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Prendergast LM, Davies CT. 'A lot of people think it's just a Mickey Mouse role': Role ambiguity among dementia support workers within secondary care and community hospital settings. DEMENTIA 2024; 23:191-209. [PMID: 38100306 PMCID: PMC10807186 DOI: 10.1177/14713012231220461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Dementia support workers (DSWs) are employed to improve the hospital care for patients living with dementia. An evaluation sought to understand the perspectives and experiences of DSWs and related healthcare practitioners within one health board, to identify any role ambiguity and inform future role development.Design/methodology/approach: Framework analysis was used to synthesise data from semi-structured interviews and focus groups with dementia support workers, and a wider group of related healthcare practitioners.Findings: Thirteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with DSWs. Two focus groups were held with DSWs (n = 2 and 4) and two with associated healthcare practitioners (n = 3 and 5). Participants described inconsistencies in the understanding and delivery of the DSW role. Role ambiguity was identified as a key theme.Originality/value: This paper offers insight into challenges experienced by DSWs and addresses factors that could help improve and support the DSW role, and potentially the experience of other staff, and patients/people living with dementia. Overall, this evaluation highlights both the value of the DSW role in supporting the needs of patients/people living with dementia and the potential for person-centred activities to be used as therapeutic interventions.
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Jones H, Hammond L. Threshold concepts in medical education: A scoping review. MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 56:983-993. [PMID: 35775904 PMCID: PMC9543879 DOI: 10.1111/medu.14864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The threshold concept framework (TCF) was first described nearly 20 years ago, but its application in the field of medical education has recently seen a significant growth of interest with a diverse range of literature published on the subject. The transformative nature of threshold concepts (TCs) offers potential for the design of learning experiences and curricula across the medical education continuum. A scoping review was conducted to map the extent of the current literature regarding TCs in medical education-to describe the types of available evidence and its focus-and identify research gaps. METHODS The review followed the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis approach for scoping reviews. Four databases and two additional websites were searched for articles exploring TCs in medical education. Data were analysed using quantitative and qualitative thematic approaches. A framework of conceptual change was used to synthesise the TCs identified. RESULTS Thirty-six papers, spanning undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing medical education, were included in the final analysis. The most frequent application of the TCF was in the identification of TCs, which related to basic scientific knowledge, ways of thinking and ways of practising in medicine. Uncertainty, patient care, clinical reasoning and professional identify formation were themes that emerged at multiple stages of training. Several papers evaluated the use of the TCF in teaching. CONCLUSION The understanding and embodiment of TCs increases in complexity across the medical education continuum, with TCs recurring with changes in clinical environment and responsibilities. This lends support to a holistic approach to curriculum design spanning all stages of training. Further research is needed to develop a consistent approach for describing and applying the TCF in medical education and to address how the TCF can be used in teaching and how threshold crossing can be measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Jones
- Warwick Medical SchoolUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK
| | - Lucy Hammond
- Warwick Medical SchoolUniversity of WarwickCoventryUK
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Abbott RA, Rogers M, Lourida I, Green C, Ball S, Hemsley A, Cheeseman D, Clare L, Moore D, Hussey C, Coxon G, Llewellyn DJ, Naldrett T, Thompson Coon J. New horizons for caring for people with dementia in hospital: the DEMENTIA CARE pointers for service change. Age Ageing 2022; 51:6691373. [PMID: 36057987 PMCID: PMC9441201 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afac190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately two-thirds of hospital admissions are older adults and almost half of these are likely to have some form of dementia. People with dementia are not only at an increased risk of adverse outcomes once admitted, but the unfamiliar environment and routinised practices of the wards and acute care can be particularly challenging for them, heightening their confusion, agitation and distress further impacting the ability to optimise their care. It is well established that a person-centred care approach helps alleviate some of the unfamiliar stress but how to embed this in the acute-care setting remains a challenge. In this article, we highlight the challenges that have been recognised in this area and put forward a set of evidence-based 'pointers for service change' to help organisations in the delivery of person-centred care. The DEMENTIA CARE pointers cover areas of: dementia awareness and understanding, education and training, modelling of person-centred care by clinical leaders, adapting the environment, teamwork (not being alone), taking the time to 'get to know', information sharing, access to necessary resources, communication, involving family (ask family), raising the profile of dementia care, and engaging volunteers. The pointers extend previous guidance, by recognising the importance of ward cultures that prioritise dementia care and institutional support that actively seeks to raise the profile of dementia care. The pointers provide a range of simple to more complex actions or areas for hospitals to help implement person-centred care approaches; however, embedding them within the organisational cultures of hospitals is the next challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A Abbott
- Address correspondence to: Dr Rebecca Abbott, Evidence Synthesis Team, NIHR ARC South West Peninsula (PenARC), University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK.
