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Fox MN, Dickson JM, Burch P, Hind D, Hawksworth O. Delivering relational continuity of care in UK general practice: a scoping review. BJGP Open 2024:BJGPO.2024.0041. [PMID: 38438196 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2024.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relational continuity of care (patients seeing the same GP) is associated with better outcomes for patients, but it has been declining in general practice in the UK. AIM To understand what interventions have been tried to improve relational continuity of care in general practice in the UK. DESIGN & SETTING Scoping review of articles on UK General Practice and written in English. METHOD An electronic search of MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus from 2002 to the present day was undertaken. Sources of grey literature were also searched. Studies that detailed service-level methods of achieving relational continuity of care with a GP in the UK were eligible for inclusion. Interventions were described narratively in relation to the elements listed in the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR). A logic model describing the rationale behind interventions was constructed. RESULTS Seventeen unique interventions were identified. The interventions used a wide variety of strategies to try to improve relational continuity. This included personal lists, amended booking processes, regular reviews, digital technology, facilitated follow-ups, altered appointment times, and use of acute hubs. Twelve of the interventions targeted specific patient groups for increased continuity while others focused on increasing continuity for all patients. Changes in continuity levels were measured inconsistently using several different methods. CONCLUSION Several different strategies have been used in UK general practices in an attempt to improve relational continuity of care. While there is a similar underlying logic to these interventions, their scope, aims, and methods vary considerably. Furthermore, owing to a weak evidence base, comparing their efficacy remains challenging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miglena N Fox
- Centre for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Medicine Optimisation Team, South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, SY ICB, Sheffield, UK
| | - Jon M Dickson
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Patrick Burch
- Centre for Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Hind
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Olivia Hawksworth
- Sheffield Centre for Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
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Olsen JK, Kristensen T. Continuity and discontinuity of care among older patients in Danish general practice: a retrospective cohort study. BJGP Open 2023; 7:BJGPO.2023.0081. [PMID: 37336619 PMCID: PMC11176696 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity of care (COC) for older adults has been associated with lower use of healthcare services, decreased risk of hospitalisation, and lower mortality. However, research on COC in older adults is limited by short time periods and small sample sizes. Long-term COC can only develop if the patient stays with the general practice for ≥10 years. Therefore, research that focuses on long duration and broader populations is needed. AIM To measure the extent of longitudinal site-level COC in general practice and listing duration of the patient-general practice relation for all older Danish citizens. DESIGN & SETTING Retrospective cohort study of all patients aged ≥65 years on 31 December 2021 listed with a Danish general practice (N = 1 144 941 persons). METHOD Individual-level register data were used on start and end dates for listing with a general practice to analyse site-level COC by number of changes and listing duration of the patient-general practice relation from January 2007-December 2021. RESULTS During the 15 years, 39.3% of older adults did not change general practice. Among the remaining 60.7%, who experienced discontinuity of care, 34.0% changed once, 16.3% changed twice, and 6.3% changed three times. Overall, <5% changed general practice >3 times. The duration of the patient-general practice relations were on average 9.5 years. Overall, 27.5% lasted 0-4 years, 33.7% lasted 5-9 years, and 38.8% lasted ≥10 years. CONCLUSION Danish general practice provides high levels of site-level COC for their older patients. On average, patients aged ≥65 years changed general practice once and had a patient-general practice relation length of 9.5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas K Olsen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Troels Kristensen
- Danish Centre for Health Economics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Pereira Gray D, Sidaway-Lee K, Johns C, Rickenbach M, Evans PH. Can general practice still provide meaningful continuity of care? BMJ 2023; 383:e074584. [PMID: 37963633 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-074584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mark Rickenbach
- Park and St Francis Surgery, Chandler's Ford, UK
- University of Winchester, Winchester, UK
| | - Philip H Evans
