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Mattsson M, Flood M, Wallace E, Boland F, Moriarty F. Eligibility rates and representativeness of the General Medical Services scheme population in Ireland 2016-2021: A methodological report. HRB Open Res 2023; 5:67. [PMID: 37753170 PMCID: PMC10518849 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13622.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Ireland, the means tested General Medical Services (GMS) scheme provides access to a range of healthcare services at no or low cost to approximately one third of the population. Individuals eligible for the GMS scheme are often a focus of research, as a population that account for a large proportion of healthcare services use. The aim of this study is to describe the eligibility rates and representativeness of the GMS scheme population over time, with respect to age group, sex, and geographical area in Ireland. Methods Population data was obtained from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), using 2016 Census figures and projected population figures for 2017-2021. GMS eligibility figures for 2016-2021 were obtained from the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service (PCRS). GMS eligibility rates and relative rates of eligibility were calculated for 2016-2021 by age group and sex. Additionally, 2016 eligibility rates were calculated by geographical area. Results The crude eligibility rate decreased from 36.4% in 2016 to 31.2% in 2020, with a slight increase to 31.6% in 2021. In the 75+ years age group, 78.2% of the total population were eligible for the GMS scheme in 2021. The age group with the lowest rate of eligible individuals was the 25-34 age group, with 19.5% eligible in 2021. The eligibility rate was higher among females compared to males throughout the study period. The highest eligibility rate was seen in Donegal, with a crude rate of 52.8%. Dublin had the lowest rate, with a crude rate of 29.3%. Conclusions GMS eligibility varies greatly depending on age, sex, and geographical area, and decreased between 2016 and 2021. This study uses the most up-to-date data available to provide age group, sex and area-based figures for GMS eligibility which may inform planning and conduct of research focusing on GMS-eligible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Fiona Boland
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Parker S, Mac Conghail L, Siersbaek R, Burke S. How to not revert to type: Complexity-informed learnings from the pandemic response for health system reform and universal access to integrated care. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1088728. [PMID: 36908402 PMCID: PMC9996344 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1088728] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This article is part of the Research Topic 'Health Systems Recovery in the Context of COVID-19 and Protracted Conflict'. Background COVID-19 has highlighted existing health inequalities and health system deficiencies both in Ireland and internationally; however, understanding of the critical opportunities for health system change that have arisen during the pandemic is still emerging and largely descriptive. This research is situated in the Irish health reform context of Sláintecare, the reform programme which aims to deliver universal healthcare by strengthening public health, primary and community healthcare functions as well as tackling system and societal health inequities. Aims and objectives This study set out to advance understanding of how and to what extent COVID-19 has highlighted opportunities for change that enabled better access to universal, integrated care in Ireland, with a view to informing universal health system reform and implementation. Methods The study, which is qualitative, was underpinned by a co-production approach with Irish health system leadership. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with sixteen health system professionals (including managers and frontline workers) from a range of responses to explore their experiences and interpretations of social processes of change that enabled (or hindered) better access to universal integrated care during the pandemic. A complexity-informed approach was mobilized to theorize the processes that impacted on access to universal, integrated care in Ireland in the COVID-19 context. Findings A range of circumstances, strategies and mechanisms that created favorable system conditions in which new integrated care trajectories emerged during the crisis. Three key learnings from the pandemic response are presented: (1) nurturing whole-system thinking through a clear, common goal and shared information base; (2) harnessing, sharing and supporting innovation; and (3) prioritizing trust and relationship-building in a social, human-centered health system. Policy and practice implications for health reform are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Parker
