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Shahaed H, Glazier RH, Anderson M, Barbazza E, Bos VLLC, Saunes IS, Auvinen J, Daneshvarfard M, Kiran T. Soins primaires pour tous: Le Canada peut s’inspirer de pays semblables ayant un niveau élevé de continuité relationnelle entre patientèle et centres de soins primaires. CMAJ 2024; 196:E359-E368. [PMID: 38499306 PMCID: PMC10948188 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.221824-f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heba Shahaed
- Faculté de médecine Temerty (Shahaed) et Département de médecine familiale et communautaire (Glazier, Kiran), Hôpital St. Michael, Université de Toronto; Centre MAP pour des solutions de santé urbaines (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Hôpital St. Michael; Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES Centre) (Glazier, Kiran); Institut des politiques de la gestion et de l'évaluation de la santé (Glazier, Kiran), Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département des politiques de la santé (Anderson), École londonienne d'économie et de sciences politiques, Londres, R.-U.; Département de santé publique et de médecine du travail (Barbazza, Bos), couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) Amsterdam, Université d'Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas; Grappe de recherche sur les services de santé (Saunes), Division des services de santé, Institut norvégien de santé publique, Oslo, Norvège; Unité de recherche sur la santé des populations (Auvinen), Université d'Oulu; Centre de recherches médicales (Auvinen), Hôpital universitaire d'Oulu et Université d'Oulu, Oulu, Finlande
| | - Richard H Glazier
- Faculté de médecine Temerty (Shahaed) et Département de médecine familiale et communautaire (Glazier, Kiran), Hôpital St. Michael, Université de Toronto; Centre MAP pour des solutions de santé urbaines (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Hôpital St. Michael; Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES Centre) (Glazier, Kiran); Institut des politiques de la gestion et de l'évaluation de la santé (Glazier, Kiran), Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département des politiques de la santé (Anderson), École londonienne d'économie et de sciences politiques, Londres, R.-U.; Département de santé publique et de médecine du travail (Barbazza, Bos), couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) Amsterdam, Université d'Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas; Grappe de recherche sur les services de santé (Saunes), Division des services de santé, Institut norvégien de santé publique, Oslo, Norvège; Unité de recherche sur la santé des populations (Auvinen), Université d'Oulu; Centre de recherches médicales (Auvinen), Hôpital universitaire d'Oulu et Université d'Oulu, Oulu, Finlande
| | - Michael Anderson
- Faculté de médecine Temerty (Shahaed) et Département de médecine familiale et communautaire (Glazier, Kiran), Hôpital St. Michael, Université de Toronto; Centre MAP pour des solutions de santé urbaines (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Hôpital St. Michael; Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES Centre) (Glazier, Kiran); Institut des politiques de la gestion et de l'évaluation de la santé (Glazier, Kiran), Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département des politiques de la santé (Anderson), École londonienne d'économie et de sciences politiques, Londres, R.-U.; Département de santé publique et de médecine du travail (Barbazza, Bos), couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) Amsterdam, Université d'Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas; Grappe de recherche sur les services de santé (Saunes), Division des services de santé, Institut norvégien de santé publique, Oslo, Norvège; Unité de recherche sur la santé des populations (Auvinen), Université d'Oulu; Centre de recherches médicales (Auvinen), Hôpital universitaire d'Oulu et Université d'Oulu, Oulu, Finlande
| | - Erica Barbazza
- Faculté de médecine Temerty (Shahaed) et Département de médecine familiale et communautaire (Glazier, Kiran), Hôpital St. Michael, Université de Toronto; Centre MAP pour des solutions de santé urbaines (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Hôpital St. Michael; Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES Centre) (Glazier, Kiran); Institut des politiques de la gestion et de l'évaluation de la santé (Glazier, Kiran), Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département des politiques de la santé (Anderson), École londonienne d'économie et de sciences politiques, Londres, R.-U.; Département de santé publique et de médecine du travail (Barbazza, Bos), couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) Amsterdam, Université d'Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas; Grappe de recherche sur les services de santé (Saunes), Division des services de santé, Institut norvégien de santé publique, Oslo, Norvège; Unité de recherche sur la santé des populations (Auvinen), Université d'Oulu; Centre de recherches médicales (Auvinen), Hôpital universitaire d'Oulu et Université d'Oulu, Oulu, Finlande
| | - Véronique L L C Bos
- Faculté de médecine Temerty (Shahaed) et Département de médecine familiale et communautaire (Glazier, Kiran), Hôpital St. Michael, Université de Toronto; Centre MAP pour des solutions de santé urbaines (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Hôpital St. Michael; Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES Centre) (Glazier, Kiran); Institut des politiques de la gestion et de l'évaluation de la santé (Glazier, Kiran), Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département des politiques de la santé (Anderson), École londonienne d'économie et de sciences politiques, Londres, R.-U.; Département de santé publique et de médecine du travail (Barbazza, Bos), couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) Amsterdam, Université d'Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas; Grappe de recherche sur les services de santé (Saunes), Division des services de santé, Institut norvégien de santé publique, Oslo, Norvège; Unité de recherche sur la santé des populations (Auvinen), Université d'Oulu; Centre de recherches médicales (Auvinen), Hôpital universitaire d'Oulu et Université d'Oulu, Oulu, Finlande
| | - Ingrid S Saunes
- Faculté de médecine Temerty (Shahaed) et Département de médecine familiale et communautaire (Glazier, Kiran), Hôpital St. Michael, Université de Toronto; Centre MAP pour des solutions de santé urbaines (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Hôpital St. Michael; Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES Centre) (Glazier, Kiran); Institut des politiques de la gestion et de l'évaluation de la santé (Glazier, Kiran), Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département des politiques de la santé (Anderson), École londonienne d'économie et de sciences politiques, Londres, R.-U.; Département de santé publique et de médecine du travail (Barbazza, Bos), couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) Amsterdam, Université d'Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas; Grappe de recherche sur les services de santé (Saunes), Division des services de santé, Institut norvégien de santé publique, Oslo, Norvège; Unité de recherche sur la santé des populations (Auvinen), Université d'Oulu; Centre de recherches médicales (Auvinen), Hôpital universitaire d'Oulu et Université d'Oulu, Oulu, Finlande
| | - Juha Auvinen
- Faculté de médecine Temerty (Shahaed) et Département de médecine familiale et communautaire (Glazier, Kiran), Hôpital St. Michael, Université de Toronto; Centre MAP pour des solutions de santé urbaines (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Hôpital St. Michael; Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES Centre) (Glazier, Kiran); Institut des politiques de la gestion et de l'évaluation de la santé (Glazier, Kiran), Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département des politiques de la santé (Anderson), École londonienne d'économie et de sciences politiques, Londres, R.-U.; Département de santé publique et de médecine du travail (Barbazza, Bos), couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) Amsterdam, Université d'Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas; Grappe de recherche sur les services de santé (Saunes), Division des services de santé, Institut norvégien de santé publique, Oslo, Norvège; Unité de recherche sur la santé des populations (Auvinen), Université d'Oulu; Centre de recherches médicales (Auvinen), Hôpital universitaire d'Oulu et Université d'Oulu, Oulu, Finlande
| | - Maryam Daneshvarfard
- Faculté de médecine Temerty (Shahaed) et Département de médecine familiale et communautaire (Glazier, Kiran), Hôpital St. Michael, Université de Toronto; Centre MAP pour des solutions de santé urbaines (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Hôpital St. Michael; Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES Centre) (Glazier, Kiran); Institut des politiques de la gestion et de l'évaluation de la santé (Glazier, Kiran), Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département des politiques de la santé (Anderson), École londonienne d'économie et de sciences politiques, Londres, R.-U.; Département de santé publique et de médecine du travail (Barbazza, Bos), couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) Amsterdam, Université d'Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas; Grappe de recherche sur les services de santé (Saunes), Division des services de santé, Institut norvégien de santé publique, Oslo, Norvège; Unité de recherche sur la santé des populations (Auvinen), Université d'Oulu; Centre de recherches médicales (Auvinen), Hôpital universitaire d'Oulu et Université d'Oulu, Oulu, Finlande
| | - Tara Kiran
- Faculté de médecine Temerty (Shahaed) et Département de médecine familiale et communautaire (Glazier, Kiran), Hôpital St. Michael, Université de Toronto; Centre MAP pour des solutions de santé urbaines (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Institut du savoir Li Ka Shing, Hôpital St. Michael; Institut de recherche en services de santé (ICES Centre) (Glazier, Kiran); Institut des politiques de la gestion et de l'évaluation de la santé (Glazier, Kiran), Université de Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Département des politiques de la santé (Anderson), École londonienne d'économie et de sciences politiques, Londres, R.-U.; Département de santé publique et de médecine du travail (Barbazza, Bos), couverture sanitaire universelle (CSU) Amsterdam, Université d'Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Pays-Bas; Grappe de recherche sur les services de santé (Saunes), Division des services de santé, Institut norvégien de santé publique, Oslo, Norvège; Unité de recherche sur la santé des populations (Auvinen), Université d'Oulu; Centre de recherches médicales (Auvinen), Hôpital universitaire d'Oulu et Université d'Oulu, Oulu, Finlande.
