective record review of eye care practices and consensus-based care indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kam Chun Ho
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dian Rahardjo
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise Wiles
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of South Australia Division of Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter D Hibbert
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of South Australia Division of Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew J R White
- Cambridge University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Vision Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Isabelle Jalbert
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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11
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Wiles LK, Hooper TD, Hibbert PD, Molloy C, White L, Jaffe A, Cowell CT, Harris MF, Runciman WB, Schmiede A, Dalton C, Hallahan AR, Dalton S, Williams H, Wheaton G, Murphy E, Braithwaite J. Clinical indicators for common paediatric conditions: Processes, provenance and products of the CareTrack Kids study. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0209637. [PMID: 30625190 PMCID: PMC6326465 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0209637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In order to determine the extent to which care delivered to children is appropriate (in line with evidence-based care and/or clinical practice guidelines (CPGs)) in Australia, we developed a set of clinical indicators for 21 common paediatric medical conditions for use across a range of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare practice facilities. METHODS Clinical indicators were extracted from recommendations found through systematic searches of national and international guidelines, and formatted with explicit criteria for inclusion, exclusion, time frame and setting. Experts reviewed the indicators using a multi-round modified Delphi process and collaborative online wiki to develop consensus on what constituted appropriate care. RESULTS From 121 clinical practice guidelines, 1098 recommendations were used to draft 451 proposed appropriateness indicators. In total, 61 experts (n = 24 internal reviewers, n = 37 external reviewers) reviewed these indicators over 40 weeks. A final set of 234 indicators resulted, from which 597 indicator items were derived suitable for medical record audit. Most indicator items were geared towards capturing information about under-use in healthcare (n = 551, 92%) across emergency department (n = 457, 77%), hospital (n = 450, 75%) and general practice (n = 434, 73%) healthcare facilities, and based on consensus level recommendations (n = 451, 76%). The main reason for rejecting indicators was 'feasibility' (likely to be able to be used for determining compliance with 'appropriate care' from medical record audit). CONCLUSION A set of indicators was developed for the appropriateness of care for 21 paediatric conditions. We describe the processes (methods), provenance (origins and evolution of indicators) and products (indicator characteristics) of creating clinical indicators within the context of Australian healthcare settings. Developing consensus on clinical appropriateness indicators using a Delphi approach and collaborative online wiki has methodological utility. The final indicator set can be used by clinicians and organisations to measure and reflect on their own practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise K. Wiles
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, School of Health Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tamara D. Hooper
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, School of Health Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Peter D. Hibbert
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, School of Health Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Charlotte Molloy
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, School of Health Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les White
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, North Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Randwick, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher T. Cowell
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark F. Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William B. Runciman
- Australian Centre for Precision Health, School of Health Sciences, Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Centre for Health Systems and Safety Research, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Annette Schmiede
- BUPA Health Foundation Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chris Dalton
- BUPA Health Foundation Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew R. Hallahan
- Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah Dalton
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, North Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales (NSW) Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI), Chatswood, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helena Williams
- Russell Clinic, Blackwood, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Cancer Australia, Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Adelaide Primary Health Network, Mile End, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Country SA Primary Health Network, Nuriootpa, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gavin Wheaton
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Women’s and Children’s Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, North Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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12
