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El-Jardali F, Bou-Karroum L, Hilal N, Hammoud M, Hemadi N, Assal M, Kalach N, Harb A, Azzopardi-Muscat N, Sy TR, Novillo-Ortiz D. Knowledge management tools and mechanisms for evidence-informed decision-making in the WHO European Region: a scoping review. Health Res Policy Syst 2023; 21:113. [PMID: 37907919 PMCID: PMC10619313 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-023-01058-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge management (KM) emerged as a strategy to promote evidence-informed decision-making. This scoping review aims to map existing KM tools and mechanisms used to promote evidence-informed health decision-making in the WHO European Region and identify knowledge gaps. METHODS Following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidance for conducting scoping reviews, we searched Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and Open Grey. We conducted a descriptive analysis of the general characteristics of the included papers and conducted narrative analysis of the included studies and categorized studies according to KM type and phase. RESULTS Out of 9541 citations identified, we included 141 studies. The KM tools mostly assessed are evidence networks, surveillance tools, observatories, data platforms and registries, with most examining KM tools in high-income countries of the WHO European region. Findings suggest that KM tools can identify health problems, inform health planning and resource allocation, increase the use of evidence by policymakers and stimulate policy discussion. CONCLUSION Policymakers and funding agencies are called to support capacity-building activities, and future studies to strengthen KM in the WHO European region particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. An updated over-arching strategy to coordinate KM activities in the WHO European region will be useful in these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi El-Jardali
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lama Bou-Karroum
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nadeen Hilal
- Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maya Hammoud
- Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour Hemadi
- Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Michelle Assal
- Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nour Kalach
- Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya Harb
- Knowledge to Policy Center, Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat
- Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tyrone Reden Sy
- Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - David Novillo-Ortiz
- Division of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Rebnord IK, Rortveit G, Huibers L, Dale JN, Smits M, Morken T. Pandemic preparedness and management in European out-of-hours primary care services - a descriptive study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:54. [PMID: 36658520 PMCID: PMC9849833 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary care is the first point of contact for all acute health problems. As such, primary care was at the frontline in the COVID-19 pandemic, playing a significant role in clinical responses and information to the public. This study aimed to describe the variations in patient management strategies used in the out-of-hours services in different European countries during the first phase of the pandemic. METHOD We conducted a cross-sectional web-based survey in August 2020, selecting key informants from European countries using European networks. The questionnaire was developed in collaboration with researchers in the field of out-of-hours primary care. We performed descriptive analyses per region, structuring results into themes. RESULTS Key informants from 38 regions in 20 European countries responded. Seven regions reported that their out-of-hours services had a pandemic preparedness plan, three had trained on the plan, and two had stockpiles of personal protection equipment before the outbreak. Extension of telephone triage lines and establishment of local infection-control teams and clinics were the main patient management strategies. Other strategies for patient contacts were also used in the regions, such as video-consultations (13 regions), electronic consultations (21 regions), patient's car as alternative waiting room (19 regions), outside tents for testing (24 regions), "drive-through" testing (26 regions), and separate departments for infected patients (14 regions). CONCLUSION Few out-of-hours services were well prepared for a pandemic, but all expanded and reorganized rapidly, adopting new strategies for patient management and treatment. The results could be useful for planning of organization preparedness of out-of-hours primary care service for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Keilegavlen Rebnord
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen , Norway ,grid.509009.5National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Guri Rortveit
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen , Norway ,grid.509009.5Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Linda Huibers
- grid.7048.b0000 0001 1956 2722Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jonas Nordvik Dale
- grid.509009.5National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marleen Smits
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tone Morken
- grid.509009.5National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