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Fisher R, Alderwick H. The performance of general practice in the English National Health Service (NHS): an analysis using Starfield's framework for primary care. HEALTH AFFAIRS SCHOLAR 2024; 2:qxae022. [PMID: 38770436 PMCID: PMC11103734 DOI: 10.1093/haschl/qxae022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
General practice in the English National Health Service (NHS) is in crisis. In response, politicians are proposing fundamental reform to the way general practice is organized. But ideas for reform are contested, and there are conflicting interpretations of the problems to be addressed. We use Barbara Starfield's "4Cs" framework for high-performing primary care to provide an overall assessment of the current role and performance of general practice in England. We first assessed theoretical alignment between Starfield's framework and the role of general practice in England. We then assessed actual performance using publicly available national data and targeted literature searches. We found close theoretical alignment between Starfield's framework and the model of NHS general practice in England. But, in practice, its model of universal comprehensive care risks being undermined by worsening and inequitable access, while continuity of care is declining. Underlying causes of current challenges in general practice in England appear more closely linked to under-resourcing than the fundamental design of the system. General practice in England must evolve, but wholesale re-organization is likely to damage and distract. Instead, policymakers should focus on adequately resourcing general practice while supporting general practice teams to improve the quality and coordination of local services.
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Shahaed H, Glazier RH, Anderson M, Barbazza E, Bos VLLC, Saunes IS, Auvinen J, Daneshvarfard M, Kiran T. Primary care for all: lessons for Canada from peer countries with high primary care attachment. CMAJ 2023; 195:E1628-E1636. [PMID: 38049161 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.221824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Heba Shahaed
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Shahaed), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Glazier, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; ICES Central (Glazier, Kiran); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Glazier, Kiran), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Health Policy (Anderson), London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Public and Occupational Health (Barbazza, Bos), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cluster for Health Services Research (Saunes), Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit of Population Health (Auvinen), University of Oulu; Medical Research Center (Auvinen), Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Richard H Glazier
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Shahaed), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Glazier, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; ICES Central (Glazier, Kiran); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Glazier, Kiran), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Health Policy (Anderson), London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Public and Occupational Health (Barbazza, Bos), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cluster for Health Services Research (Saunes), Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit of Population Health (Auvinen), University of Oulu; Medical Research Center (Auvinen), Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Michael Anderson
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Shahaed), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Glazier, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; ICES Central (Glazier, Kiran); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Glazier, Kiran), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Health Policy (Anderson), London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Public and Occupational Health (Barbazza, Bos), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cluster for Health Services Research (Saunes), Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit of Population Health (Auvinen), University of Oulu; Medical Research Center (Auvinen), Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Erica Barbazza
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Shahaed), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Glazier, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; ICES Central (Glazier, Kiran); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Glazier, Kiran), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Health Policy (Anderson), London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Public and Occupational Health (Barbazza, Bos), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cluster for Health Services Research (Saunes), Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit of Population Health (Auvinen), University of Oulu; Medical Research Center (Auvinen), Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Véronique L L C Bos
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Shahaed), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Glazier, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; ICES Central (Glazier, Kiran); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Glazier, Kiran), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Health Policy (Anderson), London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Public and Occupational Health (Barbazza, Bos), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cluster for Health Services Research (Saunes), Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit of Population Health (Auvinen), University of Oulu; Medical Research Center (Auvinen), Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Ingrid S Saunes
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Shahaed), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Glazier, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; ICES Central (Glazier, Kiran); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Glazier, Kiran), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Health Policy (Anderson), London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Public and Occupational Health (Barbazza, Bos), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cluster for Health Services Research (Saunes), Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit of Population Health (Auvinen), University of Oulu; Medical Research Center (Auvinen), Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Juha Auvinen
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Shahaed), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Glazier, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; ICES Central (Glazier, Kiran); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Glazier, Kiran), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Health Policy (Anderson), London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Public and Occupational Health (Barbazza, Bos), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cluster for Health Services Research (Saunes), Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit of Population Health (Auvinen), University of Oulu; Medical Research Center (Auvinen), Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Maryam Daneshvarfard
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Shahaed), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Glazier, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; ICES Central (Glazier, Kiran); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Glazier, Kiran), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Health Policy (Anderson), London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Public and Occupational Health (Barbazza, Bos), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cluster for Health Services Research (Saunes), Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit of Population Health (Auvinen), University of Oulu; Medical Research Center (Auvinen), Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tara Kiran
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine (Shahaed), and Department of Family and Community Medicine (Glazier, Kiran), St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto; MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions (Glazier, Daneshvarfard, Kiran), Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital; ICES Central (Glazier, Kiran); Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Glazier, Kiran), University of Toronto, Toronto, Ont.; Department of Health Policy (Anderson), London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK; Department of Public and Occupational Health (Barbazza, Bos), Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cluster for Health Services Research (Saunes), Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway; Research Unit of Population Health (Auvinen), University of Oulu; Medical Research Center (Auvinen), Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
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Necyk C, Johnson JA, Tsuyuki RT, Eurich DT. Exploring the impact of pharmacist comprehensive annual care plans on perceived quality of chronic illness care by patients in Alberta, Canada. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2021; 154:331-341. [PMID: 34484483 PMCID: PMC8408906 DOI: 10.1177/17151635211020340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: In 2012, the Government of Alberta introduced a funding program to remunerate pharmacists to develop a comprehensive annual care plan (CACP) for patients with complex needs. The objective of this study is to explore patients’ perceptions of the care they received through the pharmacist CACP program in Alberta. Methods: We invited 3442 patients who received a pharmacist-billed CACP within the previous 3 months and 6888 matched controls across Alberta to complete an online questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of the short version Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC-11), with 3 additional pharmacy-specific assessment questions added. Additional questions related to health status and demographics were also included. Results: Overall, most patients indicated a low level of chronic illness care by pharmacists, with few differences noted between CACP patients and non-CACP controls. Of note, controls reported higher quality of care for 5 domains within the adapted PACIC-like tool compared with CACP patients (p < 0.05 for all). Interestingly, only 79 (44%) of CACP patients reported that they had received a CACP, whereas only 192 (66%) of control patients reported that they did not receive a care plan. In a sensitivity analysis including only these respondents, individuals who received a CACP perceived a significantly higher quality of chronic illness care across all PACIC domains. Conclusion: Overall, chronic illness care incentivized by the pharmacist CACP program in Alberta is perceived to be moderate to low. When limited to respondents who explicitly recognized receiving the service or not, the perceptions of quality of care were more positive. This suggests that better implementation of CACP by pharmacists may be associated with improved quality of care and that some redesign is needed to engage patients more. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2021;154:xx-xx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Candace Necyk
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Jeffrey A Johnson
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Ross T Tsuyuki
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
| | - Dean T Eurich
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta
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Is continuity of primary care declining in England? Practice-level longitudinal study from 2012 to 2017. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:e432-e440. [PMID: 33947666 PMCID: PMC8103927 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2020.0935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity of care is a core principle of primary care related to improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs. Evidence suggests continuity of care in England is declining. AIM To confirm reports of declining continuity of care, explore differences in decline according to practice characteristics, and examine associations between practice populations or appointment provision and changes in continuity of care. DESIGN AND SETTING Longitudinal design on GP Patient Survey data reported annually in June or July from 2012 to 2017, whereby the unit of analysis was English general practices that existed in 2012. METHOD Linear univariable and bivariable multilevel models were used to determine decline in average annual percentage of patients having a preferred GP and seeing this GP 'usually' according to practicelevel continuity of care, rural/urban location, and deprivation. Associations between percentage of patients having a preferred GP or seeing this GP usually and patients' experiences with the appointment system and practice population characteristics were modelled. RESULTS In 2012, 56.7% of patients had a preferred GP, which had declined by 9.4 percentage points (pp) (95% CI = -9.6 to -9.2) by 2017. Of patients with a preferred GP, 66.4% saw that GP 'usually' in 2012; this had declined by 9.7 pp (95% CI = -10.0 to -9.4) by 2017. This decline was visible in all types of practices, irrespective of baseline continuity, rural/urban location, or level of deprivation. At practice level, an increase over time in the percentage of patients reporting good overall experience of making appointments was associated with an increase in both the percentage of patients having a preferred GP and those able to see that GP 'usually'. CONCLUSION Patients reported a steady decline in continuity of care over time, which should concern clinicians and policymakers. Ability of practices to offer patients a satisfactory appointment system could partly counteract this decline.