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Ramanathan S, Hibbert P, Wiles L, Maher CG, Runciman W. What is the association between the presence of comorbidities and the appropriateness of care for low back pain? A population-based medical record review study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2018; 19:391. [PMID: 30400874 PMCID: PMC6220516 DOI: 10.1186/s12891-018-2316-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although “non-specific” in 90% of cases, low back pain (LBP) is often treated as an independent entity, even though comorbidities are commonly associated with it. There is evidence that some LBP may be related to chronic conditions or be a symptom of poor health. The purpose of this study was to clarify the extent of comorbidities amongst a cohort of Australian adults with LBP and examine if having concurrent conditions has any association with appropriateness of care for LBP. Methods A population-based sample of patients with one or more of 22 common conditions was recruited by telephone; consents were obtained to review their medical records. Trained surveyors extracted information from their medical records to examine the care patients received for their LBP with respect to ten indicators of appropriate care, ratified by LBP experts. Using LBP as the index condition, lists of self-reported comorbidities and those that were documented in medical records were compared. Medical records were reviewed and analysed with respect to appropriateness of care to identify any significant differences in care received between patients with LBP only and those with LBP plus comorbidities. Results One hundred and sixty four LBP patients were included in the analysis. Over 60% of adults with LBP in Australia had one of 17 comorbidities documented, with females being more likely than males to have comorbid conditions (63% vs 37%, p = 0.012). The more comorbidities, the poorer their reported health status (63% vs 30%, p = 0.006). Patients with comorbidities were significantly less likely to receive appropriate LBP care on nine of the ten LBP indicators (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study established that the presence of comorbidities is associated with poorer care for LBP. Understanding why this is so is an important direction for future research. Further studies using a larger cohort are needed to explore the association between comorbidities and appropriateness of care for LBP, to better inform guidelines and practice in this area. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12891-018-2316-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi Ramanathan
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Locked Bag 100, New Lambton Heights, Newcastle, 2305, Australia. .,Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia. .,Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Peter Hibbert
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Population Health Research, Sansom Institute for Health Research, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Louise Wiles
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Population Health Research, Sansom Institute for Health Research, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Christopher G Maher
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Sydney, Australia.,Sydney School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - William Runciman
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Centre for Population Health Research, Sansom Institute for Health Research, The University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, Australia
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13
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Hibbert P, Stephens JH, de Wet C, Williams H, Hallahan A, Wheaton GR, Dalton C, Ting HP, Arnolda G, Braithwaite J. Assessing the Quality of the Management of Tonsillitis among Australian Children: A Population-Based Sample Survey. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2018; 160:137-144. [PMID: 30149777 DOI: 10.1177/0194599818796137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were twofold: (1) to design and validate a set of clinical indicators of appropriate care for tonsillitis and (2) to measure the level of tonsillitis care that is in line with guideline recommendations in a sample of Australian children. STUDY DESIGN A set of tonsillitis care indicators was developed from available national and international guidelines and validated in 4 stages. This research used the same design as the CareTrack Kids study, which was described in detail elsewhere. SETTING Samples of patient records from general practices, emergency departments, and hospital admissions were assessed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Patient records of children aged 0 to 15 years were assessed for the presence of, and adherence to, the indicators for care delivered in 2012 and 2013. RESULTS Eleven indicators were developed. The records of 821 children (mean age, 5.0 years; SD, 4.0) with tonsillitis were screened. The reviewers conducted 2354 eligible indicator assessments across 1127 visits. Adherence to 6 indicators could be assessed and ranged from 14.3% to 73.2% (interquartile range 31.5% to 72.2%). CONCLUSION Our main findings are consistent with the international literature: the treatment of many children who present with confirmed or suspected tonsillitis is inconsistent with current guidelines. Future research should consider how the indicators could be applied in a structured and automated manner to increase the reliability and efficiency of record reviews and help raise clinicians' awareness of appropriate tonsillitis management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Hibbert
- 1 Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Australia.,2 School of Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Carl de Wet
- 3 School of Medicine, Griffith University, Southport, Australia.,4 Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Nathan, Australia
| | - Helena Williams
- 5 Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Andrew Hallahan
- 6 Children's Health Queensland, Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, Australia.,7 School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Australia
| | - Gavin R Wheaton
- 8 Department of Cardiology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Hsuen P Ting
- 1 Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Gaston Arnolda
- 1 Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- 1 Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Australia
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14
