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Martin-Misener R, Donald F, Rayner J, Carter N, Kilpatrick K, Ziegler E, Bourgeault I, Bryant-Lukosius D. Factors influencing nurse practitioner panel size in team-based primary care: a qualitative case study. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2024; 25:304. [PMID: 39143488 PMCID: PMC11323452 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02547-6] [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: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lack of access to health care is a worldwide public health crisis. In primary care it has led to increases in the implementation of nurse practitioners and heightened interest in their patient panel capacity. The aim of this study was to examine factors influencing nurse practitioner patient panel size in team-based primary care in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We used a multiple case study design. Eight team-based primary care practices including rural and urban settings were purposively selected as cases. Each case had two or more nurse practitioners with a minimum of two years experience in the primary care setting. Interviews were conducted in-person, audio recorded, transcribed and analysed using content analysis. RESULTS Forty participants, including 19 nurse practitioners, 16 administrators (inclusive of executives, managers, and receptionists), and 5 physicians were interviewed. Patient, provider, organizational, and system factors influenced nurse practitioner patient panel size. There were eight sub-factors: complexity of patients' health and social needs; holistic nursing model of care; nurse practitioner experience and confidence; composition and functioning of the multidisciplinary team; clerical and administrative supports, and nurse practitioner activities and expectations. All participants found it difficult to identify the panel size of nurse practitioners, calling it- "a grey area." Establishing and maintaining a longitudinal relationship that responded holistically to patients' needs was fundamental to how nurse practitioners provided care. Social factors such as gender, poverty, mental health concerns, historical trauma, marginalisation and literacy contributed to the complexity of patients' needs. Participants indicated NPs tried to address all of a patient's concerns at each visit. CONCLUSIONS Nurse practitioners have a holistic approach that incorporates attention to the social determinants of health as well as acute and chronic comorbidities. This approach compels them to try to address all of the needs a patient is experiencing at each visit and reduces their panel size. Multidisciplinary teams have an opportunity to be deliberate when structuring their services across providers to meet more of the health and social needs of empanelled patients. This could enable increases in nurse practitioner panel size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Martin-Misener
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, 5869 University Ave, Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Faith Donald
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Rayner
- Alliance for Heathier Communities, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Health Policy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nancy Carter
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | | | - Erin Ziegler
- Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ivy Bourgeault
- School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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Khela H, Khalil J, Daxon N, Neilson Z, Shahrokhi T, Chung P, Wong P. Real world challenges in maintaining data integrity in electronic health records in a cancer program. Tech Innov Patient Support Radiat Oncol 2024; 29:100233. [PMID: 38293266 PMCID: PMC10824972 DOI: 10.1016/j.tipsro.2023.100233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems increase clerical workload, promote copy-paste and error propagation. Documentation error rate in cancer diagnosis and treatment was examined in 776 patient records. Fifteen percent of the charts contained an error. Modern EHR systems, patient portals and engagement tools may facilitate the maintenance of accurate information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Zdenka Neilson
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Tina Shahrokhi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Peter Chung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - Philip Wong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada
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Metusela C, Mullan J, Kobel C, Rhee J, Batterham M, Barnett S, Bonney A. CHIME-GP trial of online education for prescribing, pathology and imaging ordering in general practice - how did it bring about behaviour change? BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1346. [PMID: 38042789 PMCID: PMC10693689 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10374-1] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a need for scalable clinician education in rational medication prescribing and rational ordering of pathology and imaging to help improve patient safety and enable more efficient utilisation of healthcare resources. Our wider study evaluated the effectiveness of a multifaceted education intervention for general practitioners (GPs) in rational prescribing and ordering of pathology and imaging tests, in the context of Australia's online patient-controlled health record system, My Health Record (MHR), and found evidence for measurable behaviour change in pathology ordering among participants who completed the educational activities. This current study explored the mechanisms of behaviour change brought about by the intervention, with a view to informing the development of similar interventions in the future. METHODS This mixed methods investigation used self-reported questionnaires at baseline and post-education on MHR use and rational prescribing and test ordering. These were analysed using multi-level ordinal logistic regression models. Semi-structured interviews pre- and post-intervention were also conducted and were analysed thematically using the COM-B framework. RESULTS Of the 106 GPs recruited into the study, 60 completed baseline and 37 completed post-education questionnaires. Nineteen participants were interviewed at baseline and completion. Analysis of questionnaires demonstrated a significant increase in confidence using MHR and in self-reported frequency of MHR use, post-education compared with baseline. There were also similar improvements in confidence across the cohort pre-post education in deprescribing, frequency of review of pathology ordering regimens and evidence-based imaging. The qualitative findings showed an increase in GPs' perceived capability with, and the use of MHR, at post-education compared with baseline. Participants saw the education as an opportunity for learning, for reinforcing what they already knew, and for motivating change of behaviour in increasing their utilisation of MHR, and ordering fewer unnecessary tests and prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS Our education intervention appeared to provide its effects through providing opportunity, increasing capability and enhancing motivation to increase MHR knowledge and usage, as well as rational prescribing and test ordering behaviour. There were overlapping effects of skills acquisition and confidence across intervention arms, which may have contributed to wider changes in behaviour than the specific topic area addressed in the education. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000010998) (09/01/2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Metusela
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia.
