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Daalderop LA, Barsties LS, Steenbergen FV, Waelput AJM, Lagendijk J, Been JV, Steegers EAP, Loorbach D. Building Cross-sectoral Collaborations to Address Perinatal Health Inequities: Insights From the Dutch Healthy Pregnancy 4 All-3 Program. Int J Health Policy Manag 2024; 13:8115. [PMID: 39099488 PMCID: PMC11365078 DOI: 10.34172/ijhpm.8115] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Addressing perinatal health inequities is the joint responsibility of professionals working for local governments, the medical, social, and public health sector. Cross-sectoral collaboration between these professionals is challenging. For such collaborations to succeed, a transition, ie, a fundamental shift in the dominant structure, culture, and practices at the systems level, is necessary. We investigated facilitators and barriers for cross-sectoral collaborations, when addressing perinatal health inequities in the Netherlands. Additionally, we studied how cross-sectoral collaborations can be facilitated by action research. METHODS We used interview and questionnaire data of the Healthy Pregnancy 4 All-3 (HP4All-3) program, which resulted from action research in six Dutch municipalities. All interviews were coded using open codes related to facilitators and barriers for cross-sectoral collaboration and categorized into three subgroups: structural, cultural, or practical. The answers to the questionnaire were analyzed and summarized quantitatively. RESULTS We conducted 53 interviews with a total of 81 professionals. The most important ingredients for cross-sectoral collaborations mentioned by the interviewees were: (1) structural: having a solid network with a clear overview of professionals working in the different sectors, (2) cultural: having a joint vision/goal, and (3) practical: short lines of communication and timely sharing of information. A total of 85 professionals filled in (parts of) the questionnaire. Two-thirds to over 80 percent replied that the HP4All-3 program had an added value in building cross-sectoral collaborations. CONCLUSION Our research shows that cross-sectoral collaborations in the context of perinatal health are hampered by structural, cultural, and practical barriers. Analyzing facilitators and barriers at these three levels helps to identify bottlenecks in cross-sectoral collaboration. Action researchers can be of great advantage in facilitating collaboration, as they can offer an open setting for reflection and instigate a sense of urgency for building collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie A Daalderop
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dutch Research Institute for Transitions, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa S Barsties
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Dutch Research Institute for Transitions, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank van Steenbergen
- Dutch Research Institute for Transitions, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adja J M Waelput
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jacqueline Lagendijk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jasper V Been
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric A P Steegers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Derk Loorbach
- Dutch Research Institute for Transitions, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Eið RC, Strøyer de Voss S, Wilson P, Overbeck G. Collaboration between general practitioners and health visitors about children of concern in Denmark: a qualitative study. J Interprof Care 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38813754 DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2024.2357118] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Primary health care services are responsible for preventive measures to optimize child development in the first years of life. In Denmark, these services are shared between general practitioners and municipality health visitors. National guidelines mandate collaboration between these professionals but in reality, they work in parallel. We aimed to explore how professionals experience collaboration and communication regarding children with professional concern about their wellbeing. Seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with general practitioners, and health visitors. Both professions considered closer collaboration to be important in meeting children's needs. Barriers to collaboration and communication included differing legal obligations, Information Technology-systems (IT), lack of financial incentives, lack of mutual professional acknowledgment and respect, and absence of routines for sharing knowledge. The traditional division of responsibilities between physicians and nurses in which all professionals involved in preventive child health care are acculturated seems to impede collaboration based on unequal professional status. IT infrastructure needs to support information sharing and structures to support informal meetings between professionals are warranted to support more collaborative practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekka Consuelo Eið
- Centre for General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Sarah Strøyer de Voss
- Centre for General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
| | - Philip Wilson
- Centre for General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
- Centre for Rural Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gritt Overbeck
- Centre for General Practice, Institute of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Kobenhavn, Denmark