- St Leonard's Research Practice, Exeter, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Henderson DAG, Donaghy E, Dozier M, Guthrie B, Huang H, Pickersgill M, Stewart E, Thompson A, Wang HHX, Mercer SW. Understanding primary care transformation and implications for ageing populations and health inequalities: a systematic scoping review of new models of primary health care in OECD countries and China. BMC Med 2023; 21:319. [PMID: 37620865 PMCID: PMC10463288 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03033-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many countries have introduced reforms with the aim of primary care transformation (PCT). Common objectives include meeting service delivery challenges associated with ageing populations and health inequalities. To date, there has been little research comparing PCT internationally. Our aim was to examine PCT and new models of primary care by conducting a systematic scoping review of international literature in order to describe major policy changes including key 'components', impacts of new models of care, and barriers and facilitators to PCT implementation. METHODS We undertook a systematic scoping review of international literature on PCT in OECD countries and China (published protocol: https://osf.io/2afym ). Ovid [MEDLINE/Embase/Global Health], CINAHL Plus, and Global Index Medicus were searched (01/01/10 to 28/08/21). Two reviewers independently screened the titles and abstracts with data extraction by a single reviewer. A narrative synthesis of findings followed. RESULTS A total of 107 studies from 15 countries were included. The most frequently employed component of PCT was the expansion of multidisciplinary teams (MDT) (46% of studies). The most frequently measured outcome was GP views (27%), with < 20% measuring patient views or satisfaction. Only three studies evaluated the effects of PCT on ageing populations and 34 (32%) on health inequalities with ambiguous results. For the latter, PCT involving increased primary care access showed positive impacts whilst no benefits were reported for other components. Analysis of 41 studies citing barriers or facilitators to PCT implementation identified leadership, change, resources, and targets as key themes. CONCLUSIONS Countries identified in this review have used a range of approaches to PCT with marked heterogeneity in methods of evaluation and mixed findings on impacts. Only a minority of studies described the impacts of PCT on ageing populations, health inequalities, or from the patient perspective. The facilitators and barriers identified may be useful in planning and evaluating future developments in PCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A G Henderson
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Donaghy
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Dozier
- College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - B Guthrie
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - H Huang
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - M Pickersgill
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - E Stewart
- School of Social Work and Social Policy, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - A Thompson
- School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - H H X Wang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - S W Mercer
- Centre for Population Health Sciences, Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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5
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Gray DP, Sidaway-Lee K, Whitaker P, Evans P. Which methods are most practicable for measuring continuity within general practices? Br J Gen Pract 2023; 73:279-282. [PMID: 37230786 PMCID: PMC10229170 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp23x733161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Philippa Whitaker
- Queen Mary University of London, London; Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London
| | - Philip Evans
- St Leonard's Research Practice, Exeter; Professor of Primary Care Research, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter
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Tammes P, Payne RA, Salisbury C. Association between continuity of primary care and both prescribing and adherence of common cardiovascular medications: a cohort study among patients in England. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063282. [PMID: 36100300 PMCID: PMC9472141 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether better continuity of care is associated with increased prescribing of clinically relevant medication and improved medication adherence. SETTING Random sample of 300 000 patients aged 30+ in 2017 within 83 English general practitioner (GP) practices from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. DESIGN Patients were assigned to a randomly selected index date in 2017 on which medication use and continuity of care were determined. Adjusted associations between continuity of care and the prescribing and adherence of five cardiovascular medication groups were examined using logistic regression. PARTICIPANTS Continuity of Care Index was calculated for 173 993 patients with 4+ GP consultations 2 years prior to their index date and divided into five categories: absence of continuity, below-average continuity, average, above-average continuity and perfect continuity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (A) Prescription for statins (primary or secondary prevention separately), anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents and antihypertensives covering the patient's index date. (B) Adherence (>80%) estimated using medication possession ratio. RESULTS There was strong evidence (p<0.01) that prescription of all five cardiovascular medication groups increased with greater continuity of care. Patients