| | - Judy Mullan
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Conrad Kobel
- Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Joel Rhee
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Marijka Batterham
- School of Mathematics and Applied Statistics, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Stephen Barnett
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Andrew Bonney
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
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AGGARWAL MONICA, HUTCHISON BRIAN, ABDELHALIM REHAM, BAKER GROSS. Building High-Performing Primary Care Systems: After a Decade of Policy Change, Is Canada "Walking the Talk?". Milbank Q 2023; 101:1139-1190. [PMID: 37743824 PMCID: PMC10726918 DOI: 10.1111/1468-0009.12674] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Policy Points Considerable investments have been made to build high-performing primary care systems in Canada. However, little is known about the extent to which change has occurred over the last decade with implementing programs and policies across all 13 provincial and territorial jurisdictions. There is significant variation in the degree of implementation of structural features of high-performing primary care systems across Canada. This study provides evidence on the state of primary care reform in Canada and offers insights into the opportunities based on changes that governments elsewhere have made to advance primary care transformation. CONTEXT Despite significant investments to transform primary care, Canada lags behind its peers in providing timely access to regular doctors or places of care, timely access to care, developing interprofessional teams, and communication across health care settings. This study examines changes over the last decade (2012 to 2021) in policies across 13 provincial and territorial jurisdictions that address the structural features of high-performing primary care systems. METHODS A multiple comparative case study approach was used to explore changes in primary care delivery across 13 Canadian jurisdictions. Each case consisted of (1) qualitative interviews with academics, provincial health care leaders, and health care professionals and (2) a literature review of policies and innovations. Data for each case were thematically analyzed within and across cases, using 12 structural features of high-performing primary care systems to describe each case and assess changes over time. FINDINGS The most significant changes include adopting electronic medical records, investments in quality improvement training and support, and developing interprofessional teams. Progress was more limited in implementing primary care governance mechanisms, system coordination, patient enrollment, and payment models. The rate of change was slowest for patient engagement, leadership development, performance measurement, research capacity, and systematic evaluation of innovation. CONCLUSIONS Progress toward building high-performing primary care systems in Canada has been slow and variable, with limited change in the organization and delivery of primary care. Canada's experience can inform innovation internationally by demonstrating how preexisting policy legacies constrain the possibilities for widespread primary care reform, with progress less pronounced in the attributes that impact physician autonomy. To accelerate primary care transformation in Canada and abroad, a national strategy and performance measurement framework is needed based on meaningful engagement of patients and other stakeholders. This must be accompanied by targeted funding investments and building strong data infrastructure for performance measurement to support rigorous research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - BRIAN HUTCHISON
- Centre for Health Economics and Policy AnalysisMcMaster University
| | - REHAM ABDELHALIM
- Institute of Health PolicyManagement and EvaluationUniversity of Toronto
| | - G. ROSS BAKER
- Dalla Lana School of Public HealthUniversity of Toronto
- Institute of Health PolicyManagement and EvaluationUniversity of Toronto
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Cui C, Lv B, Meng K. Associations Among Organizational Capabilities, Organizational Performance and the Medical Alliance Implementation Effect in Community Health Centers in China: A Moderated Mediation Model. Risk Manag Healthc Policy 2023; 16:1969-1983. [PMID: 37790984 PMCID: PMC10543936 DOI: 10.2147/rmhp.s425782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Community health centers (CHCs) are an important part of the healthcare system worldwide. Based on the dual process model of organizational capabilities, this study explores the relationship between organizational capabilities and the organizational performance of CHCs, as well as the role played by the medical alliance implementation effect. Methods In this study, whole-group sampling was used to extract CHCs. All 135 CHCs in 8 of 16 districts of Beijing were selected as subjects. The organizational capabilities of the CHCs and the medical alliance implementation effect were evaluated using a questionnaire survey of 1957 managers and 3622 