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Khayyat S, Walters P, Whittlesea C, Nazar H. Patient and public perception and experience of community pharmacy services post-discharge in the UK: a rapid review and qualitative study. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e043344. [PMID: 33664077 PMCID: PMC7934750 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the perception and experience of patients and the public (PP) about community pharmacy (CP) services and other primary care services after hospital discharge back home. DESIGN AND SETTING A rapid review and qualitative study exploring PP perceptions of primary care, focusing on CP services in the UK. METHODS A mixed-methods approach was adopted including a rapid review undertaken between 24 April and 8 May 2019 across four databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL). Semistructured interviews were then conducted investigating for shifts in current PP perception, but also nuanced opinion pertaining to CP services. A convenience sampling technique was used through two online PP groups for recruitment. Thematic framework analysis was applied to interview transcripts. PARTICIPANTS Any consenting adults ≥18 years old were invited regardless of their medical condition, and whether they had used post-discharge services or not. RESULTS Twenty-five studies met the inclusion criteria. Patients were generally supportive and satisfied with primary care services. However, some barriers to the use of these services included: resource limitations; poor communication between healthcare providers or between patient and healthcare providers; and patients' lack of awareness of available services. From the 11 interviewees, there was a lack of awareness of CP post-discharge services. Nevertheless, there was general appreciation of the benefit of CP services to patients, professionals and wider healthcare system. Potential barriers to uptake and use included: accessibility, resource availability, lack of awareness, and privacy and confidentiality issues related to information-sharing. Several participants felt the uptake of such services should be improved. CONCLUSION There was alignment between the review and qualitative study about high patient acceptance, appreciation and satisfaction with primary care services post-discharge. Barriers to the use of CP post-discharge services identified from interviews resonated with the existing literature; this is despite developments in pharmacy practice in recent times towards clinical and public health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Khayyat
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | | | - Cate Whittlesea
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, UCL School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Hamde Nazar
- School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
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Moorin RE, Youens D, Preen DB, Wright CM. The association between general practitioner regularity of care and 'high use' hospitalisation. BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:915. [PMID: 33023571 PMCID: PMC7541210 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05718-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Australia, as in many high income countries, there has been a movement to improve out-of-hospital care. If primary care improvements can yield appropriately lower hospital use, this would improve productive efficiency. This is especially important among ‘high cost users’, a small group of patients accounting for disproportionately high hospitalisation costs. This study aimed to assess the association between regularity of general practitioner (GP) care and ‘high use’ hospitalisation. Methods This retrospective, cohort study used linked administrative and survey data from the 45 and Up Study, conducted in New South Wales, Australia. The exposure was regularity of GP care between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2009, categorised by quintile (lowest to highest). Outcomes were ‘high use’ of hospitalisation (defined as ≥3 and ≥ 5 admissions within 12 months), extended length of stay (LOS, ≥30 days), a combined metric (≥3 hospitalisations in a 12 month period where ≥1 hospitalisation was ≥30 days) and 30-day readmission between 1 July 2009 and 31 December 2017. Associations were assessed using multivariable logistic regression. Potential for outcome prevention in a hypothetical scenario where all individuals attain the highest GP regularity was estimated via the population attributable fraction (PAF). Results Of 253,500 eligible participants, 15% had ≥3 and 7% had ≥5 hospitalisations in a 12-month period. Five percent of the cohort had a hospitalisation lasting ≥30 days and 25% had a readmission within 30 days. Compared with lowest regularity, highest regularity was associated with between 6% (p < 0.001) and 11% (p = 0.027) lower odds of ‘high use’. There was a 7–8% reduction in odds for all regularity levels above ‘low’ regularity for LOS ≥30 days. Otherwise, there was no clear sequential reduction in ‘high use’ with increasing regularity. The PAF associated with a move to highest regularity ranged from 0.05 to 0.13. The number of individuals who could have had an outcome prevented was estimated to be between 269 and 2784, depending on outcome. Conclusions High GP regularity is associated with a decreased likelihood of ‘high use’ hospitalisation, though for most outcomes there was not an apparent linear association with regularity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael E Moorin
- Health Economics and Data Analytics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Youens
- Health Economics and Data Analytics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia
| | - David B Preen
- School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cameron M Wright
- Health Economics and Data Analytics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, Western Australia, 6845, Australia. .,School of Medicine, College of Health & Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia.
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Riisgaard H, Waldorff FB, Kirstine Andersen M, Pedersen LB. Does accreditation of general practice promote patient-reported quality of care? A natural cluster randomised experiment. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e034465. [PMID: 32532767 PMCID: PMC7295420 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether accreditation of general practice in Denmark promotes patient-reported quality of care and patient satisfaction. DESIGN A national cluster randomised case control study based on an online version of the Danish Patients Evaluate Practice questionnaire. Mixed effects ordered logit regression models taking account of clustering of patients in different municipalities were used in the analyses. SETTING General practice in Denmark. PARTICIPANTS A representative sample of the Danish population. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome measure was patient-reported quality of care, and patient satisfaction with general practice and patient satisfaction with the general practitioner served as secondary outcome measures. RESULTS In total, 3609 respondents answered the survey. We found no statistically significant relationships between patient-reported quality of care and practice accreditation (2016: OR=0.89, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.07 and 2017: OR=0.85, 95% CI 0.71 to 1.02) and between patient satisfaction with the general practitioner and accreditation (2016: OR=0.93, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.13 and 2017: OR=0.86, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.04). However, there was a statistically significant negative relationship between patient satisfaction with the general practice and recent practice accreditation compared with satisfaction with practices not yet accredited (OR=0.81, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.97) but no significant relationship between patient satisfaction with the general practice and previous accreditation (OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.09). CONCLUSION Accreditation does not promote patient-reported quality of care or patient satisfaction. On the contrary, patient satisfaction with the general practice decreases when general practice is recently accredited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helle Riisgaard
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Frans Boch Waldorff
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Merethe Kirstine Andersen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Line Bjørnskov Pedersen
- Department of Public Health, Research Unit for General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Danish Centre for Health Economics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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9
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Close J, Fosh B, Wheat H, Horrell J, Lee W, Byng R, Bainbridge M, Blackwell R, Witts L, Hall L, Lloyd H. Longitudinal evaluation of a countywide alternative to the Quality and Outcomes Framework in UK General Practice aimed at improving Person Centred Coordinated Care. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029721. [PMID: 31337661 PMCID: PMC6661675 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate a county-wide deincentivisation of the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) payment scheme for UK General Practice (GP). SETTING In 2014, National Health Service England signalled a move towards devolution of QOF to Clinical Commissioning Groups. Fifty-five GPs in Somerset established the Somerset Practice Quality Scheme (SPQS)-a deincentivisation of QOF-with the goal of redirecting resources towards Person Centred Coordinated Care (P3C), especially for those with long-term conditions (LTCs). We evaluated the impact on processes and outcomes of care from April 2016 to March 2017. PARTICIPANTS AND DESIGN The evaluation used data from 55 SPQS practices and 17 regional control practices for three survey instruments. We collected patient experiences ('P3C-EQ'; 2363 returns from patients with 1+LTC; 36% response rate), staff experiences ('P3C-practitioner'; 127 professionals) and organisational data ('P3C-OCT'; 36 of 55 practices at two time points, 65% response rate; 17 control practices). Hospital Episode Statistics emergency admission data were analysed for 2014-2017 for ambulatory-sensitive conditions across Somerset using interrupted time series. RESULTS Patient and practitioner experiences were similar in SPQS versus control practices. However, discretion from QOF incentives resulted in time savings in the majority of practices, and SPQS practice data showed a significant increase in P3C oriented organisational processes, with a moderate effect size (Wilcoxon signed rank test; p=0.01; r=0.42). Analysis of transformation plans and organisational data suggested stronger federation-level agreements and informal networks, increased multidisciplinary working, reallocation of resources for other healthcare professionals and changes to the structure and timings of GP appointments. No disbenefits were detected in admission data. CONCLUSION The SPQS scheme leveraged time savings and reduced administrative burden via discretionary removal of QOF incentives, enabling practices to engage actively in a number of schemes aimed at improving care for people with LTCs. We found no differences in the experiences of patients or healthcare professionals between SPQS and control practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Close
- Community and Primary Care Research Group, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Ben Fosh
- Community and Primary Care Research Group, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Hannah Wheat
- Sociology, Philosophy and Anthropology Department, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jane Horrell
- Community and Primary Care Research Group, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - William Lee
- Community and Primary Care Research Group, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | - Richard Byng
- Peninsula Schools of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
| | | | | | - Louise Witts
- South West Academic Health Science Network, Exeter, UK
| | - Louise Hall
- South West Academic Health Science Network, Exeter, UK
| | - Helen Lloyd
- Psychology, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
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10
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Moorin RE, Youens D, Preen DB, Harris M, Wright CM. Association between continuity of provider-adjusted regularity of general practitioner contact and unplanned diabetes-related hospitalisation: a data linkage study in New South Wales, Australia, using the 45 and Up Study cohort. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e027158. [PMID: 31171551 PMCID: PMC6561442 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-027158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the association between continuity of provider-adjusted regularity of general practitioner (GP) contact and unplanned diabetes-related hospitalisation or emergency department (ED) presentation. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Individual-level linked self-report and administrative health service data from New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 27 409 survey respondents aged ≥45 years with a prior history of diabetes and at least three GP contacts between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2015. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Unplanned diabetes-related hospitalisations or ED presentations, associated costs and bed days. RESULTS Twenty-one per cent of respondents had an unplanned diabetes-related hospitalisation or ED presentation. Increasing regularity of GP contact was associated with a lower probability of hospitalisation or ED presentation (19.9% for highest quintile, 23.5% for the lowest quintile). Conditional on having an event, there was a small decrease in the number of hospitalisations or ED presentations for the low (-6%) and moderate regularity quintiles (-8%), a reduction in bed days (ranging from -30 to -44%) and a reduction in average cost of between -23% and -41%, all relative to the lowest quintile. When probability of diabetes-related hospitalisation or ED presentation was included, only the inverse association with cost remained significant (mean of $A3798 to $A6350 less per individual, compared with the lowest regularity quintile). Importantly, continuity of provider did not significantly modify the effect of GP regularity for any outcome. CONCLUSIONS Higher regularity of GP contact-that is more evenly dispersed, not necessarily more frequent care-has the potential to reduce secondary healthcare costs and, conditional on having an event, the time spent in hospital, irrespective of continuity of provider. These findings argue for the advocacy of regular care, as distinct from solely continuity of provider, when designing policy and financial incentives for GP-led primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachael E Moorin