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Basedow M, Runciman WB, Lipworth W, Esterman A. Australian general practitioner attitudes to clinical practice guidelines and some implications for translating osteoarthritis care into practice. Aust J Prim Health 2018; 22:403-408. [PMID: 26434496 DOI: 10.1071/py15079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been shown to improve processes of care and health outcomes, but there is often a discrepancy between recommendations for care and clinical practice. This study sought to explore general practitioner (GP) attitudes towards CPGs, in general and specifically for osteoarthritis (OA), with the implications for translating OA care into practice. A self-administered questionnaire was conducted in January 2013 with a sample of 228 GPs in New South Wales and South Australia. Seventy-nine GPs returned questionnaires (response rate 35%). Nearly all GPs considered that CPGs support decision-making in practice (94%) and medical education (92%). Very few respondents regarded CPGs as a threat to clinical autonomy, and most recognised that individual patient circumstances must be taken into account. Shorter CPG formats were preferred over longer and more comprehensive formats, with preferences being evenly divided among respondents for short, 2-3-page summaries, flowcharts or algorithms and single page checklists. GPs considered accessibility to CPGs to be important, and electronic formats were popular. Familiarity and use of The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners OA Guideline was poor, with most respondents either not aware of it (30%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 27 - 41%), had never used it (19%; 95% CI 12 - 29%) or rarely used it (34%; 95% CI 25-45%). If CPGs are to assist with the translation of evidence into practice, they must be easily accessible and in a format that encourages use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Basedow
- School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Level 8, SAHMRI Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - William B Runciman
- School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Level 8, SAHMRI Building, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Wendy Lipworth
- Centre for Values, Ethics and the Law in Medicine, University of Sydney, Level 1, Medical Foundation Building, 92-94 Parramatta Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
| | - Adrian Esterman
- Sansom Institute of Health Service Research and School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Level 4, Centenary Building, Frome Road, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
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15
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Measuring Adherence to Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Evid Based Dent Pract 2017; 17:301-309. [PMID: 29197431 DOI: 10.1016/j.jebdp.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dental Health Services Victoria publishes evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) to assist public oral health practitioners to provide high-quality dental care. How well these CPGs are implemented into practice is unknown. The aim of this study was to assess adherence to selected CPGs. METHODS An electronic auditing tool was developed using clinical indicators derived for "stainless steel crown (SSC)," "restorative care for children under general anesthetic (GA)," and "direct restorative materials" CPG. Six trained dentists audited a random sample of 204 dental records of children aged 3-12 years from 2 major public dental agencies. RESULTS In total, 319 material-based treatments were audited, comprising 170 resin composite, 81 glass ionomer cement, 64 SSC, and 4 amalgam restorations. Adherence to the current guidelines varied from 94% of the SSC to none of the amalgam treatments audited. Almost half (47%) of the resin composite restorations and 5% of glass ionomer cement restorations were nonadherent to the relevant guideline. CONCLUSIONS Average adherence was up to 72% of cases. Clinicians need to consider recording the rationale upon which their professional judgment is based when they decide not to follow an appropriate CPG.
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16
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Elshaug AG, Rosenthal MB, Lavis JN, Brownlee S, Schmidt H, Nagpal S, Littlejohns P, Srivastava D, Tunis S, Saini V. Levers for addressing medical underuse and overuse: achieving high-value health care. Lancet 2017; 390:191-202. [PMID: 28077228 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(16)32586-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The preceding papers in this Series have outlined how underuse and overuse of health-care services occur within a complex system of health-care production, with a multiplicity of causes. Because poor care is ubiquitous and has considerable consequences for the health and wellbeing of billions of people around the world, remedying this problem is a morally and politically urgent task. Universal health coverage is a key step towards achieving the right care. Therefore, full consideration of potential levers of change must include an upstream perspective-ie, an understanding of the system-level factors that drive overuse and underuse, as well as the various incentives at work during a clinical encounter. One example of a system-level factor is the allocation of resources (eg, hospital beds and clinicians) to meet the needs of a local population to minimise underuse or overuse. Another example is priority setting using tools such as health technology assessment to guide the optimum diffusion of safe, effective, and cost-effective health-care services. In this Series paper we investigate a range of levers for eliminating medical underuse and overuse. Some levers could operate effectively (and be politically viable) across many different health and political systems (eg, increase patient activation with decision support) whereas other levers must be tailored to local contexts (eg, basing coverage decisions on a particular cost-effectiveness ratio). Ideally, policies must move beyond the purely incremental; that is, policies that merely tinker at the policy edges after underuse or overuse arises. In this regard, efforts to increase public awareness, mobilisation, and empowerment hold promise as universal methods to reset all other contexts and thereby enhance all other efforts to promote the right care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam G Elshaug
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, School of Public Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Lown Institute, Brookline, MA, USA.