with absence of continuity were less likely to be prescribed cardiovascular medications than patients with above-average continuity (statins primary prevention OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.85; statins secondary prevention 0.77, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.03; antiplatelets 0.55, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.92; antihypertensives 0.51, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.65). Furthermore, patients with perfect continuity were more likely to be prescribed cardiovascular medications than those with above-average continuity (statins primary prevention OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.49; statins secondary prevention 1.37, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.71; antiplatelets 1.37, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.74; antihypertensives 1.10, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.23). Continuity was generally not associated with medication adherence, except for adherence to statins for secondary prevention (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.94 for average compared with above-average continuity). CONCLUSION Better continuity of care is associated with improved prescribing of medication to patients at higher risk of cardiovascular disease but does not appear to be related to patient's medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Tammes
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rupert A Payne
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris Salisbury
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Dyer SM, Suen J, Williams H, Inacio MC, Harvey G, Roder D, Wesselingh S, Kellie A, Crotty M, Caughey GE. Impact of relational continuity of primary care in aged care: a systematic review. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:579. [PMID: 35836118 PMCID: PMC9281225 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03131-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Greater continuity of care has been associated with lower hospital admissions and patient mortality. This systematic review aims to examine the impact of relational continuity between primary care professionals and older people receiving aged care services, in residential or home care settings, on health care resource use and person-centred outcomes. Methods Systematic review of five databases, four trial registries and three grey literature sources to October 2020. Included studies (a) aimed to increase relational continuity with a primary care professional, (b) focused on older people receiving aged care services (c) included a comparator and (d) reported outcomes of health care resource use, quality of life, activities of daily living, mortality, falls or satisfaction. Cochrane Collaboration or Joanna Briggs Institute criteria were used to assess risk of bias and GRADE criteria to rate confidence in evidence and conclusions. Results Heterogeneity in study cohorts, settings and outcome measurement in the five included studies (one randomised) precluded meta-analysis. None examined relational continuity exclusively with non-physician providers. Higher relational continuity with a primary care physician probably reduces hospital admissions (moderate certainty evidence; high versus low continuity hazard ratio (HR) 0.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.92–0.96, n = 178,686; incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.99, 95%CI 0.76–1.27, n = 246) and emergency department (ED) presentations (moderate certainty evidence; high versus low continuity HR 0.90, 95%CI 0.89–0.92, n = 178,686; IRR 0.91, 95%CI 0.72–1.15, n = 246) for older community-dwelling aged care recipients. The benefit of providing on-site primary care for relational continuity in residential settings is uncertain (low certainty evidence, 2 studies, n = 2,468 plus 15 care homes); whilst there are probably lower hospitalisations and may be fewer ED presentations, there may also be an increase in reported mortality and falls. The benefit of general practitioners’ visits during hospital admission is uncertain (very low certainty evidence, 1 study, n = 335). Conclusion Greater relational continuity with a primary care physician probably reduces hospitalisations and ED presentations for community-dwelling aged care recipients, thus policy initiatives that increase continuity may have cost offsets. Further studies of approaches to increase relational continuity of primary care within aged care, particularly in residential settings, are needed. Review registration CRD42021215698. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-022-03131-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne M Dyer
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Jenni Suen
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Maria C Inacio
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gillian Harvey
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - David Roder
- Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Steve Wesselingh
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
| | | | - Maria Crotty
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gillian E Caughey
- Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia.,Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
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8