- Health Systems and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David Youens
- Health Systems and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - David B Preen
- School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Mark Harris
- School of Economics, Finance and Property, Curtin Business School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Cameron M Wright
- Health Systems and Health Economics, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medicine, College of Health & Medicine, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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11
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Quality after the QOF? Before dismantling it, we need a redefined measure of 'quality'. Br J Gen Pract 2018; 68:314-315. [PMID: 29954791 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp18x697589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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12
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Fausto MCR, Bousquat A, Lima JG, Giovanella L, de Almeida PF, de Mendonça MHM, Seidl H, da Silva ATC. Evaluation of Brazilian Primary Health Care From the Perspective of the Users: Accessible, Continuous, and Acceptable? J Ambul Care Manage 2018; 40 Suppl 2 Supplement, The Brazilian National Program for Improving Primary Care Access and Quality (PMAQ):S60-S70. [PMID: 28252503 PMCID: PMC5338884 DOI: 10.1097/jac.0000000000000183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the experience of primary care center (PCC) users in Brazil, classified according to the quality of its structure, in relation to the aspects of accessibility, continuity, and acceptability. The source of information was the National Program to Improve Access and Quality of Primary Care in 2013-2014. A total of 109 919 interviewees in 24 055 PCCs comprised the sample. Results show that the structure of a PCC was associated with better indicators of accessibility (oral health and medicines) and continuity of care (patient navigation in the health system). No association was found between indicators of accessibility and the PCC structure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aylene Bousquat
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Ligia Giovanella
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | | | - Helena Seidl
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública—Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Baldie DJ, Guthrie B, Entwistle V, Kroll T. Exploring the impact and use of patients' feedback about their care experiences in general practice settings-a realist synthesis. Fam Pract 2018; 35:13-21. [PMID: 28985368 PMCID: PMC6191909 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmx067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Policy encourages health care providers to listen and respond to feedback from patients, expecting that it will enhance care experiences. Enhancement of patients' experiences may not yet be a reality, particularly in primary health care settings. Objective To identify the issues that influence the use and impact of feedback in this context. Design and Setting A realist synthesis of studies of the use of patient feedback within primary health care settings. Methods Structured review of published studies between 1971 and January 2015. Results Eighteen studies were reported in 20 papers. Eleven studies reported patient survey scores as a primary outcome. There is little evidence that formal patient feedback led to enhanced experiences. The likelihood of patient feedback to health care staff stimulating improvements in future patients' experiences appears to be influenced predominantly by staff perceptions of the purpose of such feedback; the validity and type of data that is collected; and where, when and how it is presented to primary health care teams or practitioners and teams' capacity to change. Conclusions There is limited research into how patient feedback has been used in primary health care practices or its usefulness as a stimulant to improve health care experience. Using a realist synthesis approach, we have identified a number of contextual and intervention-related factors that appear to influence the likelihood that practitioners will listen to, act on and achieve improvements in patient experience. Consideration of these may support research and improvement work in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah J Baldie
- Centre for Person-centred Practice Research, Division of Nursing, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, UK
- NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Bruce Guthrie
- Quality, Safety and Informatics Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Vikki Entwistle
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Thilo Kroll
- School Of Nursing, Midwifery & Health Sys, Health Sciences Centre, University of Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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14
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Reports of unintended consequences of financial incentives to improve management of hypertension. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184856. [PMID: 28934258 PMCID: PMC5608267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Given the increase in financial-incentive programs nationwide, many physicians and physician groups are concerned about potential unintended consequences of providing financial incentives to improve quality of care. However, few studies examine whether actual unintended consequences result from providing financial incentives to physicians. We sought to document the extent to which the unintended consequences discussed in the literature were observable in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) of financial incentives. Methods We conducted a qualitative observational study nested within a larger RCT of financial incentives to improve hypertension care. We conducted 30-minute telephone interviews with primary care personnel at facilities participating in the RCT housed at12 geographically dispersed Veterans Affairs Medical Centers nationwide. Participants answered questions about unintended effects, clinic team dynamics, organizational impact on care delivery, study participation. We employed a blend of inductive and deductive qualitative techniques for analysis. Participants Sixty-five participants were recruited from RCT enrollees and personnel not enrolled in the larger RCT, plus one primary care leader per site. Results Emergent themes included possible patient harm, emphasis on documentation over improving care, reduced professional morale, and positive spillover. All discussions of unintended consequences involving patient harm were only concerns, not actual events. Several unintended consequences concerned ancillary initiatives for quality improvement (e.g., practice guidelines and performance measurement systems) rather than financial incentives. Conclusions Many unintended consequences of financial incentives noted were either only concerns or attributable to ancillary quality-improvement initiatives. Actual unintended consequences included improved documentation of care without necessarily improving actual care, and positive unintended consequences. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00302718
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15
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Sonsale A. Do ‘payments for performance’ lead to better or lower quality of services in public service healthcare? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/20479700.2017.1370858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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16
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MacKichan F, Brangan E, Wye L, Checkland K, Lasserson D, Huntley A, Morris R, Tammes P, Salisbury C, Purdy S. Why do patients seek primary medical care in emergency departments? An ethnographic exploration of access to general practice. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e013816. [PMID: 28473509 PMCID: PMC5623418 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-013816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe how processes of primary care access influence decisions to seek help at the emergency department (ED). DESIGN Ethnographic case study combining non-participant observation, informal and formal interviewing. SETTING Six general practitioner (GP) practices located in three commissioning organisations in England. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Reception areas at each practice were observed over the course of a working week (73 hours in total). Practice documents were collected and clinical and non-clinical staff were interviewed (n=19). Patients with recent ED use, or a carer if aged 16 and under, were interviewed (n=29). RESULTS Past experience of accessing GP care recursively informed patient decisions about where to seek urgent care, and difficulties with access were implicit in patient accounts of ED use. GP practices had complicated, changeable systems for appointments. This made navigating appointment booking difficult for patients and reception staff, and engendered a mistrust of the system. Increasingly, the telephone was the instrument of demand management, but there were unintended consequences for access. Some patient groups, such as those with English as an additional language, were particularly disadvantaged, and the varying patient and staff semantic of words like 'urgent' and 'emergency' was exacerbated during telephone interactions. Poor integration between in-hours and out-of-hours care and patient perceptions of the quality of care accessible at their GP practice also informed ED use. CONCLUSIONS This study provides important insight into the implicit role of primary care access on the use of ED. Discourses around 'inappropriate' patient demand neglect to recognise that decisions about where to seek urgent care are based on experiential knowledge. Simply speeding up access to primary care or increasing its volume is unlikely to alleviate rising ED use. Systems for accessing care need to be transparent, perceptibly fair and appropriate to the needs of diverse patient groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona MacKichan
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Emer Brangan
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Lesley Wye
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kath Checkland
- Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Daniel Lasserson
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, England
| | - Alyson Huntley
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Richard Morris
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Tammes
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris Salisbury
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah Purdy
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Strategies to enhance appointment access are being adopted by medical practices as part of patient-centered medical home (PCMH) implementation, but little is known about the use of these strategies nationally. OBJECTIVES We examine practice use of open access scheduling and after-hours care. RESEARCH DESIGN Data were analyzed from the Third National Study of Physician Organizations (NSPO3) to examine which enhanced appointment access strategies are more likely to be used by practices with more robust PCMH capabilities and with greater external incentives. Logistic regression estimated the effect of PCMH capabilities and external incentives on practice use of open access scheduling and after-hours care. SUBJECTS Physician organizations with >20% primary care physicians (n=1106). MEASURES PCMH capabilities included team-based care, health information technology capabilities, quality improvement orientation, and patient experience orientation. External incentives included public reporting, pay-for-performance (P4P), and accountable care organization participation. RESULTS A low percentage of practices (19.8%) used same-day open access scheduling, while after-hours care (56.1%) was more common. In adjusted analyses, system-owned practices and practices with greater use of team-based care, health information technology capabilities, and public reporting were more likely to use open access scheduling. Accountable care organization-affiliated practices and practices with greater use of public reporting and P4P were more likely to provide after-hours care. CONCLUSIONS Open access scheduling may be most effectively implemented by practices with robust PCMH capabilities. External incentives appear to influence practice adoption of after-hours care. Expanding open access scheduling and after-hours care will require distinct policies and supports.