| | - Meredith B Rosenthal
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John N Lavis
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; McMaster Health Forum, Centre for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, Department of Health Evidence and Impact, Department of Political Science, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon Brownlee
- Lown Institute, Brookline, MA, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Harald Schmidt
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy and Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Peter Littlejohns
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Divya Srivastava
- LSE Health, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Sean Tunis
- Center for Medical Technology Policy, Baltimore, MD, USA
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17
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Ramanathan SA, Hibbert PD, Maher CG, Day RO, Hindmarsh DM, Hooper TD, Hannaford NA, Runciman WB. CareTrack: Toward Appropriate Care for Low Back Pain. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2017; 42:E802-E809. [PMID: 27831965 DOI: 10.1097/brs.0000000000001972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
STUDY DESIGN Retrospective medical record review to assess compliance with low back pain (LBP) care indicators. OBJECTIVE To establish baseline estimates of the appropriateness of LBP care in the general Australian population provided by a range of healthcare providers in various real-world settings. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA LBP is a costly condition and accounts for the greatest burden of disease worldwide, yet the care provided is often at variance with guidelines. No baseline estimates of performance are currently available in Australia across various aspects of LBP care, practitioners, and settings. METHODS A population-based sample of patients with 22 common conditions was recruited by telephone; consents were obtained to review their medical records against indicators ("CareTrack"). Care for LBP was reviewed against 10 indicators used in a previous study and ratified by experts as representing appropriate LBP care in Australia during 2009 and 2010. RESULTS Of the 22 CareTrack conditions, LBP had the highest number of eligible healthcare encounters (6588 of 35,573, 19%), 125 to 884 per indicator among 164 LBP patients. Overall compliance with LBP indicators was 72% (range 42%-98%). Allied health practitioners and hospitals were the most compliant (82%-83% respectively), followed by general practitioners (54%). Some aspects of care were poor, such as documenting a thorough neurological examination, screening for serious diseases such as infection and inappropriate use of drugs such as steroids and treatments such as traction. CONCLUSION Over a quarter of LBP care was not appropriate despite the availability of guidelines. There is a need for national and, potentially, international agreement on clinical standards, indicators and tools to guide, document and monitor the appropriateness of care for LBP, and for measures to increase their uptake, particularly where deficiencies have been identified. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE N /A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanthi A Ramanathan
- Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia.,University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter D Hibbert
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris G Maher
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard O Day
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Clinical Pharmacology and St Vincent's Clinical School, St Vincent's Hospital and University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Diane M Hindmarsh
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - William B Runciman
- University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.,Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, Australia
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18
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Hibbert PD, Hannaford NA, Hooper TD, Hindmarsh DM, Braithwaite J, Ramanathan SA, Wickham N, Runciman WB. Assessing the appropriateness of prevention and management of venous thromboembolism in Australia: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2016; 6:e008618. [PMID: 26962033 PMCID: PMC4785294 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevention and management of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is often at variance with guidelines. The CareTrack Australia (CTA) study reported that appropriate care (in line with evidence-based or consensus-based guidelines) is being provided for VTE at just over half of eligible encounters. The aim of this paper is to present and discuss the detailed CTA findings for VTE as a baseline for compliance with guidelines at a population level. SETTING The setting was 27 hospitals in 2 states of Australia. PARTICIPANTS A sample of participants designed to be representative of the Australian population was recruited. Participants who had been admitted overnight during 2009 and/or 2010 were eligible. Of the 1154 CTA participants, 481(42%) were admitted overnight to hospital at least once, comprising 751 admissions. There were 279 females (58%), and the mean age was 64 years. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary measure was compliance with indicators of appropriate care for VTE. The indicators were extracted from Australian VTE clinical practice guidelines and ratified by experts. Participants' medical records from 2009 to 2010 were analysed for compliance with 38 VTE indicators. RESULTS Of the 35,145 CTA encounters, 1078 (3%) were eligible for scoring against VTE indicators. There were 2-84 eligible encounters per indicator at 27 hospitals. Overall compliance with indicators for VTE was 51%, and ranged from 34% to 64% for aggregated sets of indicators. CONCLUSIONS The prevention and management of VTE was appropriate for only half of the at-risk patients in our sample; this provides a baseline for tracking progress nationally. There is a need for national and, ideally, international agreement on clinical standards, indicators and tools to guide, document and monitor care for VTE, and for measures to increase their uptake, particularly where deficiencies have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Hibbert
