Collaboration Between Physicians from Different Medical Specialties in Hospital Settings: A Systematic Review

Rethinking the consultation paradigm: Validity evidence for a new framework, a multimethods study

BACKGROUND

In-hospital consultation is essential for patient care. We previously proposed a framework of seven specific consultation types to classify consult requests to improve communication, workflow, and provider satisfaction.

METHODS

This multimethods study's aim was to evaluate the applicability of the consult classification framework to real internal medicine (IM) consults. We sought validity evidence using Kane's validity model with focus groups and classifying consult requests from five IM specialties. Participants attended five 1 h semi-structured focus groups that were recorded, transcribed, and coded for thematic saturation. For each specialty, three specialists and three hospitalists categorized 100 (total 500) random anonymized consult requests. The primary outcome was concordance in the classification of consult requests, defined as the sum of partial concordance and perfect concordance, where respectively 4-5/6 and 6/6 participants classified a consult in the same category. We used χ2 tests to compare concordance rates across specialties and between specialists and hospitalists.

RESULTS

Five major themes were identified in the qualitative analysis of the focus groups: (1) consult question, (2) interpersonal interactions, (3) value, (4) miscommunication, (5) consult framework application, barriers, and iterative development. In the quantitative analysis, the overall concordance rate was 88.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 85.7-91.4), and perfect concordance was 46.6% (95% CI: 42.2-51.1). Concordance differed significantly between hospitalists and specialists overall (p = .01), with a higher proportion of hospitalists having perfect concordance compared to specialists (67.2% vs. 57.8%, p = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

The consult classification framework was found to be applicable to consults from five different IM specialties, and could improve communication and education.

A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Strategies for Early Avascular Necrosis

Avascular necrosis (AVN), characterised by compromised blood supply leading to bone necrosis, poses a significant challenge in orthopaedic and rheumatologic practice. This review comprehensively examines early AVN treatment strategies, including aetiology and risk factors, clinical presentation, conservative and surgical approaches, emerging therapies, and rehabilitation. Key findings underscore the importance of early detection, personalised treatment plans, and a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopaedic specialists, rheumatologists, and physical therapists. The implications for clinical practice emphasise individualised care, staying abreast of emerging therapies, and patient education. Recommendations for future management strategies highlight the need for imaging technology advancements, regenerative therapies integration, and ongoing research into genetic and molecular pathways. As the field continues to evolve, translating research findings into clinical practice holds promise for improving outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals affected by AVN.

Optimizing Primary Healthcare in Hong Kong: Strategies for the Successful Integration of Radiology Services

The primary healthcare system in Hong Kong plays a crucial role in addressing the healthcare needs of its population. However, the integration of radiology services into primary care settings has not been fully realized, and there is significant potential for improvement. Incorporating radiology services into primary healthcare can enhance patient care, promote cost-effectiveness, and increase the overall efficiency of the healthcare system by enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention for various health conditions. To successfully integrate radiology services, key strategies include the establishment of public-private partnerships, the adoption of teleradiology and telemedicine services, the development of comprehensive regulatory and policy frameworks, and the exploration of innovative financial models and incentives. By embracing these strategies, Hong Kong can optimize its primary healthcare system and ensure more equitable, effective care for its population.