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Sandvik H, Hetlevik Ø, Blinkenberg J, Hunskaar S. Continuity in general practice as predictor of mortality, acute hospitalisation, and use of out-of-hours care: a registry-based observational study in Norway. Br J Gen Pract 2022; 72:e84-e90. [PMID: 34607797 PMCID: PMC8510690 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2021.0340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity, usually considered a quality aspect of primary care, is under pressure in Norway, and elsewhere. AIM To analyse the association between longitudinal continuity with a named regular general practitioner (RGP) and use of out-of-hours (OOH) services, acute hospital admission, and mortality. DESIGN AND SETTING Registry-based observational study in Norway covering 4 552 978 Norwegians listed with their RGPs. METHOD Duration of RGP-patient relationship was used as explanatory variable for the use of OOH services, acute hospital admission, and mortality in 2018. Several patient-related and RGP-related covariates were included in the analyses by individual linking to high-quality national registries. Duration of RGP-patient relationship was categorised as 1, 2-3, 4-5, 6-10, 11-15, or >15 years. Results are given as adjusted odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) resulting from multilevel logistic regression analyses. RESULTS Compared with a 1-year RGP-patient relationship, the OR for use of OOH services decreased gradually from 0.87 (95% CI = 0.86 to 0.88) after 2-3 years' duration to 0.70 (95% CI = 0.69 to 0.71) after >15 years. OR for acute hospital admission decreased gradually from 0.88 (95% CI = 0.86 to 0.90) after 2-3 years' duration to 0.72 (95% CI = 0.70 to 0.73) after >15 years. OR for dying decreased gradually from 0.92 (95% CI = 0.86 to 0.98) after 2-3 years' duration, to 0.75 (95% CI = 0.70 to 0.80) after an RGP-patient relationship of >15 years. CONCLUSION Length of RGP-patient relationship is significantly associated with lower use of OOH services, fewer acute hospital admissions, and lower mortality. The presence of a dose-response relationship between continuity and these outcomes indicates that the associations are causal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hogne Sandvik
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen
| | - Øystein Hetlevik
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen
| | - Jesper Blinkenberg
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen
| | - Steinar Hunskaar
- NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen; Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen
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Fogelman Y, Merzon E, Vinker S, Kitai E, Blumberg G, Golan-Cohen A. The Impact of Change in Hospital Admissions When Primary Care Is Provided by a Single Primary Care Physician: A Cohort Study Among HMO Patients in Israel. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1375:63-68. [DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Espinel-Flores V, Vargas I, Eguiguren P, Mogollón-Pérez AS, Ferreira de Medeiros Mendes M, López-Vázquez J, Bertolotto F, Vázquez ML. Assessing the Impact of Clinical Coordination Interventions on the Continuity of Care for Patients With Chronic Conditions: Participatory Action Research in Five Latin American Countries. Health Policy Plan 2021; 37:1-11. [PMID: 34718564 PMCID: PMC8757491 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although fragmentation in the provision of services is considered an obstacle to effective health care, there is scant evidence on the impact of interventions to improve care coordination between primary care and secondary care in terms of continuity of care -i.e. from the patient perspective- particularly in Latin America (LA). Within the framework of the Equity-LA II project, interventions to improve coordination across care levels were implemented in five LA countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay) through a participatory action research (PAR) process. This paper analyses the impact of these PAR interventions on the cross-level continuity of care of chronic patients in public healthcare networks. A quasi-experimental study was performed with measurements based on two surveys of a sample of patients with chronic conditions (392 per network; 800 per country). Both the baseline (2015) and evaluation (2017) surveys were conducted using the CCAENA questionnaire. In each country, two comparable public healthcare networks were selected, one intervention and one control. Outcomes were cross-level continuity of information and of clinical management. Descriptive analyses were conducted and Poisson regression models with robust variance fitted to estimate changes. With differences between countries, the results showed improvements in cross-level continuity of clinical information (transfer of clinical information) and of clinical management (care coherence). These results are consistent with those of previous studies on the effectiveness of the interventions implemented in each country in improving care coordination in Brazil, Chile, and Colombia. Differences between countries are probably related to particular contextual factors and events that occurred during the implementation process. This supports the notion that certain context and process factors are needed to improve continuity of care. The results provide evidence that, although the interventions were designed to enhance care coordination and aimed at health professionals, patients report improvements in continuity of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Espinel-Flores
- Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Avinguda Tibidabo 21, ES08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ingrid Vargas
- Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Avinguda Tibidabo 21, ES08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pamela Eguiguren
- Escuela de Salud Pública Dr. Salvador Allende Gossens, Universidad de Chile, Independencia, 939, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Amparo-Susana Mogollón-Pérez
- Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad del Rosario, Cra 24 No. 63C-69, Quinta Mutis, 11001 Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Marina Ferreira de Medeiros Mendes
- Grupo de Estudos de Gestão e Avaliação em Saúde, Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira, Rua Dos Coelhos No. 300, Boa Vista, 50070-550 Recife, Brazil
| | - Julieta López-Vázquez
- Instituto de Salud Pública, Universidad Veracruzana, Av. Dr. Luis Castelazo Ayala s/n Col. Industrial Ánimas, 91190 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico
| | - Fernando Bertolotto
- Facultad de Enfermería, Universidad de la República, Avenida 18 de Julio 124, 11200 Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - María Luisa Vázquez
- Health Policy and Health Services Research Group, Health Policy Research Unit, Consortium for Health Care and Social Services of Catalonia, Avinguda Tibidabo 21, ES08022 Barcelona, Spain
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Norwood P, Correia I, Heidenreich S, Veiga P, Watson V. Is relational continuity of care as important to people as policy makers think? Preferences for continuity of care in primary care. Fam Pract 2021; 38:569-575. [PMID: 33738479 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2005, the Portuguese government launched a Primary Care reform that aimed to reinforce continuity of care. After a promising start, the reform is still incomplete and continuity has been compromised by the lack of General Practice doctors. OBJECTIVE This study evaluates public preferences for relational continuity of care alongside other attributes of Primary Care services in Portugal. METHODS We use a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to evaluate preferences and estimate the population's willingness to pay (WTP) for Primary Care attributes. We use a sequential, mixed-methods approach to develop a D-efficient fractional factorial design for the DCE. Five attributes were included in the DCE and there were 32 DCE choice sets. The data collection was conducted in 2014 and the final sample had 517 respondents. A random parameters multinomial logit was used to analyse the data. RESULTS We find that respondents value relational continuity of care, but that the current focus of the Portuguese NHS on relational continuity at the expense of other attributes is too simplistic. CONCLUSIONS Relational continuity should be part of a broader policy that emphasizes person-centred care and considers the preferences of patients for Primary Care attributes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Norwood
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Isabel Correia
- Escola de Economia e Gestão; JusGov - Universidade do Minho, Portugal
| | | | - Paula Veiga
- Escola de Economia e Gestão; JusGov - Universidade do Minho, Portugal
| | - Verity Watson
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK
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Is continuity of primary care declining in England? Practice-level longitudinal study from 2012 to 2017. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:e432-e440. [PMID: 33947666 PMCID: PMC8103927 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2020.0935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity of care is a core principle of primary care related to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Evidence suggests continuity of care in England is declining. AIM To confirm reports of declining continuity of care, explore differences in decline according to practice characteristics, and examine associations between practice populations or appointment provision and changes in continuity of care. DESIGN AND SETTING Longitudinal design on GP Patient Survey data reported annually in June or July from 2012 to 2017, whereby the unit of analysis was English general practices that existed in 2012. METHOD Linear univariable and bivariable multilevel models were used to determine decline in average annual percentage of patients having a preferred GP and seeing this GP 'usually' according to practicelevel continuity of care, rural/urban location, and deprivation. Associations between percentage of patients having a preferred GP or seeing this GP usually and patients' experiences with the appointment system and practice population characteristics were modelled. RESULTS In 2012, 56.7% of patients had a preferred GP, which had declined by 9.4 percentage points (pp) (95% CI = -9.6 to -9.2) by 2017. Of patients with a preferred GP, 66.4% saw that GP 'usually' in 2012; this had declined by 9.7 pp (95% CI = -10.0 to -9.4) by 2017. This decline was visible in all types of practices, irrespective of baseline continuity, rural/urban location, or level of deprivation. At practice level, an increase over time in the percentage of patients reporting good overall experience of making appointments was associated with an increase in both the percentage of patients having a preferred GP and those able to see that GP 'usually'. CONCLUSION Patients reported a steady decline in continuity of care over time, which should concern clinicians and policymakers. Ability of practices to offer patients a satisfactory appointment system could partly counteract this decline.