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Natalie A Hannaford
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tamara D Hooper
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Diane M Hindmarsh
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shanthi A Ramanathan
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Hunter Valley Research Foundation, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas Wickham
- Adelaide Cancer Centre, Kurralta Park, South Australia, Australia
| | - William B Runciman
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre for Population Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Hooper TD, Hibbert PD, Hannaford NA, Jackson N, Hindmarsh DM, Gordon DL, Coiera EC, Runciman WB. Surgical site infection-a population-based study in Australian adults measuring the compliance with and correct timing of appropriate antibiotic prophylaxis. Anaesth Intensive Care 2015; 43:461-7. [PMID: 26099757 DOI: 10.1177/0310057x1504300407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Prophylaxis for surgical site infection (SSI) is often at variance with guidelines, despite the prevalence of SSI and its associated cost, morbidity, and mortality. The CareTrack Australia study, undertaken by a number of the authors, demonstrated that appropriate care (in line with evidence- or consensus-based guidelines) was provided at 38% of eligible SSI healthcare encounters. Here, we report the indicator-level CareTrack Australia findings for SSI prophylaxis. Indicators were extracted from Australian and international clinical guidelines and ratified by clinical experts. A sample designed to be representative of the Australian population was recruited (n=1154). Participants' medical records were reviewed and analysed for compliance with the five SSI indicators. The main outcome measure was the percentage of eligible healthcare encounters with documented compliance with indicators for appropriate SSI prophylaxis. Of the 35,145 CareTrack Australia encounters, 702 (2%) were eligible for scoring against the SSI indicators. Where antibiotics were recommended, compliance was 49% for contaminated surgery, 57% for clean-contaminated surgery and 85% for surgery involving a prosthesis: these fell to 8%, 10% and 14%, respectively (an average of 11%), when currently recommended timing of antibiotic administration was included. Where antibiotics were not indicated, 72% of patients still received them. SSI prophylaxis in our sample was poor; over two-thirds of patients were given antibiotics, whether indicated or not, mainly at the wrong time. There is a need for national agreement on clinical standards, indicators and tools to guide, document and monitor SSI prophylaxis, with both local and national measures to increase and monitor their uptake.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Hooper
- Project Manager, Centre for Sleep Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - P D Hibbert
- Program Manager, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales
| | - N A Hannaford
- Senior Analyst, Clinical Research, Centre for Sleep Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - N Jackson
- Research Assistant, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales
| | - D M Hindmarsh
- Biostatistician, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales
| | - D L Gordon
- Professor, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, SA Pathology, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, South Australia
| | - E C Coiera
- Professor, Chief Investigator, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales
| | - W B Runciman
- Chief Investigator, Centre for Sleep Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
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Wiles LK, Hooper TD, Hibbert PD, White L, Mealing N, Jaffe A, Cowell CT, Harris MF, Runciman WB, Goldstein S, Hallahan AR, Wakefield JG, Murphy E, Lau A, Wheaton G, Williams HM, Hughes C, Braithwaite J. CareTrack Kids-part 1. Assessing the appropriateness of healthcare delivered to Australian children: study protocol for clinical indicator development. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e007748. [PMID: 25854976 PMCID: PMC4390723 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the widespread availability of clinical guidelines, considerable gaps remain between the care that is recommended (appropriate care) and the care provided. This protocol describes a research methodology to develop clinical indicators for appropriate care for common paediatric conditions. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will identify conditions amenable to population-level appropriateness of care research and develop clinical indicators for each condition. Candidate conditions have been identified from published research; burden of disease, prevalence and frequency of presentation data; and quality of care priority lists. Clinical indicators will be developed through searches of national and international guidelines, and formatted with explicit criteria for inclusion, exclusion, time frame and setting. Experts will review the indicators using a wiki-based approach and modified Delphi process. A formative evaluation of the wiki process will be undertaken. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Human Research Ethics Committee approvals have been received from Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, and the Women's and Children's Health Network (South Australia). Applications are under review with Macquarie University and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. We will submit the results of the study to relevant journals and offer national and international presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise K Wiles