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Steeman L, Uijen M, Plat E, Huibers L, Smits M, Giesen P. Out-of-hours primary care in 26 European countries: an overview of organizational models. Fam Pract 2020; 37:744-750. [PMID: 32597962 PMCID: PMC7699311 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmaa064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various models exist to organize out-of-hours primary care (OOH-PC). We aimed to provide an up-to-date overview of prevailing organizational models in the European Union (EU), implemented changes over the last decade and future plans. This baseline overview may provide information for countries considering remodelling their OOH-PC system. METHODS A cross-sectional web-based questionnaire among 93 key informants from EU countries, Norway and Switzerland. Key informants with expertise in the field of primary health care were invited to participate. Themes in the questionnaire were the existing organizational models for OOH-PC, model characteristics, major organizational changes implemented in the past decade and future plans. RESULTS All 26 included countries had different coexisting OOH-PC models, varying from 3 to 10 models per country. 'GP cooperative was the dominant model in most countries followed by primary care centre and rota group'. There was a large variation in characteristics between the models, but also within the models, caused by differences between countries and regions. Almost all countries had implemented changes over the past 10 years, mostly concerning the implementation of telephone triage and a change of organizational model by means of upscaling and centralization of OOH-PC. Planned changes varied from fine-tuning the prevailing OOH-PC system to radical nationwide organizational transitions in OOH-PC. CONCLUSIONS Different organizational models for OOH-PC exist on international and national level. Compared with a decade ago, more primary care-oriented organizational models are now dominant. There is a trend towards upscaling and centralization; it should be evaluated whether this improves the quality of health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Steeman
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maike Uijen
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Erik Plat
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Linda Huibers
- Research Unit for General Practice Aarhus, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marleen Smits
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Paul Giesen
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Mesarić J, Šimić D, Katić M, Tveter Deilkås EC, Hofoss D, Bondevik GT. The safety attitudes questionnaire for out-of-hours service in primary healthcare-Psychometric properties of the Croatian version. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242065. [PMID: 33186353 PMCID: PMC7665828 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the reliability and construct validity of the Croatian translation of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire—Ambulatory version (SAQ-AV) in the out-of-hours (OOH) primary care setting. A cross-sectional observational study using anonymous web-survey was carried out targeting a convenience sample of 358 health professionals working in the Croatian OOH primary care service. The final sample consisted of 185 questionnaires (response rate 51.7%). Psychometric properties were assessed using exploratory hierarchical factor analysis with Schmid-Leiman rotation to bifactor solution, McDonald’s ω, and Cronbach’s α. Five group factors were identified: Organization climate, Teamwork climate, Stress recognition, Ambulatory process of care, and Perceptions of workload. Items loading on the Stress recognition and Perceptions of workload factor had low loadings on the general factor. Cronbach’s α ranged between 0.79 and 0.93. All items had corrected item-total correlation above 0.5. McDonalds’ ω total for group factors ranged between 0.76 and 0.91. Values of ω general for factors Organization climate, Teamwork climate, and Ambulatory process of care ranged between 0.41 and 0.56. McDonalds’ ω general for Stress recognition and Perceptions of workload were 0.13 and 0.16, respectively. Even though SAQ-AV may not be a reliable tool for international comparisons, subsets of items may be reliable tools in several national settings, including Croatia. Results confirmed that Stress recognition is not a dimension of patient safety culture, while Ambulatory process of care might be. Future studies should investigate the relationship of patient safety culture to treatment outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasna Mesarić
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Libertas International University, Zagreb, Croatia
- Croatian Society for Quality Improvement in Healthcare, Croatian Medical Association, Zagreb, Croatia
- * E-mail: (JM); (DS)
| | - Diana Šimić
- Faculty of Organization and Informatics, University of Zagreb, Varaždin, Croatia
- * E-mail: (JM); (DS)
| | - Milica Katić
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ellen Catharina Tveter Deilkås
- The Norwegian Directorate of Health, Oslo, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Dag Hofoss
- Lovisenberg Diaconal College, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Tschudi Bondevik
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
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5
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Smits M, Colliers A, Jansen T, Remmen R, Bartholomeeusen S, Verheij R. Examining differences in out-of-hours primary care use in Belgium and the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study. Eur J Public Health 2020; 29:1018-1024. [PMID: 31086964 PMCID: PMC6896980 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The organizational model of out-of-hours primary care is likely to affect healthcare use. We aimed to examine differences in the use of general practitioner cooperatives for out-of-hours care in the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders) and explore if these are related to organizational differences. Methods A cross-sectional observational study using routine electronic health record data of the year 2016 from 77 general practitioner cooperatives in the Netherlands and 5 general practitioner cooperatives in Belgium (Flanders). Patient age, gender and health problem were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The number of consultations per 1000 residents was 2.3 times higher in the Netherlands