| | - Morwenna Rogers
- Evidence Synthesis Team, NIHR ARC South West Peninsula (PenARC), University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Ilianna Lourida
- Evidence Synthesis Team, NIHR ARC South West Peninsula (PenARC), University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK,Mental Health Research Group, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Colin Green
- Health Economics Group, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Susan Ball
- Health Statistics Group, PenARC, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Anthony Hemsley
- Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter EX2 5DW, UK
| | | | - Linda Clare
- Centre for Research in Aging and Cognitive Health, PenARC, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | - Darren Moore
- Graduate School of Education, College of Social Sciences and International Studies, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
| | | | - George Coxon
- Pottles Court Care Home, Days-Pottles Lane, Exminster, Summercourt Care Home, Teignmouth, Exeter EX6 8DG, UK
| | - David J Llewellyn
- Mental Health Research Group, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK,The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jo Thompson Coon
- Evidence Synthesis Team, NIHR ARC South West Peninsula (PenARC), University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, St Luke’s Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK
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Gwernan-Jones R, Lourida I, Abbott RA, Rogers M, Green C, Ball S, Hemsley A, Cheeseman D, Clare L, Moore D, Burton J, Lawrence S, Rogers M, Hussey C, Coxon G, Llewellyn DJ, Naldrett T, Thompson Coon J. Understanding and improving experiences of care in hospital for people living with dementia, their carers and staff: three systematic reviews. HEALTH SERVICES AND DELIVERY RESEARCH 2020. [DOI: 10.3310/hsdr08430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Being in hospital can be particularly confusing and challenging not only for people living with dementia, but also for their carers and the staff who care for them. Improving the experience of care for people living with dementia in hospital has been recognised as a priority.
Objectives
To understand the experience of care in hospital for people living with dementia, their carers and the staff who care for them and to assess what we know about improving the experience of care.
Review methods
We undertook three systematic reviews: (1) the experience of care in hospital, (2) the experience of interventions to improve care in hospital and (3) the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions to improve the experience of care. Reviews 1 and 2 sought primary qualitative studies and were analysed using meta-ethnography. Review 3 sought comparative studies and economic evaluations of interventions to improve experience of care. An interweaving approach to overarching synthesis was used to integrate the findings across the reviews.
Data sources
Sixteen electronic databases were searched. Forwards and backwards citation chasing, author contact and grey literature searches were undertaken. Screening of title and abstracts and full texts was performed by two reviewers independently. A quality appraisal of all included studies was undertaken.
Results
Sixty-three studies (reported in 82 papers) were included in review 1, 14 studies (reported in 16 papers) were included in review 2, and 25 studies (reported in 26 papers) were included in review 3. A synthesis of review 1 studies found that when staff were delivering more person-centred care, people living with dementia, carers and staff all experienced this as better care. The line of argument, which represents the conceptual findings as a whole, was that ‘a change of hospital culture is needed before person-centred care can become routine’. From reviews 2 and 3, there was some evidence of improvements in experience of care from activities, staff training, added capacity and inclusion of carers. In consultation with internal and external stakeholders, the findings from the three reviews and overarching synthesis were developed into 12 DEMENTIA CARE pointers for service change: key institutional and environmental practices and processes that could help improve experience of care for people living with dementia in hospital.
Limitations
Few of the studies explored experience from the perspectives of people living with dementia. The measurement of experience of care across the studies was not consistent. Methodological variability and the small number of intervention studies limited the ability to draw conclusions on effectiveness.