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Wright M, Versteeg R. Introducing general practice enrolment in Australia: the devil is in the detail. Med J Aust 2021; 214:400-402.e1. [PMID: 33873246 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Wright
- Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation, University of Technology, Sydney, NSW
| | - Roald Versteeg
- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Melbourne, VIC
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14
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Wensing M, Szecsenyi J, Laux G. Continuity in general practice and hospitalization patterns: an observational study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:21. [PMID: 33446104 PMCID: PMC7809859 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01361-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High continuity of care is a key feature of strong general practice. This study aimed to assess the effect of a programme for enhancing strong general practice care on the continuity of care in Germany. The second aim was to assess the effect of continuity of care on hospitalization patterns. METHODS We performed an observational study in Germany, involving patients who received a strong general practice care programme (n=1.037.075) and patients who did not receive this programme (n=723.127) in the year 2017. We extracted data from a health insurance database. The cohorts were compared with respect to three measures of continuity of care (Usual Provider Index, Herfindahl Index, and the Sequential Continuity Index), adjusted for patient characteristics. The effects of continuity in general practice on the rates of hospitalization, rehospitalization, and avoidable hospitalization were examined in multiple regression analyses. RESULTS Compared to the control cohort, continuity in general practice was higher in patients who received the programme (continuity measures were 12.47 to 23.76% higher, P< 0.0001). Higher continuity of care was independently associated with lowered risk of hospitalization, rehospitalization, and avoidable hospitalization (relative risk reductions between 2.45 and 9.74%, P< 0.0001). Higher age, female sex, higher morbidity (Charlson-index), and home-dwelling status (not nursing home) were associated with higher rates of hospitalization. CONCLUSION Higher continuity of care may be one of the mechanisms underlying lower hospitalization rates in patients who received strong general practice care, but further research is needed to examine the causality underlying the associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Joachim Szecsenyi
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gunter Laux
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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McDermott A, Sanderson E, Metcalfe C, Barnes R, Thomas C, Cramer H, Kessler D. Continuity of care as a predictor of ongoing frequent attendance in primary care: a retrospective cohort study. BJGP Open 2020; 4:bjgpopen20X101083. [PMID: 33051221 PMCID: PMC7880190 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpopen20x101083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent attenders (FAs) in primary care receive considerable resources with uncertain benefit. Only some FAs attend persistently. Modestly successful models have been built to predict persistent attendance. Nevertheless, an association between relational continuity of care and persistent frequent attendance remains unclear, and could be important considering both the UK government and Royal College of General Practitioner's (RCGP) aim of improving continuity. AIM To identify predictive measures (including continuity) for persistent frequent attendance that may be modified in future interventions. DESIGN & SETTING This is a retrospective cohort study sampling 35 926 adult patients registered in seven Bristol practices. METHOD The top 3% (1227) of patients by frequency of GP consultations over 6 months were classed as FAs. Individual relational continuity was measured over the same period using the Usual Provider Continuity (UPC) index. Attendance change was calculated for the following 6 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine variables that predicted attendance change. RESULTS FAs were on average 8.41 years older (difference 95% confidence interval [CI] = 7.33 to 9.50, P<0.001) and more likely to be female (65.36% versus 57.88%) than non-FAs. In total, 79.30% of FAs decreased attendance over the subsequent 6 months. No association was found between continuity and subsequent attendance. Increasing age was associated with maintained frequent attendance. CONCLUSION Continuity does not predict change in frequent attendance. In addition to improving continuity, recent government policy is focused on increasing primary care access. If both aims are achieved it will be interesting to observe any effect on frequent attendance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam McDermott
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emily Sanderson
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Christopher Metcalfe
- Bristol Randomised Trials Collaboration, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rebecca Barnes
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Clare Thomas
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Cramer
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David Kessler