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Gidlow CJ, Sams L, Buckless K, Ellis NJ, Duffy HC, Lambley-Burke R, Campbell P, Cooke A, Dziedzic K, Brookes M, Chockalingam N, Devall P, Mallen C. "We have to change our mindsets": a qualitative study of barriers and facilitators in research collaboration across integrated care system organisations. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:264. [PMID: 38429760 PMCID: PMC10908113 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-10760-3] [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] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The introduction of Integrated Care Systems (ICS) in England aimed to increase joint planning and delivery of health and social care, and other services, to better meet the needs of local communities. There is an associated duty to undertake collaborative research across ICS partners to inform this new integrated approach, which might be challenging given that organisations span health, local authority, voluntary and community sector, and research. This study aimed to explore the appetite for collaborative Research and Innovation (R&I) across ICSs, potential barriers and solutions. This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 24 stakeholders who held senior positions within organisations across two ICS areas (Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent; Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin). Interview transcripts were analysed using inductive and deductive analysis, first mapping to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF), then considering key influences on organisational behaviour in terms of Capability, Opportunity and Motivation from the COM-B Behaviour Change Wheel. There were fundamental limitations on organisational opportunities for collaborative R&I: a historical culture of competition (rather than collaboration), a lack of research culture and prioritisation, compounded by a challenging adverse economic environment. However, organisations were motivated to undertake collaborative R&I. They recognised the potential benefits (e.g., skill-sharing, staff development, attracting large studies and funding), the need for collaborative research that mirrors integrated care, and subsequent benefits for care recipients. Related barriers included negative experiences of collaboration, fear of failing and low confidence. Capability varied across organisations in terms of research skills and confidence, which reflected the range of partners (from local authorities to NHS Trusts, primary care, and academic institutions). These findings indicate a need to shift from a culture of competition to collaboration, and to help organisations across ICS to prioritise research, and share resources and skills to mitigate the limiting effects of a constrained economic environment. This could be further explored using a systems change approach, to develop the collaborative research efforts alongside the overarching move towards integrated care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Gidlow
- Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), Staffordshire University, Ashley Building, Leek Road, ST4 2DF, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.
| | - Lorna Sams
- Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), Staffordshire University, Ashley Building, Leek Road, ST4 2DF, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Kim Buckless
- Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), Staffordshire University, Ashley Building, Leek Road, ST4 2DF, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Naomi J Ellis
- Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), Staffordshire University, Ashley Building, Leek Road, ST4 2DF, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Helen C Duffy
- Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, St George's Hospital, Corporation Street, ST16 3AG, Stafford, UK
| | - Ruth Lambley-Burke
- Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, St George's Hospital, Corporation Street, ST16 3AG, Stafford, UK
| | - Paul Campbell
- Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust, St George's Hospital, Corporation Street, ST16 3AG, Stafford, UK
- Keele University, ST5 5BG, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
| | - Alison Cooke
- Keele University, ST5 5BG, Keele, Staffordshire, UK
- University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, Newcastle Road, ST4 6QG, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | | | - Matthew Brookes
- University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, UK
- Department of Gastroenterology, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Nachiappan Chockalingam
- Centre for Health and Development (CHAD), Staffordshire University, Ashley Building, Leek Road, ST4 2DF, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
| | - Pam Devall
- NIHR Clinical Research Network West Midlands, New Cross Hospital, WV10 0QP, Wolverhampton, UK
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Vasilevski V, Graham K, McKay F, Dunn M, Wright M, Radelaar E, Vuillermin PJ, Sweet L. Barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance for women referred to social work services in a Victorian regional hospital: A qualitative descriptive study. Women Birth 2024; 37:443-450. [PMID: 38246853 DOI: 10.1016/j.wombi.2024.01.006] [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: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women referred to social work services during pregnancy are more likely to experience social disadvantage than those who are not, resulting in reduced antenatal care attendance. Lack of antenatal care engagement leads to poor identification and management of concerns that can have immediate and long-term health consequences for women and their babies. Identifying the barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance for women referred to social work services is important for designing models of care that promote effective engagement. AIMS This study aimed to explore the barriers and enablers to antenatal care attendance by women referred to social work services