than in Belgium. Excluding telephone consultations, which are not possible in Belgium, the number of consultations was 1.4 times higher. In Belgium, the top 10 of health problems was mainly related to infections, while in the Netherlands there were a larger variety of health problems. In addition, the health problem codes in the Dutch top 10 were more often symptoms, while the codes in the Belgian top 10 were more often diagnoses. In both countries, a relatively large percentage of GPC patients were young children and female patients. Conclusion Differences in the use of general practitioner cooperatives seem to be related to the gatekeeping role of general practitioners in the Netherlands and to organizational differences such as telephone triage, medical advice by telephone, financial thresholds and number of years of experience with the system. The information can benefit policy decisions about the organization of out-of-hours primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Smits
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Colliers
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tessa Jansen
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roy Remmen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stephaan Bartholomeeusen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Robert Verheij
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Arntsen B, Torjesen DO, Karlsen TI. Associations between structures, processes and outcomes in inter-municipal cooperation in out-of-hours services in Norway: A survey study. Soc Sci Med 2020; 258:113067. [PMID: 32521412 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Inter-municipal cooperation (IMC) has gained widespread recognition as a beneficial strategy for improving efficiency and quality in the provision of out-of-hours emergency care services (OOH services). Little attention, however, has been given to the additional costs of cooperation and the relational processes through which benefits and costs are likely to result. Based on survey data from 266 (77%) Norwegian municipalities involved in IMC in OOH services in 2015, this study aimed to investigate how the structure (governance form, complexity and stability) and quality (trust and consensus) of cooperation processes interact to influence the perceived outcomes (benefits and costs) of IMC in OOH services. Using Structural equation modeling, we found trust and consensus fully mediated the association between the structure and outcomes of IMC. More specifically, the results suggest that cooperation structures characterized by centralized governance, stability over time, and reduced complexity were likely to enhance the benefits and reduce the costs of IMC through trust and consensus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bjørnulf Arntsen
- Faculty of Health and Sport Science, Center for Care Research - Southern Norway, University of Agder, Jon Lilletuns vei 13, 4879, Grimstad, Norway.
| | - Dag Olaf Torjesen
- Department of Political Science and Management, University of Agder, Universitetsveien 25, 4630, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Tor-Ivar Karlsen
- Faculty of Health and Sport Science, University of Agder, Jon Lilletuns vei 13, 4879, Grimstad, Norway
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Substitution of general practitioners by nurse practitioners in out-of-hours primary care home visits: A quasi-experimental study. Int J Nurs Stud 2020; 104:103445. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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8
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Salemi M, Aryankhesal A, Jafari M. The response of health systems to after-hours primary cares in Iran and the selected countries. Int J Health Plann Manage 2019; 34:e1899-e1908. [PMID: 31313385 DOI: 10.1002/hpm.2815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After-hours primary care often involves care required for medical conditions managed outside hospitals by a general practitioner. After-hours care aims at meeting the urgent needs of patients who cannot wait to visit their general practitioner in office hours. AIM The present study aims at comparing the after-hours primary cares in Iran, Turkey, the United States, the Netherlands, Australia, and the United Kingdom. METHOD This is a descriptive-comparative study comparing after-hours primary cares in Iran and selected countries in 2019. Considering the research purpose, data pertaining to each country were collected from valid information sources and the countries were compared based on the comparative table. A framework analysis was used for data analyses. RESULTS The results were stated regarding the model type, dominant model, payments mechanism, the support of insurance organizations, service tariffs, private sector participation, and participation of primary care general practitioners in each country. CONCLUSIONS Different countries are using diverse policies to enhance patients' access to general practitioners in out-of-office hours. In Iran, however, due to the lack of specific policies to access after-hour primary cares, people have to use expensive hospital and private cares. An essential step in solving this problem is the availability of general practitioner services at primary care level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morteza Salemi
- Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aidin Aryankhesal
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Jafari
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Health Managers Development Institute, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