Conclusions
The evidence suggests that, to improve the experience of care in hospital for people living with dementia, a transformation of organisational and ward cultures is needed that supports person-centred care and values the status of dementia care. Changes need to cut across hierarchies and training systems to facilitate working patterns and interactions that enable both physical and emotional care of people living with dementia in hospital. Future research needs to identify how such changes can be implemented, and how they can be maintained in the long term. To do this, well-designed controlled studies with improved reporting of methods and intervention details to elevate the quality of available evidence and facilitate comparisons across different interventions are required.
Study registration
This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018086013.
Funding
This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Services and Delivery Research programme and will be published in full in Health Services and Delivery Research; Vol. 8, No. 43. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Additional funding was provided by the NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care South West Peninsula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Gwernan-Jones
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ilianna Lourida
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rebecca A Abbott
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Morwenna Rogers
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Colin Green
- Health Economics Group, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Susan Ball
- Health Statistics Group, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | | | - Linda Clare
- Centre for Research in Ageing and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Darren Moore
- Graduate School of Education, College of Social Sciences and International Studies, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Julia Burton
- Alzheimer’s Society Research Network Volunteers, c/o University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Sue Lawrence
- Alzheimer’s Society Research Network Volunteers, c/o University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | | | | | - David J Llewellyn
- Mental Health Research Group, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jo Thompson Coon
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Gwernan-Jones R, Abbott R, Lourida I, Rogers M, Green C, Ball S, Hemsley A, Cheeseman D, Clare L, Moore DA, Hussey C, Coxon G, Llewellyn DJ, Naldrett T, Thompson Coon J. The experiences of hospital staff who provide care for people living with dementia: A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies. Int J Older People Nurs 2020; 15:e12325. [PMID: 32412167 DOI: 10.1111/opn.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To systematically review and synthesise qualitative data from studies exploring the experiences of hospital staff who care for people living with dementia (Plwd). BACKGROUND In hospital, the number of Plwd continues to rise; however, their experiences of care remain problematic. Negative experiences of care are likely to contribute to poorer mental and physical health outcomes for Plwd while in hospital and after discharge. Experiences of the hospital staff who care for Plwd can also be poor or unrewarding. It is important to understand the experiences of staff in order to improve staff well-being and ultimately the experience of care for Plwd while in hospital. DESIGN Systematic review and evidence synthesis of qualitative research. DATA SOURCES We searched 16 electronic databases in March 2018 and completed forward and backward citation chasing. METHODS Eligible studies explored the experiences of paid and unpaid staff providing care in hospital for Plwd. Study selection was undertaken independently by two reviewers, and quality appraisal was conducted. We prioritised included studies according to richness of text, methodological rigour and conceptual contribution. We adopted approaches of meta-ethnography to analyse study findings, creating a conceptual model to represent the line of argument. FINDINGS Forty-five studies reported in 58 papers met the inclusion criteria, and of these, we prioritised 19 studies reported in 24 papers. The line of argument was that Institutions can improve staff experiences of care for Plwd by fostering person-centred care (PCC). PCC aligned with staff perceptions of 'good care'; however, staff often felt prevented from providing PCC because of care cultures that prioritised tasks, routines and physical health. Staff experienced conflict over the care they wanted to give versus the care they were able to give, and this caused moral distress. When staff were able to provide PCC, this increased experiences of job satisfaction and emotional well-being. CONCLUSIONS Person-centred care not only has the potential to improve the experience of care for Plwd and their carers, but can also improve the experiences of hospital staff caring for Plwd. However, without institutional-level changes, hospital staff are often unable to provide PCC even when they have the experience and knowledge to do so. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Institutional-level areas for change include the following: training; performance indicators and ward cultures that prioritise psychological needs alongside physical needs; adequate staffing levels; inclusive approaches to carers; physical environments that promote familiarisation, social interaction and occupation; systems of documentation about individual needs of Plwd; and cultures of sharing knowledge across hierarchies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Gwernan-Jones
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rebecca Abbott
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Ilianna Lourida
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Morwenna Rogers
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Colin Green
- Health Economics Group, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Susan Ball
- Health Statistics Group, PenCLAHRC, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | | | - Linda Clare