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van den Hombergh P, van Doorn-Klomberg A, Campbell S, Wensing M, Braspenning J. Patient experiences with family medicine: a longitudinal study after the Dutch health care reforms in 2006. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2016; 17:118. [PMID: 27561993 PMCID: PMC5000412 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-016-0519-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background In 2006 The Dutch Health Care system changed to a market oriented system. The GP remuneration changed from ± 2/3 capitation patients and 1/3 private patients before 2006 to a mixed payment scheme. From 2006 onward every patient was insured and the GP received partly capitation, partly fees for consultations and for specific services. This change coincided with many other organisational changes in General Practice care. Our research question was if during the years after 2006 patient experiences of Dutch family practice had changed. We also wanted to explore the influence of patient and practice characteristics on patient experiences. Data on patient experiences were available from 2007 to 2012. Method In a series of annual cross sectional patient surveys the performance of GPs and practices was measured. Patient sampling took place as a part of the Dutch accreditation program in 1657 practices involving 2966 GPs. Patients’ experiences, gender, age, health status, and number of annual consultations were documented as well as the type and location of practices. Linear regression analysis was used to examine time trends in patient experiences and the impact of patient and practice characteristics. Results 78,985 patients assessed the performance of 2966 GPs, and 45,773 patients assessed the organisation of 1657 practices. The number of patients with positive experiences increased significantly between 2007 and 2012; respectively 4.8 % for GPs (beta 0.20 and p < 0.0001) and 6.6 % for practices (beta 0.10, p < 0.004). Higher age, having no chronic illness, more frequent consultations and attending single-handed practices, predicted better patient experiences. Conclusions In our evaluation of patient experiences with general practice care from 2007 to 2012 we found an increase of 4.8 % for GPs and 6.6 % for practices respectively. This improvement is significant. While no direct causation can be made, possible explanations may be found in the various reforms in Dutch family practice since 2006. More insight is needed into key determinants of this improvement before policymakers and care providers can attribute the improvement to these reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pieter van den Hombergh
- Scientific Institute for Quality in Healthcare (IQhealth care), Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands
| | - Arna van Doorn-Klomberg
- Master Physician Assistant, HAN University of Applied Sciences, PO Box 9029, Nijmegen, 6500 JK, The Netherlands
| | - Stephen Campbell
- Centre for Primary Care, Institute of Population Health, University of Manchester, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.,Centre for Research and Action in Public Health (CeRAPH), University of Canberra, Building 22, Floor B, University Drive, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Michel Wensing
- Scientific Institute for Quality in Healthcare (IQhealth care), Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands.,Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Marsilius-Arkaden, Turm West, INF 130.3, Heidelberg, 69120, Germany
| | - Jozé Braspenning
- Scientific Institute for Quality in Healthcare (IQhealth care), Radboud University Medical Center, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen, 6500 HB, The Netherlands.
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Chiu HC, Hsieh HM, Lin YC, Kuo SJ, Kao HY, Yeh SCJ, Chang WH, Hsiao PJ, Chen YS, Lin SL, Lo GH, Ker CG, Hung YH, Cheng HA, Chou TH, Chou SY, Wang JH, Wang CF. Patient assessment of diabetes care in a pay-for-performance program. Int J Qual Health Care 2016; 28:183-90. [PMID: 26819445 DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzv120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Herng-Chia Chiu
- Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan Research Education and Epidemiology Center, Changhua Christian Hospital, 135 Nan-Hsiao Street, Changhua 500-06, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Min Hsieh
- Department of Public Health, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chieh Lin
- Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Shou-Jen Kuo
- Changhua Christian Hospital, 135 Nan-Hsiao Street, Changhua 500-06, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Yun Kao
- Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chuan Jennifer Yeh
- Department of Healthcare Administration and Medical Informatics, Kaohsiung Medical University, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan Department of Business Management, College of Management, National Sun Yat-sen University, 70 Lian Hai Road, Kaohsiung, 80424 Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsin Chang
- MacKay Memorial Hospital, No. 92, Section 2, Zhongshan North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City 104, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Jung Hsiao
- College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Shen Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, No. 386, Dazhong 1st Road, Zuoying District, Kaohsiung City 813, Taiwan
| | - Shoei-Loong Lin
- President Superintendent, Choninn Healthcare System, No. 196, Sec. 1, Wenhua Rd., BanqiaoDist. New Taipei City 22041, Taiwan
| | - Gin-Ho Lo
- E-DA Hospital; School of Medicine for International Students, I-Shou University 1 ,Yi-Da Road, Yanchao district, Kaohsiung, 82445 Taiwan
| | - Chen-Guo Ker
- Department of Surgery, Yuan's General Hospital, 162, Chen-Kong 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80249, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Han Hung
- Yuan's General Hospital, No. 162, Cheng gong 1st Road, Ling ya District, Kaohsiung City 80249, Taiwan
| | - Hsien-An Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Yuan's General Hospital, 162, Chen-Kun 1st Road, Kaohsiung 80249, Taiwan
| | - Tiang-Hong Chou
- Mennonite Christian Hospital, 44, Min-Chuan Road, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Sze-Yuan Chou
- Cheng Ching General Hospital, 139 Ping Tien Street, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jao-Hsien Wang
- Department of Education and Research, Jiannren Hospital, 136 Nanyang Road, Kaohsiung 811, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Fu Wang
- Division of Physical Therapy, Taitung Christian Hospital, 350 Kai-Feng Street, Taitung City, Taitung County 950, Taiwan
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess what is known about the relationship between patient experience measures and incentives designed to improve care, and to identify how public policy and medical practices can promote patient-valued outcomes in health systems with strong financial incentives. DATA SOURCES/STUDY SETTING Existing literature (gray and peer-reviewed) on measuring patient experience and patient-reported outcomes, identified from Medline and Cochrane databases; evaluations of pay-for-performance programs in the United States, Europe, and the Commonwealth countries. STUDY DESIGN/DATA COLLECTION We analyzed (1) studies of pay-for-performance, to identify those including metrics for patient experience, and (2) studies of patient experience and of patient-reported outcomes to identify evidence of influence on clinical practice, whether through public reporting or private reporting to clinicians. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS First, we identify four forms of "patient-reported information" (PRI), each with distinctive roles shaping clinical practice: (1) patient-reported outcomes measuring self-assessed physical and mental well-being, (2) surveys of patient experience with clinicians and staff, (3) narrative accounts describing encounters with clinicians in patients' own words, and (4) complaints/grievances signaling patients' distress when treatment or outcomes fall short of expectations. Because these forms vary in crucial ways, each must be distinctively measured, deployed, and linked with financial incentives. Second, although the literature linking incentives to patients experience is limited, implementing pay-for-performance systems appears to threaten certain patient-valued aspects of health care. But incentives can be made compatible with the outcomes patients value if: (a) a sufficient portion of incentives is tied to patient-reported outcomes and experiences, (b) incentivized forms of PRI are complemented by other forms of patient feedback, and (c) health care organizations assist clinicians to interpret and respond to PRI. Finally, we identify roles for the public and private sectors in financing PRI and orchestrating an appropriate balance among its four forms. CONCLUSIONS Unless public policies are attentive to patients' perspectives, stronger financial incentives for clinicians can threaten aspects of care that patients most value. Certain policy parameters are already clear, but additional research is required to clarify how best to collect patient narratives in varied settings, how to report narratives to consumers in conjunction with quantified metrics, and how to promote a "culture of learning" at the practice level that incorporates patient feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Schlesinger
- Department of Health Policy and ManagementYale University School of Public HealthRoom 304 LEPH 60 College StNew HavenCT 06520
| | - Rachel Grob
- Center for Patient PartnershipsUW Law SchoolUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWI
- Department of Family MedicineUW Medical SchoolUniversity of Wisconsin‐MadisonMadisonWI
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Patient-doctor continuity and diagnosis of cancer: electronic medical records study in general practice. Br J Gen Pract 2015; 65:e305-11. [PMID: 25918335 PMCID: PMC4408510 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp15x684829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Continuity of care may affect the diagnostic process in cancer but there is little research. Aim To estimate associations between patient–doctor continuity and time to diagnosis and referral of three common cancers. Design and setting Retrospective cohort study in general practices in England. Method This study used data from the General Practice Research Database for patients aged ≥40 years with a diagnosis of breast, colorectal, or lung cancer. Relevant cancer symptoms or signs were identified up to 12 months before diagnosis. Patient–doctor continuity (fraction-of-care index adjusted for number of consultations) was calculated up to 24 months before diagnosis. Time ratios (TRs) were estimated using accelerated failure time regression models. Results Patient–doctor continuity in the 24 months before diagnosis was associated with a slightly later diagnosis of colorectal (time ratio [TR] 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI] =1.01 to 1.02) but not breast (TR = 1.00, 0.99 to 1.01) or lung cancer (TR = 1.00, 0.99 to 1.00). Secondary analyses suggested that for colorectal and lung cancer, continuity of doctor before the index consultation was associated with a later diagnosis but continuity after the index consultation was associated with an earlier diagnosis, with no such effects for breast cancer. For all three cancers, most of the delay to diagnosis occurred after referral. Conclusion Any effect for patient–doctor continuity appears to be small. Future studies should compare investigations, referrals, and diagnoses in patients with and without cancer who present with possible cancer symptoms or signs; and focus on ‘difficult to diagnose’ types of cancer.