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Brasseur E, Servotte JC, Donneau AF, Stipulante S, d'Orio V, Ghuysen A. Triage for out-of-hours primary care calls: a reliability study of a new French-language algorithm, the SALOMON rule. Scand J Prim Health Care 2019; 37:227-232. [PMID: 31033368 PMCID: PMC6567030 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2019.1608057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Triage systems for out-of-hours primary care physician (PCP) calls have been implemented empirically but no triage algorithm has been validated to date. A triage algorithm named SALOMON (Système Algorithmique Liégeois d'Orientation pour la Médecine Omnipraticienne Nocturne) was developed to guide triage nurses. This study assessed the performance of the algorithm using simulated PCP calls. Methods: Ten nurses were involved in 130 simulated PCP call scenarios, allowing the determination of SALOMON's inter-rater agreement by comparing the actual choices of a specific triage flowchart and the level of care selected as compared with reference assignments. Intra-rater agreement was estimated by comparing triage after training (T1) and 3 to 6 months after SALOMON use in clinical practice (T2). Results: Overall selection of flowcharts was accurate for 94 .1% of scenarios at T1 and 98.7% at T2. Level of triage was adequate for 93.4% of scenarios at T1 and 98.5% at T2. Both flowchart and triage level accuracy improved significantly from T1 to T2 (p < 0.0001). SALOMON algorithm use is associated with a 0.97/0.99 sensitivity and 0.97/0.99 specificity, at T1/T2 respectively. Conclusions: Results revealed that using the SALOMON algorithm is valid for out-of-hours PCP calls triage by nurses. The criterion validity of this algorithm should be further evaluated through its implementation in a real life setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Brasseur
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Center of Liege, Liege, Belgium;
| | - Jean-Christophe Servotte
- Medical Simulation Center of Liege, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium;
- Public Health Sciences Department, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium;
| | | | | | - Vincent d'Orio
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Center of Liege, Liege, Belgium;
| | - Alexandre Ghuysen
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Center of Liege, Liege, Belgium;
- Medical Simulation Center of Liege, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium;
- Public Health Sciences Department, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium;
- CONTACT Alexandre Ghuysen Emergency Department, University Hospital Center of Liege, CHU de Liège, Service des urgences, Avenue Hippocrate, 13, B-4000 Liège, Belgium; Medical Simulation Center of Liege, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium; Public Health Sciences Department, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
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Krug B, Colliers A, Matthys J, Anthierens S, Philips H, Damen J, Coenen S, Remmen R. Video-recording consultations for educational purposes in out-of-hours primary care: patients and physicians are willing to participate. Acta Clin Belg 2019; 74:65-69. [PMID: 29609529 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2018.1459231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Video-recordings of consultations are used by general practitioner (GP) trainees to enable reflection on aspects of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Typically, these recordings are made during office hours in general practice, but little is known about using video-recording during out of hours (OOH) care, which is an important and distinct part of a GP's work. To be able to record consultations during OOH care (i.e. at the emergency department (ED) and at the General Practitioner Cooperative (GPC)), patients must be willing to cooperate and give informed consent. Therefore, it was of interest to investigate potential barriers in these OOH settings. Methods A questionnaire on demographics and attitudes regarding consent was administered to patients and physicians at the ED and at the GPC in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. Results A total of 346 questionnaires were completed, 23 by physicians and 323 by patients. A majority of the patients (225/286 (79%)) would consent to video-recording the consultation, without physical examination. Almost all physicians (21/23) would agree to participate. Overall, 85% (260/323) of the patients agree when only the doctor was being recorded. Patients were neutral in recording in 79% (88/224) at the GPC and 57% (56/99) at the ED. Shyness or embarrassment was present in 32% (71/224), and 28% (28/99) at the GPC and ED, respectively. We did not find any significant differences in giving consent or feelings between patients at the GPC and ED. Conclusion A vast majority of both patients and physicians would consent to video-recording their consultation in OOH primary care settings (GPC and ED), with possible concerns about privacy, shame and discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertwin Krug
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annelies Colliers
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Matthys
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, University of Ghent – UZ Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Philips
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jorn Damen
- Emergency Department, AZ Nikolaas, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine (ESOC), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Roy Remmen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