from the perspectives of women, and clinicians who provide antenatal healthcare. METHODS A qualitative descriptive study using constructivist grounded theory methods was undertaken. Ten women referred to social work services and 11 antenatal healthcare providers were purposively recruited for interviews from a regional maternity service in Victoria, Australia. FINDINGS Continuity of care and healthcare providers partnering with women were central to effective engagement with antenatal care services. Three interrelated concepts were identified: 1) experiences of the hospital environment and access to care; 2) perceptions of care influence engagement, and 3) motivations for regularly attending services. CONCLUSIONS Continuity of care is essential for supporting women referred to social work services to attend antenatal appointments. Women are better equipped to overcome other barriers to antenatal service attendance when they have a strong partnership with clinicians involved in their care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidanka Vasilevski
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Kristen Graham
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Victoria, Australia; College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Australia; National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University
| | - Fiona McKay
- School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Dunn
- School of Health and Social Development, Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Peter J Vuillermin
- Barwon Health, Victoria, Australia; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia
| | - Linda Sweet
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Victoria, Australia; Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research, Institute for Health Transformation, Western Health Partnership, Victoria, Australia
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Espejord S, Auberg SH, Kvitno TK, Furskog-Risa C, Lukasse M. Norwegian community midwives' experience of interdisciplinary collaboration in care of pregnant women with vulnerabilities. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2024; 39:100951. [PMID: 38306732 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100951] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to investigate Norwegian community midwiveś(CMs) experience of collaboration when caring for pregnant women with vulnerabilities. We wanted to determine which professionals and services are considered important and with whom they have written agreements and good lines of communication. Furthermore, which tools are used in collaboration and if any background factors enhance collaboration. BACKGROUND Vulnerable pregnant women may require more than standard antenatal care, involving interdisciplinary collaboration. Outcomes can improve if vulnerable pregnant women are offered additional support. The introduction of multi-disciplinary teams in Norway has shown promising results, as in many other countries. A Norwegian report concluded that there is need for more research to improve the quality and availability of interdisciplinary care. METHODS A cross-sectional, descriptive study, using data from a questionnaire that approximately 700 CMs in Norway were invited to answer online from May-August 2020. Data were analysed using the statistical software SPSS 26. RESULTS One third (257) of the invited CMs participated in the survey. They reported that professionals involved in standard antenatal care, such as those at the maternity unit and PHNs, were the most important collaborative partners when caring for vulnerable pregnant women. The CMs reported poor communication with general practitioners, child welfare-, drug welfare- and mental health-services. The most frequent methods for accessing collaboration were phoning and electronically through patient record systems, while there was limited use of the personal care plan, patient coordination meetings and regular meetings with collaborative partners/services. CMs with more than ten years as a CM and "Early Start" training were more frequently involved in patient coordination meetings and counselling and debriefing sessions compared to inexperienced CMs who had not attended a special training program. CONCLUSION Experience and completed the Early Start education/training increased the use of interprofessional collaborating meetings including CMs. This study suggests interdisciplinary training programmes to improve collaboration, which are expected to benefit vulnerable pregnant women, their babies and families. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH We recommend education and training in both the educational system and among involved professionals in communities to improve collaboration in the care of vulnerable women. In order to measure the effectiveness of collaboration in the care of vulnerable pregnant women, both the targeted group and the collaborating professionals should be asked to provide feedback. More research on communication and collaboration is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silje Espejord
- Centre of Women's, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway; Department of Caring and Ethics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Sonja H Auberg
- Centre of Women's, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway; Department of Obstetrics, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Trine K Kvitno
- Centre of Women's, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway; Department of Obstetrics, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Christina Furskog-Risa
- Department of Caring and Ethics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Norway
| | - Mirjam Lukasse
- Centre of Women's, Family and Child Health, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of South-Eastern Norway, Norway