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Larkin J, Walsh B, Moriarty F, Clyne B, Harrington P, Smith SM. What is the impact of multimorbidity on out-of-pocket healthcare expenditure among community-dwelling older adults in Ireland? A cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060502. [PMID: 36581975 PMCID: PMC9438209 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060502] [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: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Individuals with multimorbidity use more health services and take more medicines. This can lead to high out-of-pocket (OOP) healthcare expenditure. This study, therefore, aimed to assess the association between multimorbidity (two or more chronic conditions) and OOP healthcare expenditure in a nationally representative sample of adults aged 50 years or over. DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of data collected in 2016 from wave 4 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing.SettingIreland.ParticipantsCommunity-dwelling adults aged 50 years and over.MethodA generalised linear model with log-link and gamma distributed errors was fitted to assess the association between multimorbidity and OOP healthcare expenditure (including general practitioner, emergency department, outpatients, specialist consultations, hospital admissions, home care and prescription drugs). RESULTS Overall, 3453 (58.5%) participants had multimorbidity. Among those with any OOP healthcare expenditure, individuals with multimorbidity spent more on average per annum (€806.8 for two conditions, €885.8 for three or more conditions), than individuals with no conditions (€580.3). Pharmacy-dispensed medicine expenditure was the largest component of expenditure. People with multimorbidity on average spent more of their equivalised household income on healthcare (7.1% for two conditions, 9.7% for three or more conditions), than people with no conditions (5.0%). A strong positive association was found between number of conditions and OOP healthcare expenditure (p<0.001) and between having private health insurance and OOP healthcare expenditure (p<0.001). A strong negative association was found between eligibility for free primary/hospital care and heavily subsidised medicines and OOP healthcare expenditure (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that having multimorbidity in Ireland increases OOP healthcare expenditure, which is problematic for those with more conditions who have lower incomes. This highlights the need for this financial burden to be considered when designing healthcare/funding systems to address multimorbidity, so that access to essential healthcare can be maximised for those with greatest need.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Larkin
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brendan Walsh
- Social Research Division, The Economic and Social Research Institute, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Frank Moriarty
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Barbara Clyne
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Patricia Harrington
- Health Technology Assessment Directorate, Health Information and Quality Authority, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Susan M Smith
- Department of General Practice, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Fleming P, Thomas S, Williams D, Kennedy J, Burke S. Implications for health system reform, workforce recovery and rebuilding in the context of the Great Recession and COVID-19: a case study of workforce trends in Ireland 2008-2021. HUMAN RESOURCES FOR HEALTH 2022; 20:48. [PMID: 35619111 PMCID: PMC9134726 DOI: 10.1186/s12960-022-00747-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workforce is a fundamental health systems building block, with unprecedented measures taken to meet extra demand and facilitate surge capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, following a prolonged period of austerity. This case study examines trends in Ireland's publicly funded health service workforce, from the global financial crisis, through the Recovery period and into the COVID-19 pandemic, to understand resource allocation across community and acute settings. Specifically, this paper aims to uncover whether skill-mix and staff capacity are aligned with policy intent and the broader reform agenda to achieve universal access to integrated healthcare, in part, by shifting free care into primary and community settings. METHODS Secondary analysis of anonymised aggregated national human resources data was conducted over a period of almost 14 years, from December 31st 2008 to August 31st 2021. Comparative analysis was conducted, by professional cadre, across three keys periods: 'Recession period' December 31st 2008-December 31st 2014; 'Recovery period' December 31st 2014-December 31st 2019; and the 'COVID-19 period' December 31st 2019-August 31st 2021. RESULTS During the Recession period there was an overall decrease of 8.1% (n = 9333) between December 31st 2008 and December 31st 2014, while the Recovery period saw the overall staff levels rebound and increase by 15.2% (n = 16,789) between December 31st 2014 and December 31st 2019. These figures continued to grow, at an accelerated rate during the most recent COVID-19 period, increasing by a further 8.9% (n = 10,716) in under 2 years. However, a notable shift occurred in 2013, when the number of staff in acute services surpassed those employed in community services (n = 50,038 and 49,857, respectively). This gap accelerated during the Recovery and COVID-19 phase. By August 2021, there were 13,645 more whole-time equivalents in acute settings compared to community, a complete reverse of the 2008 situation. This was consistent across all cadres. Workforce absence trends indicate short-term spikes resulting from shocks while COVID-19 redeployment disproportionately impacted negatively on primary care and community services. CONCLUSIONS This paper clearly demonstrates the prioritisation of staff recruitment within acute services-increasing needed capacity, without the same commitment to support government policy to shift care into primary and community settings. Concerted action including the permanent redistribution of personnel is required to ensure progressive and sustainable responses are learned from recent shocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Padraic Fleming
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Steve Thomas