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Keizer E, Christensen MB, Carlsen AH, Smits M, Wensing M, Senn O, Huibers L. Factors related to out-of-hours help-seeking for acute health problems: a survey study using case scenarios. BMC Public Health 2019; 19:33. [PMID: 30621741 PMCID: PMC6323727 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-018-6332-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The acute out-of-hours healthcare services are challenged by increasing demand in many countries. We aimed to examine factors influencing the intended help-seeking in out-of-hours care for acute health problems during evenings, nights, and weekends. Methods We conducted a survey study based on data from parents of children (aged 0–4 years) and adults (aged 30–39 and 50–59 years) in Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland. Intended help-seeking behaviour was measured by six hypothetical case scenarios. We used Andersen’s Behavioural Model to categorise potentially influential factors and applied multiple binomial regression to assess the influence of selected factors. Results A total of 1015 parents and 2942 adults participated. We identified several significant influential factors. Parents holding a low education (OR 1.56), having migrant background (western: OR 1.23; non-western: OR 1.93), having one child (OR 1.24), perceiving few barriers to using out-of-hours primary care (OR 1.59), perceiving difficulties with organising childcare (OR 1.13), and having a history of frequent contacts with out-of-hours care (OR 1.55) were more inclined to contact out-of-hours care, whereas female (OR 0.85) and non-anxious parents (OR 0.77) were less inclined. Adults who were older (OR 1.01), holding a medical education (OR 1.13), having non-western background (OR 1.28), being unemployed (OR 1.17), perceiving few barriers to using out-of-hours primary care (OR 1.37), and having a history of frequent contacts with a GP (few: OR 1.15; more: OR 1.22) and/or with out-of-hours care (one: OR 1.20; more: OR 1.49) were more inclined to contact out-of-hours care, whereas adults with no or little social support (OR 0.84) and adults with high health literacy level on health information (OR 0.91) were less inclined. Dutch parents were less inclined than Danish parents to contact out-of-hours care (OR 0.62), whereas Swiss adults were more inclined than Danish adults to contact out-of-hours care (OR 1.16). Conclusion We identified several factors related to intended help-seeking in out-of-hours care. These results could be used to develop targeted interventions, but more research is needed to examine the underlying explanations for the identified differences. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12889-018-6332-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Keizer
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500, HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands. .,Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Anders Helles Carlsen
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Bartholins Alle 2, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marleen Smits
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500, HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Michel Wensing
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, P.O. Box 9101, 6500, HB, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Linda Huibers
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Bartholins Alle 2, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
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Huibers L, Keizer E, Carlsen AH, Moth G, Smits M, Senn O, Christensen MB. Help-seeking behaviour outside office hours in Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland: a questionnaire study exploring responses to hypothetical cases. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019295. [PMID: 30341108 PMCID: PMC6196844 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 08/23/2017] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aim to study the preferred behaviour among individuals from different age groups in three countries when acute health problems occur outside office hours and thereby to explore variations in help-seeking behaviour. DESIGN A questionnaire study exploring responses to six hypothetical cases describing situations with a potential need for seeking medical care and questions on background characteristics. SETTING General population in Denmark, the Netherlands and Switzerland. POPULATION Danish, Dutch and Swiss individuals from three age groups (0-4, 30-39, 50-59 years). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Distribution of intended help-seeking preferences per case per age group, compared between countries. Differences in percentage of help-seeking outside office hours per age group and country, crude and adjusted for background characteristics. RESULTS Danish and Dutch parents of children aged 0-4 years differed in intended help-seeking behaviour for five out of six cases (abdominal pain, red eyes, rash, relapse fever, chickenpox); Danish parents significantly more often chose to contact out-of-hours (OOH) care than Dutch parents. For adults aged 30-39 years, no significant difference between the three countries was found for contacting OOH care. Swiss adults aged 50-59 years had the highest percentage of OOH contacts (38.3%), followed by the Danish (33.4%) and the Dutch (32.5%). CONCLUSION Some differences in help-seeking behaviour outside office hours exist between Danish, Dutch and Swiss individuals, particularly for parents of young children. The question remains whether these differences result from individual preferences, cultural disparities and/or health services variations. Future research should focus on identifying explanations for these differences to reduce undesirable use of OOH care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen Keizer
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Grete Moth
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marleen Smits