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Øverhaug OMS, Laue J, Vis SA, Risør MB. 'There's a will, but not a way': Norwegian GPs' experiences of collaboration with child welfare services - a grounded theory study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:36. [PMID: 38267870 PMCID: PMC10807144 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02269-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences can have immediate effects on a child's wellbeing and health and may also result in disorders and illness in adult life. General practitioners are in a good position to identify and support vulnerable children and parents and to collaborate with other agencies such as child welfare services. There is a need for better integration of relevant services. The aim of this study is to explore GPs' experiences of the collaboration process with child welfare services. METHOD This is a qualitative grounded theory study, with data consisting of ten semi-structured interviews with general practitioners across Norway. RESULTS The doctors' main concern was: 'There's a will, but not a way'. Three subordinate stages of the collaboration process were identified: (I) Familiar territory, with a whole-person approach to care by the doctor. (II) Unfamiliar territory, when child welfare becomes involved. Here, a one-way window of information and a closed door to dialogue perpetuate the doctors' lack of knowledge about child welfare services and uncertainty about what is happening to their patients. (III) Fragmented territory, where doctors experience lost opportunities to help and missing pieces in the patient's history. CONCLUSION General practitioners are willing to contribute to a collaborative process with child welfare, but this is hampered by factors such as poor information flow and opportunities for dialogue, and limited knowledge of the partner. This implies lost opportunities for doctors to help families and contribute their knowledge and potential actions to a child welfare case. It can also impede whole-person care and lead to fragmentation of patient pathways. To counteract this, electronic two-way communication could enable a collaborative process and relationships that enhance coordination between the parties. Making space for all parties and their individual roles was considered important to create a positive collaborative environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Johanna Laue
- Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Svein Arild Vis
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health & Child Welfare, UiT, The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Mette Bech Risør
- Department of Community Medicine, The General Practice Research Unit, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Okulicz-Kozaryn K, Segura-García L, Bruguera C, Braddick F, Zin-Sędek M, Gandin C, Słodownik-Przybyłek L, Scafato E, Ghirini S, Colom J, Matrai S. Reducing the risk of prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD through social services: promising results from the FAR SEAS pilot project. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1243904. [PMID: 37779625 PMCID: PMC10540837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1243904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Within FAR SEAS, a multi-component evidence-based community intervention was implemented and evaluated in Mazovia (Poland), with the aim of preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies, and therefore preventing FASD. Methods Multi-disciplinary professionals from different services (social, addiction, and psychology), recruited women of child-bearing age (pregnant and not pregnant) in local communities, screened them for alcohol risk, and allocated participants (n = 441) to groups for low- (70%), moderate- (23%), or high-risk (7%) of alcohol exposed pregnancy, to provide interventions tailored to their needs. The non-parametric sign test, testing differences between pairs of observations before and after intervention was used to evaluate the outcomes. Results Follow-up data (collected from 93% of participants) indicated positive changes in the key outcome variables: risky alcohol consumption dropped by 81%, contraception use increased by 15% and visiting a gynecologist increased by 39%; as well as in associated psychosocial risk factors (decrease in cigarette and drug use, domestic violence and depressive symptoms). No changes were noted in frequency of other service use (medical, psychological, or social). The most prominent changes were observed in the moderate-risk group. Discussion Changing risky behaviors (alcohol consumption and sex without contraception) to prevent alcohol exposed pregnancies is feasible at the local level, even without engagement of medical professionals. Key challenges, related to engaging professionals and local authorities, must be addressed; and procedures should be adapted to local contexts and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lidia Segura-García
- Subdirectorate General of Addictions, HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis, Public Health Agency of Catalonia (GENCAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Bruguera
- Subdirectorate General of Addictions, HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis, Public Health Agency of Catalonia (GENCAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fleur Braddick
- CLÍNIC Foundation for Biomedical Research (FCRB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Zin-Sędek
- National Centre for Prevention of Addictions (KCPU), Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Joan Colom
- Subdirectorate General of Addictions, HIV, STI and Viral Hepatitis, Public Health Agency of Catalonia (GENCAT), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Matrai
- CLÍNIC Foundation for Biomedical Research (FCRB), Barcelona, Spain
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