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Challenges of managing people with multimorbidity in today's healthcare systems. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2015; 16:129. [PMID: 26462820 PMCID: PMC4604728 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-015-0344-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Multimorbidity is a growing issue and poses a major challenge to health care systems around the world. Multimorbidity is related to ageing but many studies have now shown that it is also socially patterned, being more common and occurring at an earlier age in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation. There is lack of research on patients with multimorbidity, and thus guidelines are based on single-conditions. Polypharmacy is common in multimorbidity, increasing drug-disease and drug-drug interactions. Multimorbid patients need holistic care, but secondary care services are highly specialised and thus are often duplicative and fragmented and thus increase treatment burden in multimorbid patients. The cost of care is high in multimorbidity, due to high rates of primary and secondary care consultations and unplanned hospital admissions. The combination of mental and physical conditions increases complexity of care, and costs. Mental-physical multimorbidity is especially common in deprived areas.General practitioners and primary care teams have a key role in managing patients with multimorbidity, using a patient-centred generalist approach. Consultation length and continuity of care may need to be substantially enhanced in order to enable such patients. This will require a radical change in how health care systems are organised and funded in order to effectively meet the challenges of multimorbidity.
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Cecil E, Bottle A, Sharland M, Saxena S. Impact of UK Primary Care Policy Reforms on Short-Stay Unplanned Hospital Admissions for Children With Primary Care-Sensitive Conditions. Ann Fam Med 2015; 13:214-20. [PMID: 25964398 PMCID: PMC4427415 DOI: 10.1370/afm.1786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to assess the impact of UK primary care policy reforms implemented in April 2004 on potentially avoidable unplanned short-stay hospital admissions for children with primary care-sensitive conditions. METHODS We conducted an interrupted time series analysis of hospital admissions for all children aged younger than 15 years in England between April 2000 and March 2012 using data from National Health Service public hospitals in England. The main outcomes were annual short-stay (<2-day) unplanned hospital admission rates for primary care-sensitive infectious and chronic conditions. RESULTS There were 7.8 million unplanned admissions over the study period. More than one-half (4,144,729 of 7,831,633) were short-stay admissions for potentially avoidable infectious and chronic conditions. The primary care policy reforms of April 2004 were associated with an 8% increase in short-stay admission rates for chronic conditions, equivalent to 8,500 additional admissions, above the 3% annual increasing trend. Policy reforms were not associated with an increase in short-stay admission rates for infectious illness, which were increasing by 5% annually before April 2004. The proportion of primary care-referred admissions was falling before the reforms, and there were further sharp reductions in 2004. CONCLUSIONS The introduction of primary care policy reforms coincided with an increase in short-stay admission rates for children with primary care-sensitive chronic conditions, and with more children being admitted through emergency departments. Short-stay admission rates for primary care-sensitive infectious illness increased more steadily and could be related to lowered thresholds for hospital admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Cecil
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Bottle
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Sharland
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Unit, St George's Hospital, University of London, United Kingdom
| | - Sonia Saxena
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, United Kingdom
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Healthcare reimbursement models and orthopaedic trauma: will there be change in patient management? A survey of orthopaedic surgeons. J Orthop Trauma 2015; 29:e79-84. [PMID: 24901735 DOI: 10.1097/bot.0000000000000162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Healthcare reimbursement models are changing. Fee-for-service may be replaced by pay-for-performance or capitated care. The purpose of this study was to examine the potential changes in orthopaedic trauma surgery patient management based on potential shifts in policy surrounding readmission and reimbursement. METHODS An e-mail survey consisting of 3 case-based scenarios was delivered to 375 orthopaedic surgeons. Five options for management of each case were provided. Each of the 3 cases was presented in 3 different healthcare settings: scenario A, our current healthcare setting; scenario B, in which 90-day reoperation or readmission would not be reimbursed; and scenario C, in which a capitated healthcare structure paid a fixed amount per patient. RESULTS The response rate was 40.3% with 151 surgeons completing the survey. A 71.1% of the respondents were in private practice settings, whereas 28.3% were in academic centers. In each case, there was significant increase in the respondents' choice to transfer patients to tertiary care centers under both the capitated and penalization systems as compared with the current fee-for-service model. CONCLUSIONS This survey is the first of its kind to demonstrate through case-based scenarios that a healthcare system with readmission penalties and capitated reimbursement models may lead to a significant increase in transfer of complex orthopaedic trauma patients to tertiary care centers. Physicians should be encouraged to continue evidence-based medicine instead of making decisions due to finances, and other avenues of healthcare savings should be explored to decrease patient transfer rates with healthcare changes.
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Tarrant C, Windridge K, Baker R, Freeman G, Boulton M. 'Falling through gaps': primary care patients' accounts of breakdowns in experienced continuity of care. Fam Pract 2015; 32:82-7. [PMID: 25411422 PMCID: PMC5926435 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmu077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experienced continuity is important for good quality primary care but may be challenging to achieve. Little is known about how discontinuities or gaps in care may arise, how they impact on patients' experiences and how best to understand them so that they can be avoided or managed. OBJECTIVES Using the theoretical framework of candidacy, we aim to explore patients' experiences of discontinuities in care and to gain insight into how gaps come to be bridged and why they might remain unresolved. METHODS A secondary analysis was undertaken of interview data from a large study into continuity in primary care, involving a diverse sample of 50 patients, recruited from 15 general practices, one walk-in centre and community settings in Leicestershire, UK. Analysis was conducted using a constant comparative approach. RESULTS Experiences of gaps in care were common, arising from failures in communication and coordination of care. Although some gaps were easily bridged, many patients described 'falling through gaps' because of difficulties establishing their candidacy for ongoing care when gaps occurred. These patients commonly had complex, chronic conditions and multi-morbidity. Bridging gaps required resources; relationship continuity was a valuable resource for preventing and repairing gaps in care. When gaps were not bridged, distress and dysfunctional use of health services followed. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that some patients with complex chronic conditions and multi-morbidity may be unable to get the continuity they need and highlights the potential for relationship continuity to help prevent vulnerable patients falling through gaps in care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Tarrant
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester,
| | - Kate Windridge
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester
| | - Richard Baker
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester
| | - George Freeman
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London and
| | - Mary Boulton
- Department of Clinical Health Care, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
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Performance-based financial incentives for diabetes care: an effective strategy? Can J Diabetes 2014; 39:83-7. [PMID: 25444683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2014.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The use of financial incentives provided to primary care physicians who achieve target management or clinical outcomes has been advocated to support the fulfillment of care recommendations for patients with diabetes. This article explores the characteristics of incentive models implemented in the context of universal healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, Australia, Taiwan and Canada; the extent to which these interventions have been successful in improving diabetes outcomes; and the key challenges and concerns around implementing incentive models. Research in the effect of incentives in the United Kingdom demonstrates some improvements in process outcomes and achievement of cholesterol, blood pressure and glycated hemoglobin (A1C) targets. Evidence of the efficacy of programs implemented outside of the United Kingdom is very limited but suggests that physicians participating in these enhanced billing incentive programs were already completing the guideline-recommended care prior to the introduction of the incentive. A shift to pay-for-performance programs may have important implications for professionalism and patient-centred care. In the absence of definitive evidence that financial incentives drive the quality of diabetes management at the level of primary care, policy makers should proceed with caution. It is important to look beyond simply modifying physicians' behaviours and address the factors and systemic barriers that make it challenging for patients and physicians to manage diabetes in partnership.