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Colliers A, Coenen S, Remmen R, Philips H, Anthierens S. How do general practitioners and pharmacists experience antibiotic use in out-of-hours primary care? An exploratory qualitative interview study to inform a participatory action research project. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e023154. [PMID: 30269072 PMCID: PMC6169767 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023154] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Antibiotics (ABs) are one of the most prescribed medications in out-of-hours (OOH) care in Belgium. Developing a better understanding of why ABs are prescribed in this setting is essential to improve prescribing habits. OBJECTIVES To assess AB prescribing and dispensing challenges for general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists in OOH primary care, and to identify context-specific elements that can help the implementation of behaviour change interventions to improve AB prescribing in this setting. DESIGN This is an exploratory qualitative study using semistructured interviews. This study is part of a participatory action research project. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Participants include 17 GPs and 1 manager, who work in a Belgian OOH general practitioners cooperative (GPC), and 5 pharmacists of the area covered by the GPC. The GPC serves a population of more than 187 000 people. RESULTS GPs feel the threshold to prescribe AB in OOH care is lower in comparion to office hours. GPs and pharmacists talk about the difference in their professional identity in OOH (they define their task differently, they feel more isolated, insecure, have the need to please and so on), type of patients (unknown patients, vulnerable patients, other ethnicities, demanding patients and so on), workload (they feel time-pressured) and lack of diagnostic tools or follow-up. They are aware of the problem of AB overprescribing, but they do not feel ownership of the problem. CONCLUSION The implementation of behaviour change interventions to improve AB prescribing in OOH primary care has to take these context specifics into account and could involve interprofessional collaboration between GPs and pharmacists. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03082521; Pre-results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annelies Colliers
- Department of General Practice - Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of General Practice - Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine (ESOC), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Roy Remmen
- Department of General Practice - Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Hilde Philips
- Department of General Practice - Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Department of General Practice - Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Leutgeb R, Frankenhauser-Mannuß J, Scheuer M, Szecsenyi J, Goetz K. Job satisfaction and stressors for working in out-of-hours care - a pilot study with general practitioners in a rural area of Germany. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2018; 19:95. [PMID: 29933743 PMCID: PMC6015473 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-018-0777-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Challenging work environment, high workload, and increasing physician shortages characterize current rural general practice in Germany and in most European Countries. These factors extend into Out-Of-Hours Care (OOHC). However, little research about potential stressors for general practitioners (GPs) in OOHC settings is available. This pilot study aimed to evaluate workload, different elements of job satisfaction and stressors for GPs in OOHC and to analyze whether these aspects are associated with overall job satisfaction. METHODS Cross-sectional survey with a sample of 320 GPs who are working in OOHC was used to measure workload in OOHC, job satisfaction (using the Warr-Cook-Wall scale) and stressors with the effort-reward imbalance questionnaire. In order to assess associations between workload, job satisfaction and stressors at work we performed descriptive analyses as well as multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS The response rate was 40.9%. Over 80% agreed that OOHC was perceived as a stressor and 79% agreed that less OOHC improved job satisfaction. Only 42% of our sample were satisfied with their overall job satisfaction. The regression analysis showed that the modification of current OOHC organization was significantly associated with overall job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that OOHC in the current form is a relevant stressor in daily work of rural GPs in Germany and one of the reasons for a decreasing overall job satisfaction. Strategic changes such as the implementation of structural reforms e.g. reducing frequency of OOHC duties for each GP and improving continuing professional development options related to OOHC are needed to address current workload challenges experienced by GPs providing OOHC in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Leutgeb
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Marsilius-Arcades, Western Tower, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - J Frankenhauser-Mannuß
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Marsilius-Arcades, Western Tower, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Scheuer
- Headquarter of Control Centre, District Bergstraße, Gräffstrasse 5, 64646, Heppenheim, Germany
| | - J Szecsenyi
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Marsilius-Arcades, Western Tower, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Goetz
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University Hospital Heidelberg, Marsilius-Arcades, Western Tower, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Family Medicine, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Ratzeburger Alle 160, 23538, Luebeck, Germany