- Centre for Research in Aging and Cognitive Health, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Darren A Moore
- Graduate School of Education, College of Social Sciences and International Studies, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | | | - David J Llewellyn
- Mental Health Research Group, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.,The Alan Turing Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jo Thompson Coon
- Evidence Synthesis Team, PenCLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical School, St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Fogg C, Meredith P, Bridges J, Gould GP, Griffiths P. The relationship between cognitive impairment, mortality and discharge characteristics in a large cohort of older adults with unscheduled admissions to an acute hospital: a retrospective observational study. Age Ageing 2017; 46:794-801. [PMID: 28338808 PMCID: PMC5860577 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afx022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background older people with dementia admitted to hospital for acute illness have higher mortality and longer hospital stays compared to those without dementia. Cognitive impairment (CI) is common in older people, and they may also be at increased risk of poor outcomes. Methods retrospective observational study of unscheduled admissions aged ≥75 years. Admission characteristics, mortality rates and discharge outcomes were compared between three groups: (i) known dementia diagnosis (DD), (ii) CI but no diagnosis of dementia and (iii) no CI. Results of 19,269 admissions (13,652 patients), 19.8% had a DD, 11.6% had CI and 68.6% had neither. Admissions with CI or DD were older and had more females than those with no CI, and were more likely to be admitted through the Emergency Department (88.4% and 90.7%, versus 82.0%) and to medical wards (89.4% and 84.4%, versus 76.8%). Acuity levels at admission were similar between the groups. Patients with CI or DD had more admissions at ‘high risk’ from malnutrition than patients with no CI (28.0% and 33.7% versus 17.5%), and a higher risk of dying in hospital (11.8% [10.5–13.3] and 10.8% [9.8–11.9] versus (6.6% [6.2–7.0])). Conclusions the admission characteristics, mortality and length of stay of patients with CI resemble those of patients with diagnosed dementia. Whilst attention has been focussed on the need for additional support for people with dementia, patients with CI, which may include those with undiagnosed dementia or delirium, appear to have equally bad outcomes from hospitalisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carole Fogg
- University of Portsmouth – School of Health Sciences and Social Work, Portsmouth, UK
- Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Wessex, UK
| | - Paul Meredith
- Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Wessex, UK
| | - Jackie Bridges
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Wessex, UK
- University of Southampton – Faculty of Health Sciences, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
| | | | - Peter Griffiths
- National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) Wessex, UK
- University of Southampton – Faculty of Health Sciences, Southampton, Hampshire, UK
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Handley M, Bunn F, Goodman C. Dementia-friendly interventions to improve the care of people living with dementia admitted to hospitals: a realist review. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015257. [PMID: 28713073 PMCID: PMC5541590 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify features of programmes and approaches to make healthcare delivery in secondary healthcare settings more dementia-friendly, providing a context-relevant understanding of how interventions achieve outcomes for people living with dementia. DESIGN A realist review conducted in three phases: (1) stakeholder interviews and scoping of the literature to develop an initial programme theory for providing effective dementia care; (2) structured retrieval and extraction of evidence; and (3) analysis and synthesis to build and refine the programme theory. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, NHS Evidence, Scopus and grey literature. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Studies reporting interventions and approaches to make hospital environments more dementia-friendly. Studies not reporting patient outcomes or contributing to the programme theory were excluded. RESULTS Phase 1 combined findings from 15 stakeholder interviews and 22 publications to develop candidate programme theories. Phases 2 and 3 identified and synthesised evidence from 28 publications. Prominent context-mechanism-outcome configurations were identified to explain what supported dementia-friendly healthcare in acute settings. Staff capacity to understand the behaviours of people living with dementia as communication of an unmet need, combined with a recognition and valuing of their role in their care, prompted changes to care practices. Endorsement from senior management gave staff confidence and permission to adapt working practices to provide good dementia care. Key contextual factors were the availability of staff and an alignment of ward priorities to value person-centred care approaches. A preoccupation with risk generated responses that werelikely to restrict patient choice and increase their distress. CONCLUSIONS This review suggests that strategies such as dementia awareness training alone will not improve dementia care or outcomes for patients with dementia. Instead, how staff are supported to implement learning and resources by senior team members with dementia expertise is a key component for improving care practices and patient outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42015017562.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Handley
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Frances Bunn
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Claire Goodman
- Centre for Research in Primary and Community Care, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
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