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Muggah E, Hogg W, Dahrouge S, Russell G, Kristjansson E, Muldoon L, Devlin RA. Patient-reported access to primary care in Ontario: effect of organizational characteristics. CANADIAN FAMILY PHYSICIAN MEDECIN DE FAMILLE CANADIEN 2014; 60:e24-e31. [PMID: 24452575 PMCID: PMC3994832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe patient-reported access to primary health care across 4 organizational models of primary care in Ontario, and to explore how access is associated with patient, provider, and practice characteristics. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey. SETTING One hundred thirty-seven randomly selected primary care practices in Ontario using 1 of 4 delivery models (fee for service, established capitation, reformed capitation, and community health centres). PARTICIPANTS Patients included were at least 18 years of age, were not severely ill or cognitively impaired, were not known to the survey administrator, had consenting providers at 1 of the participating primary care practices, and were able to communicate in English or French either directly or through a translator. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patient-reported access was measured by a 4-item scale derived from the previously validated adult version of the Primary Care Assessment Tool. Questions were asked about physician availability during and outside of regular office hours and access to health information via telephone. Responses to the scale were normalized, with higher scores reflecting greater patient-reported access. Linear regressions were used to identify characteristics independently associated with access to care. RESULTS Established capitation model practices had the highest patient-reported access, although the difference in scores between models was small. Our multilevel regression model identified several patient factors that were significantly (P = .05) associated with higher patient-reported access, including older age, female sex, good-to-excellent self-reported health, less mental health disability, and not working. Provider experience (measured as years since graduation) was the only provider or practice characteristic independently associated with improved patient-reported access. CONCLUSION This study adds to what is known about access to primary care. The study found that established capitation models outperformed all the other organizational models, including reformed capitation models, independent of provider and practice variables save provider experience. This suggests that the capitation models might provide better access to care and that it might take time to realize the benefits of organizational reforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Muggah
- C.T. Lamont Primary Health Care Research Centre, Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, 43 Bruyère St, Ottawa, ON K1N 5C8.
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Modern psychometric methods for estimating physician performance on the Clinician and Group CAHPS® survey. HEALTH SERVICES AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s10742-013-0111-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Haven K, Celaya MF, Pierson J, Weisskopf AJ, MacKinnon NJ. Comparison of health confidence in rural, suburban and urban areas in the UK and the USA: a secondary analysis. BMJ Open 2013; 3:bmjopen-2013-002640. [PMID: 23645916 PMCID: PMC3646176 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2013-002640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Confidence in healthcare may influence the patients' utilisation of healthcare resources and perceptions of healthcare quality. We sought to determine whether self-reported confidence in healthcare differed between the UK and the USA, as well as by rurality or urbanicity. DESIGN A secondary analysis of a subset of survey questions regarding self-reported confidence in healthcare from the 2010 Commonwealth Fund International Health Policy Survey. SETTING Telephone survey of participants from the UK and the USA. PARTICIPANTS Our final analysis included 1511 UK residents (688 rural, 446 suburban, 372 urban, 5 uncategorised) and 2501 US residents (536 rural, 1294 suburban, 671 urban). OUTCOME MEASURES Questions assessed respondents' confidence in the effectiveness and affordability of the treatment. We compared survey outcomes from these questions between, and within, the two regions and among, and within, residence types (rural, suburban and urban). RESULTS Significant differences were found in self-reported confidence in healthcare between the UK and US, among residence types, and between the two regions within residence types. Reported levels were higher in the UK. Within regions, significant differences by residence type were found for the US, but not the UK. Within the US, suburban respondents had the highest self-reported confidence in healthcare. CONCLUSIONS Significant differences exist between the UK and US in confidence in healthcare. In the US, but not in the UK, self-reported confidence is related to residence type. Within countries, significant differences by residence type were found for the US, but not the UK. Our findings warrant the examination of causes for relative confidence levels in healthcare between regions and among US residence types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Haven
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Martín F Celaya
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | | | | | - Neil J MacKinnon
- Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
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Effects of pay for performance in health care: A systematic review of systematic reviews. Health Policy 2013; 110:115-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2013.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 250] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2012] [Revised: 01/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Kirschner K, Braspenning J, Akkermans RP, Jacobs JEA, Grol R. Assessment of a pay-for-performance program in primary care designed by target users. Fam Pract 2013; 30:161-71. [PMID: 22997223 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cms055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence for pay-for-performance (P4P) has been searched for in the last decade as financial incentives increased to influence behaviour of health care professionals to improve quality of care. The effectiveness of P4P is inconclusive, though some reviews reported significant effects. OBJECTIVE To assess changes in performance after introducing a participatory P4P program. DESIGN An observational study with a pre- and post-measurement. Setting and subjects. Sixty-five general practices in the south of the Netherlands. Intervention. A P4P program designed by target users containing indicators for chronic care, prevention, practice management and patient experience (general practitioner's [GP] functioning and organization of care). Quality indicators were calculated for each practice. A bonus with a maximum of 6890 Euros per 1000 patients was determined by comparing practice performance with a benchmark. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Quality indicators for clinical care (process and outcome) and patient experience. RESULTS We included 60 practices. After 1 year, significant improvement was shown for the process indicators for all chronic conditions ranging from +7.9% improvement for cardiovascular risk management to +11.5% for asthma. Five outcome indicators significantly improved as well as patients' experiences with GP's functioning and organization of care. No significant improvements were seen for influenza vaccination rate and the cervical cancer screening uptake. The clinical process and outcome indicators, as well as patient experience indicators were affected by baseline measures. Smaller practices showed more improvement. CONCLUSIONS A participatory P4P program might stimulate quality improvement in clinical care and improve patient experiences with GP's functioning and the organization of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten Kirschner
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, PO Box 9101, Nijmegen 6500 HB, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Interpersonal continuity of care is valued by patients, but there is concern that it has declined in recent years. AIM To determine how often patients express preference for seeing a particular GP and the extent to which that preference is met. DESIGN OF STUDY Analysis of data from the 2009/2010 English GP Patient Survey. SETTING A stratified random sample of adult patients registered with 8362 general practices in England (response rate 39%, yielding 2,169,718 responses). METHOD Weighted estimates were calculated of preference for and success in seeing a particular GP. Multilevel logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with these two outcomes. RESULTS Excluding practices with one GP, 62% of patients expressed a preference for seeing a particular GP. Of these patients, 72% were successful in seeing their preferred GP most of the time. Certain patient groups were associated with more preference for and success in seeing a particular GP. These were older patients (preference odds ratio [OR] = 1.7, success OR = 1.8), those with chronic medical conditions (preference OR = 1.9, success OR = 1.3), those with chronic psychological conditions (preference OR = 1.6, success OR = 1.3), and those recently requesting only non-urgent versus urgent appointments (preference OR = 1.4, success OR = 1.6). Patient groups that had more frequent preference but less success in seeing a preferred GP were females (preference OR = 1.5, success OR = 0.9), patients in larger practices (preference OR = 1.3, success OR = 0.5), and those belonging to non-white ethnic groups. CONCLUSION The majority of patients value interpersonal continuity, yet a large minority of patients and specific patient groups are not regularly able to see the GP they prefer.
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Gill PJ, Hislop J, Mant D, Harnden A. General practitioners' views on quality markers for children in UK primary care: a qualitative study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2012; 13:92. [PMID: 22978779 PMCID: PMC3515458 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-13-92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children make up about 20% of the UK population and caring for them is an important part of a general practitioner's (GP's) workload. However, the UK Quality Outcomes Framework (pay-for-performance system) largely ignores children - less than 3% of the quality markers relate to them. As no previous research has investigated whether GPs would support or oppose the introduction of child-specific quality markers, we sought their views on this important question. METHODS Qualitative interview study with 20 GPs from four primary care trusts in Thames Valley, England. Semi-structured interviews explored GPs' viewpoints on quality markers and childhood conditions that could be developed into markers in general practice. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was thematic and used constant comparative method to look for anticipated and emergent themes as the analysis progressed. RESULTS All the GPs interviewed supported the development of 'benchmarks' or 'standards' to measure and improve quality of care for children. However no consensus was expressed about the clinical conditions for which quality markers should be developed. Many participants reflected on their concerns about unmet health care needs and felt there may be opportunities to improve proactive care in 'at risk' groups. Some expressed feelings of powerlessness that important child-relevant outcomes such as emergency department visits and emergency admissions were out of their control and more directly related to public health, school and parents/carers. The importance of access was a recurrent theme; access to urgent general practice appointments for children and GP access to specialists when needed. CONCLUSION The GPs expressed support for the development of quality markers for the care of children in UK general practice. However, they flagged up a number of important challenges which need to be addressed if markers are to be developed that are measureable, targeted and within the direct control of primary care. Easy access to primary and secondary care appointments may be an important benchmark for commissioners of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Gill
- Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jenny Hislop
- Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - David Mant
- Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Anthony Harnden
- Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
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Gillam SJ, Siriwardena AN, Steel N. Pay-for-performance in the United Kingdom: impact of the quality and outcomes framework: a systematic review. Ann Fam Med 2012; 10:461-8. [PMID: 22966110 PMCID: PMC3438214 DOI: 10.1370/afm.1377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Primary care practices in the United Kingdom have received substantial financial rewards for achieving standards set out in the Quality and Outcomes Framework since April 2004. This article reviews the growing evidence for the impact of the framework on the quality of primary medical care. METHODS Five hundred seventy-five articles were identified by searching the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO databases, and from the reference lists of published reviews and articles. One hundred twenty-four relevant articles were assessed using a modified Downs and Black rating scale for 110 observational studies and a Critical Appraisal Skills Programme rating scale for 14 qualitative studies. Ninety-four studies were included in the review. RESULTS Quality of care for incentivized conditions during the first year of the framework improved at a faster rate than the preintervention trend and subsequently returned to prior rates of improvement. There were modest cost-effective reductions in mortality and hospital admissions in some domains. Differences in performance narrowed in deprived areas compared with nondeprived areas. Achievement for conditions outside the framework was lower initially and has worsened in relative terms since inception. Some doctors reported improved data recording and teamwork, and nurses enhanced specialist skills. Both groups believed that the person-centeredness of consultations and continuity were negatively affected. Patients' satisfaction with continuity declined, with little change in other domains of patient experience. CONCLUSIONS Observed improvements in quality of care for chronic diseases in the framework were modest, and the impact on costs, professional behavior, and patient experience remains uncertain. Further research is needed into how to improve quality across different domains, while minimizing costs and any unintended adverse effects of payment for performance schemes. Health care organizations should remain cautious about the benefits of similar schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Gillam
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, England, UK.