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Des Williams
- National Human Resources Directorate, HSE, Dr. Steevens' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Jack Kennedy
- National Human Resources Directorate, HSE, Dr. Steevens' Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Sara Burke
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Loftus Moran O, Casey M, O'Connor L, Cullen W. Quality care process metrics for nurses working in general practice, mapping the evidence: a scoping review protocol. HRB Open Res 2022; 5:10. [PMID: 35505692 PMCID: PMC9024129 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13483.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Irish general practice nursing roles have developed and grown exponentially in response to changing policy, clinical and workforce demands, this is reflective of international primary healthcare nursing trends. However, as nursing care in general practice advances, comprehensive evaluation of the general practice nurse (GPN) role has not been undertaken. Therefore, processes which enable robust data collection to assess the role and facilitate development of services are required. Nursing quality care metrics are an established mechanism which evaluate quality of care. Nursing quality care process metrics (QCP-Ms) specifically refer to measurement of care delivered directly to patients by nurses, benchmarking these interventions adherence to best practice guidance. The use of nursing metrics has been adopted within seven distinct healthcare settings in Ireland but not general practice. This scoping review is the first stage of a project which aims to inform development and implementation of QCP-Ms by Irish GPNs. Aim: To explore and map the literature regarding the development and implementation of QCP-Ms within general practice settings. Methods: The following five-stage methodological framework for scoping reviews proposed by Arksey and O'Malley will be used: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting/mapping the data and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting results. The review will be conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Conclusions: The focus of this scoping review relates to QCP-Ms which specifically measure the work of general practice nurses. It is envisioned that synthesis of international literature will give a broad perspective about nursing QCP-Ms, their use in general practice or primary healthcare settings, enriching understanding regarding their development. It is anticipated that findings will provide key information to policy makers and health professionals interested in planning, strengthening, and delivering primary healthcare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla Loftus Moran
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- General Practice, Castlebar Family Practice, Castlebar, Ireland
| | - Mary Casey
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laserina O'Connor
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Loftus Moran O, Casey M, O'Connor L, Cullen W. Quality care metrics for nurses working in general practice, mapping the evidence: a scoping review protocol. HRB Open Res 2022; 5:10. [PMID: 35505692 PMCID: PMC9024129 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13483.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Irish general practice nursing roles have developed and grown exponentially in response to changing policy, clinical and workforce demands over the past three decades. However, as nursing care in general practice advances at pace, comprehensive evaluation of the general practice nurse (GPN) role has not been undertaken. Therefore, processes which enable robust data collection to carefully assess the role and facilitate development of services are required. Nursing quality care metrics (QCM) are an established mechanism which measure nursing care process, evaluate quality, and impact of care, and inform service development. The use of nursing QCM has been adopted within seven distinct healthcare settings in Ireland but not general practice. This scoping review is the first stage of a project which aims to inform development of QCM within Irish GPN settings. Aim: To explore and map the literature regarding the use, application, and impact of nursing quality care metrics within a general practice, primary care setting. Methods: The following five-stage methodological framework for scoping reviews proposed by Arksey and O'Malley will be used: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting/mapping the data and (5) collating, summarizing, and reporting results. The review will be conducted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). Conclusions: The focus of this scoping review relates to QCM which specifically measure the work of general practice nurses. It is envisioned that synthesis of international literature will give a broad perspective about QCM, their use in general practice or primary care settings, and enrich understanding of their development. It is anticipated that findings will provide key information to policy makers and health professionals interested in planning, strengthening, and delivering primary care in Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orla Loftus Moran
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- General Practice, Castlebar Family Practice, Castlebar, Ireland
| | - Mary Casey
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laserina O'Connor
- School of Nursing Midwifery and Health Systems, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Cullen
- School of Medicine, Health Sciences, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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