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Ogden SJ, Huxtable R, Ives J. Protocol for a scoping review to understand what is known about how GPs make decisions with, for and on behalf of patients who lack capacity. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e038032. [PMID: 33082190 PMCID: PMC7577062 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-038032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION General Practitioners (GPs) and allied healthcare professionals working in primary care are regularly required to make decisions with, for and on behalf of patients who lack capacity. In England and Wales, these decisions are made for incapacitated adult patients under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, which primarily requires that decisions are made in the patient's 'best interests'. Regarding children, decisions are also made in their best interests but are done so under the Children Act 1989, which places paramount importance on the welfare of the child. Decisions for children are usually made by parents, but a GP may become involved if he or she feels a parent is not acting in the best interests of the child. Internationally, including elsewhere in the UK, different approaches are taken. We hypothesise that, despite the legislation and professional guidelines, there are many different approaches taken by GPs and allied healthcare professionals in England and Wales when making these complex decisions with, for and on behalf of patients who lack capacity. To better understand what is known about how these decisions are made, we plan to undertake a scoping review and directed content analysis of the literature. While the majority of decisions made in primary care are made by GPs, for completeness, this review will include all allied healthcare professionals working in primary care. METHODS AND ANALYSIS To ensure a wide breadth of literature is captured, a scoping review will be undertaken as described by Arksey and O'Malley (2005). A five-stage approach will be taken when conducting this review: (1) identifying the research question; (2) identifying relevant papers; (3) study selection; (4) data extraction and (5) summarising and synthesis. The final stage will include a directed content analysis of the data to help establish the cross-cutting themes. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The scoping review will be disseminated through conferences and peer-reviewed publications. This scoping review is the first (mapping) phase in a proposed larger study to explore how GPs make decisions with, for and on behalf of those who lack capacity. Qualitative research with GPs, patients and their families will follow, before all the results are synthesised using an 'empirical bioethics' methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Jack Ogden
- Centre for Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Huxtable
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jonathan Ives
- Centre for Ethics in Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Exploring how paramedics are deployed in general practice and the perceived benefits and drawbacks: a mixed-methods scoping study. BJGP Open 2020; 4:bjgpopen20X101037. [PMID: 32398344 PMCID: PMC7330225 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpopen20x101037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background General practice in the UK faces continuing challenges to balance a workforce shortage against rising demand. The NHS England GPForward View proposes development of the multidisciplinary, integrated primary care workforce to support frontline service delivery, including the employment of paramedics. However, very little is known about the safety, clinical effectiveness, or cost-effectiveness of paramedics working in general practice. Research is needed to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks of this model of workforce organisation. Aim To understand how paramedics are deployed in general practice, and to investigate the theories and drivers that underpin this service development. Design & setting A mixed-methods study using a literature review, national survey, and qualitative interviews. Method A three-phase study was undertaken that consisted of: a literature review and survey; meetings with key informants (KIs); and direct enquiry with relevant staff stakeholders (SHs). Results There is very little evidence on the safety and cost-effectiveness of paramedics working in general practice and significant variation in the ways that paramedics are deployed, particularly in terms of the patients seen and conditions treated. Nonetheless, there is a largely positive view of this development and a perceived reduction in GP workload. However, some concerns centre on the time needed from GPs to train and supervise paramedic staff. Conclusion The contribution of paramedics in general practice has not been fully evaluated. There is a need for research that takes account of the substantial variation between service models to fully understand the benefits and consequences for patients, the workforce, and the NHS.
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Pereira Gray D, Sidaway-Lee K, Evans P, Harding A. Having a named doctor in general practice is not enough to improve continuity of care. BMJ 2019; 367:l6106. [PMID: 31649068 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l6106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Philip Evans
- St Leonard's Research Practice, Exeter EX1 1SB, UK
- University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Alex Harding
- St Leonard's Research Practice, Exeter EX1 1SB, UK
- University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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