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Klemenc-Ketis Z, Petek D, Kersnik J. Association between family doctors’ practices characteristics and patient evaluation of care. Health Policy 2012; 106:269-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2012.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2011] [Revised: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Is patient-centred care a tautology? View from the Netherlands. T.J.M.Verheij@umcutrecht.nl. Br J Gen Pract 2012; 61:472. [PMID: 21722478 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp11x583489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
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Chen PC, Lee YC, Kuo RN. Differences in patient reports on the quality of care in a diabetes pay-for-performance program between 1 year enrolled and newly enrolled patients. Int J Qual Health Care 2012; 24:189-96. [DOI: 10.1093/intqhc/mzr091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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Shi L. The impact of primary care: a focused review. SCIENTIFICA 2012; 2012:432892. [PMID: 24278694 PMCID: PMC3820521 DOI: 10.6064/2012/432892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/08/2012] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Primary care serves as the cornerstone in a strong healthcare system. However, it has long been overlooked in the United States (USA), and an imbalance between specialty and primary care exists. The objective of this focused review paper is to identify research evidence on the value of primary care both in the USA and internationally, focusing on the importance of effective primary care services in delivering quality healthcare, improving health outcomes, and reducing disparities. Literature searches were performed in PubMed as well as "snowballing" based on the bibliographies of the retrieved articles. The areas reviewed included primary care definitions, primary care measurement, primary care practice, primary care and health, primary care and quality, primary care and cost, primary care and equity, primary care and health centers, and primary care and healthcare reform. In both developed and developing countries, primary care has been demonstrated to be associated with enhanced access to healthcare services, better health outcomes, and a decrease in hospitalization and use of emergency department visits. Primary care can also help counteract the negative impact of poor economic conditions on health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leiyu Shi
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- *Leiyu Shi:
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Campbell JL, Roberts M, Wright C, Hill J, Greco M, Taylor M, Richards S. Factors associated with variability in the assessment of UK doctors' professionalism: analysis of survey results. BMJ 2011; 343:d6212. [PMID: 22034193 PMCID: PMC3203200 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.d6212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate potential sources of systematic bias arising in the assessment of doctors' professionalism. DESIGN Linear regression modelling of cross sectional questionnaire survey data. SETTING 11 clinical practices in England and Wales. PARTICIPANTS 1065 non-training grade doctors from various clinical specialties and settings, 17,031 of their colleagues, and 30,333 of their patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Two measures of a doctor's professional performance using patient and colleague questionnaires from the United Kingdom's General Medical Council (GMC). We selected potential predictor variables from the characteristics of the doctors and of their patient and colleague assessors. RESULTS After we adjusted for characteristics of the doctor as well as characteristics of the patient sample, less favourable scores from patient feedback were independently predicted by doctors having obtained their primary medical degree from any non-European country; doctors practising as a psychiatrist; lower proportions of white patients providing feedback; lower proportions of patients rating their consultation as being very important; and lower proportions of patients reporting that they were seeing their usual doctor. Lower scores from colleague feedback were independently predicted by doctors having obtained their primary medical degree from countries outside the UK and South Asia; currently employed in a locum capacity; working as a general practitioner or psychiatrist; being employed in a staff grade, associate specialist, or other equivalent role; and with a lower proportion of colleagues reporting they had daily or weekly professional contact with the doctor. In fully adjusted models, the doctor's age, sex, and ethnic group were not independent predictors of patient or colleague feedback. Neither the age or sex profiles of the patient or colleague samples were independent predictors of doctors' feedback scores, and nor was the ethnic group of colleague samples. CONCLUSIONS Caution is necessary when considering patient and colleague feedback regarding doctors' professionalism. Multisource feedback undertaken for revalidation using the GMC patient and colleague questionnaires should, at least initially, be principally formative in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Campbell
- Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Exeter EX1 2LU, UK.
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Scott A, Sivey P, Ait Ouakrim D, Willenberg L, Naccarella L, Furler J, Young D. The effect of financial incentives on the quality of health care provided by primary care physicians. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2011:CD008451. [PMID: 21901722 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd008451.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 240] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of blended payment schemes in primary care, including the use of financial incentives to directly reward 'performance' and 'quality' is increasing in a number of countries. There are many examples in the US, and the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QoF) for general practitioners (GPs) in the UK is an example of a major system-wide reform. Despite the popularity of these schemes, there is currently little rigorous evidence of their success in improving the quality of primary health care, or of whether such an approach is cost-effective relative to other ways to improve the quality of care. OBJECTIVES The aim of this review is to examine the effect of changes in the method and level of payment on the quality of care provided by primary care physicians (PCPs) and to identify:i) the different types of financial incentives that have improved quality;ii) the characteristics of patient populations for whom quality of care has been improved by financial incentives; andiii) the characteristics of PCPs who have responded to financial incentives. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Trials Register, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) (The Cochrane Library), MEDLINE, HealthSTAR, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychLIT, and ECONLIT. Searches of Internet-based economics and health economics working paper collections were also conducted. Finally, studies were identified through the reference lists of retrieved articles, websites of key organisations, and from direct contact with key authors in the field. Articles were included if they were published from 2000 to August 2009. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCT), controlled before and after studies (CBA), and interrupted time series analyses (ITS) evaluating the impact of different financial interventions on the quality of care delivered by primary healthcare physicians (PCPs). Quality of care was defined as patient reported outcome measures, clinical behaviours, and intermediate clinical and physiological measures. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed study quality, in consultation with two other review authors where there was disagreement. For each included study, we reported the estimated effect sizes and confidence intervals. MAIN RESULTS Seven studies were included in this review. Three of the studies evaluated single-threshold target payments, one examined a fixed fee per patient achieving a specified outcome, one study evaluated payments based on the relative ranking of medical groups' performance (tournament-based pay), one study examined a mix of tournament-based pay and threshold payments, and one study evaluated changing from a blended payments scheme to salaried payment. Three cluster RCTs examined smoking cessation; one CBA examined patients' assessment of the quality of care; one CBA examined cervical screening, mammography screening, and HbA1c; one ITS focused on four outcomes in diabetes; and one controlled ITS (a difference-in-difference design) examined cervical screening, mammography screening, HbA1c, childhood immunisation, chlamydia screening, and appropriate asthma medication. Six of the seven studies showed positive but modest effects on quality of care for some primary outcome measures, but not all. One study found no effect on quality of care. Poor study design led to substantial risk of bias in most studies. In particular, none of the studies addressed issues of selection bias as a result of the ability of primary care physicians to select into or out of the incentive scheme or health plan. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The use of financial incentives to reward PCPs for improving the quality of primary healthcare services is growing. However, there is insufficient evidence to support or not support the use of financial incentives to improve the quality of primary health care. Implementation should proceed with caution and incentive schemes should be more carefully designed before implementation. In addition to basing incentive design more on theory, there is a large literature discussing experiences with these schemes that can be used to draw out a number of lessons that can be learned and that could be used to influence or modify the design of incentive schemes. More rigorous study designs need to be used to account for the selection of physicians into incentive schemes. The use of instrumental variable techniques should be considered to assist with the identification of treatment effects in the presence of selection bias and other sources of unobserved heterogeneity. In randomised trials, care must be taken in using the correct unit of analysis and more attention should be paid to blinding. Studies should also examine the potential unintended consequences of incentive schemes by having a stronger theoretical basis, including a broader range of outcomes, and conducting more extensive subgroup analysis. Studies should more consistently describe i) the type of payment scheme at baseline or in the control group, ii) how payments to medical groups were used and distributed within the groups, and iii) the size of the new payments as a percentage of total revenue. Further research comparing the relative costs and effects of financial incentives with other behaviour change interventions is also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Scott
- Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Level 7, Alan Gilbert Building, Barry Street, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, 3053
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Campbell SM, Scott A, Parker RM, Naccarella L, Furler JS, Young D, Sivey PM. Implementing pay‐for‐performance in Australian primary care: lessons from the United Kingdom and the United States. Med J Aust 2010; 193:408-11. [DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2010.tb03971.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Campbell
- National Primary Care Research and Development Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Rhian M Parker
- Australian Primary Health Care Research Institute, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT
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