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Smits M, Keizer E, Giesen P, Deilkås ECT, Hofoss D, Bondevik GT. Patient safety culture in out-of-hours primary care services in the Netherlands: a cross-sectional survey. Scand J Prim Health Care 2018; 36:28-35. [PMID: 29334826 PMCID: PMC5901437 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2018.1426150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine patient safety culture in Dutch out-of-hours primary care using the safety attitudes questionnaire (SAQ) which includes five factors: teamwork climate, safety climate, job satisfaction, perceptions of management and communication openness. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study using an anonymous web-survey. Setting Sixteen out-of-hours general practitioner (GP) cooperatives and two call centers in the Netherlands. Subjects Primary healthcare providers in out-of-hours services. Main outcome measures Mean scores on patient safety culture factors; association between patient safety culture and profession, gender, age, and working experience. RESULTS Overall response rate was 43%. A total of 784 respondents were included; mainly GPs (N = 470) and triage nurses (N = 189). The healthcare providers were most positive about teamwork climate and job satisfaction, and less about communication openness and safety climate. The largest variation between clinics was found on safety climate; the lowest on teamwork climate. Triage nurses scored significantly higher than GPs on each of the five patient safety factors. Older healthcare providers scored significantly higher than younger on safety climate and perceptions of management. More working experience was positively related to higher teamwork climate and communication openness. Gender was not associated with any of the patient safety factors. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed that healthcare providers perceive patient safety culture in Dutch GP cooperatives positively, but there are differences related to the respondents' profession, age and working experience. Recommendations for future studies are to examine reasons for these differences, to examine the effects of interventions to improve safety culture and to make international comparisons of safety culture. Key Points Creating a positive patient safety culture is assumed to be a prerequisite for quality and safety. We found that: • healthcare providers in Dutch GP cooperatives perceive patient safety culture positively; • triage nurses scored higher than GPs, and older and more experienced healthcare professionals scored higher than younger and less experienced professionals - on several patient safety culture factors; and • within the GP cooperatives, safety climate and openness of communication had the largest potential for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Smits
- Radboud Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- NIVEL, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- CONTACT Marleen Smits NIVEL, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, P.O. Box 1568, Utrecht, 3500 BN, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Keizer
- Radboud Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Giesen
- Radboud Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Catharina Tveter Deilkås
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- The Norwegian Directorate of Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Hofoss
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Tschudi Bondevik
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
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van den Bersselaar D, Maas M, Thijssen W. Does X-ray imaging by GPC at emergency care access points in the Netherlands change patient flow and reduce ED crowding? A cohort study. Health Sci Rep 2018; 1:e26. [PMID: 30623058 PMCID: PMC6266461 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Organizing out-of-hours emergency care is a challenge in many countries. In the Netherlands, general practitioner cooperatives (GPCs) and emergency departments (EDs) are increasingly working together, creating one emergency care access point (ECAP). This has redirected the majority of patients with musculoskeletal problems from the ED to the GPC in out-of-hours care, due to the treatment of self-referrals by the general practitioner (GP). Only a minority of the GPs at ECAPs have the possibility to request X-rays, and expanding these facilities could reduce patient presentations to the ED even more. The aim of our study was to explore patient flow and possible reductions in ED referrals at an ECAP with X-ray facilities for GPs. METHODS This retrospective cohort study examines all patients that visited an ECAP at a general city hospital in the Netherlands and had an X-ray imaging requested by the GPC between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. General practitioner cooperatives could request X-rays between 5 pm and 10 pm on weekdays and between 8 am and 10 pm during weekends. Recorded data included sex, age, number and type of X-ray, X-ray abnormalities, referral to the ED, and treatment. The annual number of patients presenting to the GPC and ED in 2014 were gathered. Patient outcome was stated negative when the X-ray revealed no abnormality. RESULTS A total of 2243 patients received 2663 X-ray examinations. The mean age was 31 years and 48% was male. A total of 1517 (68%) patients were treated at the GPC without an ED referral, a reduction of 4.5% of the annual ED patients. CONCLUSIONS With a majority (68%) of the patients examined and treated at the GPC, X-ray facilities at ECAPs will substantially reduce ED population, change patient flow, and have a positive effect on ED crowding. Implementing 24/7 X-ray facilities at all ECAPs will further enhance these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - M. Maas
- Catharina HospitalEindhoventhe Netherlands