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tamara D Hooper
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter D Hibbert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les White
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales Health, NSW Kids and Families, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Mealing
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher T Cowell
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark F Harris
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William B Runciman
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stan Goldstein
- BUPA Health Foundation Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew R Hallahan
- Patient Safety and Quality Unit, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - John G Wakefield
- Patient Safety and Quality Unit, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- New South Wales Health, NSW Kids and Families, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annie Lau
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gavin Wheaton
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Women's and Children's Health Network, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Clifford Hughes
- Clinical Excellence Commission, Sydney South, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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21
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Hibbert PD, Hallahan AR, Muething SE, Lachman P, Hooper TD, Wiles LK, Jaffe A, White L, Wheaton GR, Runciman WB, Dalton S, Williams HM, Braithwaite J. CareTrack Kids-part 3. Adverse events in children's healthcare in Australia: study protocol for a retrospective medical record review. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e007750. [PMID: 25854978 PMCID: PMC4390767 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A high-quality health system should deliver care that is free from harm. Few large-scale studies of adverse events have been undertaken in children's healthcare internationally, and none in Australia. The aim of this study is to measure the frequency and types of adverse events encountered in Australian paediatric care in a range of healthcare settings. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A form of retrospective medical record review, the Institute of Healthcare Improvement's Global Trigger Tool, will be modified to collect data. Records of children aged <16 years managed during 2012 and 2013 will be reviewed. We aim to review 6000-8000 records from a sample of healthcare practices (hospitals, general practices and specialists). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Human Research Ethics Committee approvals have been received from the Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, and the Women's and Children's Hospital Network in South Australia. An application is under review with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The authors will submit the results of the study to relevant journals and undertake national and international oral presentations to researchers, clinicians and policymakers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter D Hibbert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Andrew R Hallahan
- Patient Safety and Quality Unit, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Peter Lachman
- Great Ormond St Hospital, Great Ormond St, London, UK
| | - Tamara D Hooper
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Louise K Wiles
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les White
- Department of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of NSW Kids and Families, New South Wales Health, North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gavin R Wheaton
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Women's and Children's Health Network, South Australia, Australia
| | - William B Runciman
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sarah Dalton
- Emergency Department, Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Clinical Excellence Commission, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Hooper TD, Hibbert PD, Mealing N, Wiles LK, Jaffe A, White L, Cowell CT, Harris MF, Runciman WB, Goldstein S, Hallahan AR, Wakefield JG, Murphy E, Lau A, Wheaton G, Williams HM, Hughes C, Braithwaite J. CareTrack Kids-part 2. Assessing the appropriateness of the healthcare delivered to Australian children: study protocol for a retrospective medical record review. BMJ Open 2015; 5:e007749. [PMID: 25854977 PMCID: PMC4390725 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2015-007749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Australian and international clinical practice guidelines are available for common paediatric conditions. Yet there is evidence that there are substantial variations between the guidelines, recommendations (appropriate care) and the care delivered. This paper describes a study protocol to determine the appropriateness of the healthcare delivered to Australian children for 16 common paediatric conditions in acute and primary healthcare settings. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A random sample of 6000-8000 medical records representing a cross-section of the Australian paediatric population will be reviewed for appropriateness of care against a set of indicators within three Australian states (New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia) using multistage, stratified sampling. Medical records of children aged <16 years who presented with at least one of the study conditions during 2012 and 2013 will be reviewed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Human Research Ethics Committee approvals have been received from the Sydney Children's Hospital Network, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service and Women's and Children's Hospital Network (South Australia). An application is under review for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. The authors will submit the results of the study to relevant journals and offer oral presentations to researchers, clinicians and policymakers at national and international conferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara D Hooper
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter D Hibbert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Mealing
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louise K Wiles
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Adam Jaffe
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les White
- Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales Health, NSW Kids and Families, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher T Cowell
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark F Harris
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - William B Runciman
- Division of Education, Arts and Social Sciences, Centre for Sleep Research, School of Psychology, Social Work and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Australian Patient Safety Foundation, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stan Goldstein
- BUPA Health Foundation Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew R Hallahan
- Patient Safety and Quality Unit, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - John G Wakefield
- Patient Safety and Quality Unit, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- New South Wales Health, NSW Kids and Families, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annie Lau
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gavin Wheaton
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Women's and Children's Health Network, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Clifford Hughes
- Clinical Excellence Commission, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Caughey GE, Kalisch Ellett LM, Wong TY. Development of evidence-based Australian medication-related indicators of potentially preventable hospitalisations: a modified RAND appropriateness method. BMJ Open 2014; 4:e004625. [PMID: 24776711 PMCID: PMC4010844 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-004625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 03/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Indicators of potentially preventable hospitalisations have been adopted internationally as a measure of health system performance; however, few assess appropriate processes of care around medication use, that if followed may prevent hospitalisation. The aim of this study was to develop and validate evidence-based medication-related indicators of potentially preventable hospitalisations. SETTING Australian primary healthcare. PARTICIPANTS Medical specialists, general practitioners and pharmacists. A modified RAND appropriateness method was used for the development of medication-related indicators of potentially preventable hospitalisations, which included a literature review, assessment of the strength of the supporting evidence base, an initial face and content validity by an expert panel, followed by an independent assessment of indicators by an expert clinical panel across various disciplines, using an online survey. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE Analysis of ratings was performed on the four key elements of preventability; the medication-related problem must be recognisable, the adverse outcomes foreseeable and the causes and outcomes identifiable and controllable. RESULTS A total of 48 potential indicators across all major disease groupings were developed based on level III evidence or greater, that were independently assessed by 78 expert clinicians (22.1% response rate). The expert panel considered 29 of these (60.4%) sufficiently valid. Of these, 21 (72.4%) were based on level I evidence. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a set of face and content validated indicators of medication-related potentially preventable hospitalisations, linking suboptimal processes of care and medication use with subsequent hospitalisation. Further analysis is required to establish operational validity in a population-based sample, using an administrative health database. Implementation of these indicators within routine monitoring of healthcare systems will highlight those conditions where hospitalisations could potentially be avoided through improved medication management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian E Caughey
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Sansom Institute, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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