medical staff, respectively. A pathway analysis of the mediating role of the organizational capabilities of CHCs and the moderating role of the medical alliance implementation effect was conducted using Mplus 8.0. Results The development capabilities had a positive impact on basic capabilities (β = 0.878, P < 0.001), and core capabilities (β = 0.952, P < 0.001), but had no direct impact on organizational performance. Basic capabilities positively affected organizational performance (β = 1.163, P < 0.001), and core capabilities negatively affected organizational performance (β =- 0.886, P = 0.004). Both basic capabilities (β =1.022, P < 0.001) and core capabilities (β =- 0.843, P = 0.005) played a mediating role in the relationship between development capabilities and organizational performance. The moderating role of the medical alliance implementation effect was not significant. Conclusion This study found that strengthening the organizational capabilities of CHCs can effectively improve their performance, with the development of basic capabilities being a primary concern. The medical alliance implementation effect has not had a significant impact on organizational performance, and the cooperation between CHCs and high-level hospitals should be further promoted to give full play to the medical alliance's role and improve the organizational performance of CHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengsen Cui
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Lv
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Kai Meng
- School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- High Quality Development Research Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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Tarpey RJ. Assessing Primary Care Clinic Operational Strategies via EMR Data Mining. J Ambul Care Manage 2023; 46:251-261. [PMID: 36847647 DOI: 10.1097/jac.0000000000000465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how operational strategies impact critical performance metrics is critical to the clinic's ability to provide a value-based service to patients. This study investigated the utility of electronic medical record (EMR) audit file data in assessing operational strategies. EMR data were used to assess patient appointment lengths and conclude that shorter scheduled patient visit lengths, which resulted from one operational strategy (physician choice of visit lengths), had a negative impact on a second operational strategy (minimizing patient wait times). Patients with 15-minute appointments had a higher total mean wait time and shorter provider care or contact time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Tarpey
- Department of Management, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro
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Donnelly C, Janssen A, Vinod S, Stone E, Harnett P, Shaw T. A Systematic Review of Electronic Medical Record Driven Quality Measurement and Feedback Systems. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:ijerph20010200. [PMID: 36612522 PMCID: PMC9819986 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Historically, quality measurement analyses utilize manual chart abstraction from data collected primarily for administrative purposes. These methods are resource-intensive, time-delayed, and often lack clinical relevance. Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) have increased data availability and opportunities for quality measurement. However, little is known about the effectiveness of Measurement Feedback Systems (MFSs) in utilizing EMR data. This study explores the effectiveness and characteristics of EMR-enabled MFSs in tertiary care. The search strategy guided by the PICO Framework was executed in four databases. Two reviewers screened abstracts and manuscripts. Data on effect and intervention characteristics were extracted using a tailored version of the Cochrane EPOC abstraction tool. Due to study heterogeneity, a narrative synthesis was conducted and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 14 unique MFS studies were extracted and synthesized, of which 12 had positive effects on outcomes. Findings indicate that quality measurement using EMR data is feasible in certain contexts and successful MFSs often incorporated electronic feedback methods, supported by clinical leadership and action planning. EMR-enabled MFSs have the potential to reduce the burden of data collection for quality measurement but further research is needed to evaluate EMR-enabled MFSs to translate and scale findings to broader implementation contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candice Donnelly
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Anna Janssen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Shalini Vinod
- Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Emily Stone
- Department of Thoracic Medicine and Lung Transplantation, St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Paul Harnett
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Tim Shaw
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
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