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Klemenc-Ketis Z, Deilkås ET, Hofoss D, Bondevik GT. Variations in patient safety climate and perceived quality of collaboration between professions in out-of-hours care. J Multidiscip Healthc 2017; 10:417-423. [PMID: 29184416 PMCID: PMC5687361 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s149011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To get an overview of health care workers perceptions of patient safety climates and the quality of collaboration in Slovenian out-of-hours health care (OOHC) between professional groups. Materials and methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out in all (60) Slovenian OOHC clinics; 37 (61.7%) agreed to participate with 438 employees. The questionnaire consisted of the Slovenian version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire – Ambulatory Version (SAQ-AV). Results The study sample consisted of 175 (70.0%) physicians, nurse practitioners, and practice nurses. Practice nurses reported the highest patient safety climate scores in all dimensions. Total mean (standard deviation) SAQ-AV score was 60.9±15.2. Scores for quality of collaboration between different professional groups were high. The highest mean scores were reported by nurse practitioners on collaboration with practice nurses (4.4±0.6). The lowest mean scores were reported by practice nurses on collaboration with nurse practitioners (3.8±0.9). Conclusion Due to large variations in Slovenian OOHC clinics with regard to how health care workers from different professional backgrounds perceive safety culture, more attention should be devoted to improving the team collaboration in OOHC. A clearer description of professional team roles should be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zalika Klemenc-Ketis
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor.,Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana.,Community Health Centre Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | | | - Dag Hofoss
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo
| | - Gunnar Tschudi Bondevik
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen.,National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
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Klemenc-Ketiš Z, Deilkås ET, Hofoss D, Bondevik GT. Patient Safety Culture in Slovenian out-of-hours Primary Care Clinics. Zdr Varst 2017; 56:203-210. [PMID: 29062394 PMCID: PMC5639809 DOI: 10.1515/sjph-2017-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patient safety culture is a concept which describes how leader and staff interaction, attitudes, routines and practices protect patients from adverse events in healthcare. We aimed to investigate patient safety culture in Slovenian out-of-hours health care (OOHC) clinics, and determine the possible factors that might be associated with it. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, which took place in Slovenian OOHC, as part of the international study entitled Patient Safety Culture in European Out-of-Hours Services (SAFE-EUR-OOH). All the OOHC clinics in Slovenia (N=60) were invited to participate, and 37 agreed to do so; 438 employees from these clinics were invited to participate. We used the Slovenian version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire – an ambulatory version (SAQAV) to measure the climate of safety. Results Out of 438 invited participants, 250 answered the questionnaire (57.1% response rate). The mean overall score ± standard deviation of the SAQ was 56.6±16.0 points, of Perceptions of Management 53.6±19.6 points, of Job Satisfaction 48.5±18.3 points, of Safety Climate 59.1±22.1 points, of Teamwork Climate 72.7±16.6, and of Communication 51.5±23.4 points. Employees working in the Ravne na Koroškem region, employees with variable work shifts, and those with full-time jobs scored significantly higher on the SAQ-AV. Conclusion The safety culture in Slovenian OOHC clinics needs improvement. The variations in the safety culture factor scores in Slovenian OOHC clinics point to the need to eliminate variations and improve working conditions in Slovenian OOHC clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš
- University of Maribor, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Taborska 8, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
| | | | - Dag Hofoss
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Tschudi Bondevik
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
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Karam M, Tricas-Sauras S, Darras E, Macq J. Interprofessional Collaboration between General Physicians and Emergency Department Teams in Belgium: A Qualitative Study. Int J Integr Care 2017; 17:9. [PMID: 29588632 PMCID: PMC5853879 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.2520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess interprofessional collaboration between general physicians and emergency departments in the French speaking regions of Belgium. Eight group interviews were conducted both in rural and urban areas, including in Brussels. Findings showed that the relational components of collaboration, which are highly valued by individuals involved, comprise mutual acquaintanceship and trust, shared power and objectives. The organizational components of collaboration included out-of-hours services, role clarification, leadership and overall environment. Communication and patient's role were also found to be key elements in enhancing or hindering collaboration across these two levels of care. Relationships between general physicians and emergency departments' teams were tightly linked to organizational factors and the general macro-environment. Health system regulation did not appear to play a significant role in promoting collaboration between actors. A better role clarification is needed in order to foster multidisciplinary team coordination for a more efficient patient management. Finally, economic power and private practice impeded interprofessional collaboration between the care teams. In conclusion, many challenges need to be addressed for achievement of a better collaboration and more efficient integration. Not only should integration policies aim at reinforcing the role of general physicians as gatekeepers, also they should target patients' awareness and empowerment.
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van der Biezen M, Wensing M, van der Burgt R, Laurant M. Towards an optimal composition of general practitioners and nurse practitioners in out-of-hours primary care teams: a quasi-experimental study. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e015509. [PMID: 28559458 PMCID: PMC5730011 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To gain insights into the ability of general practitioners (GPs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) to meet patient demands in out-of-hours primary care by comparing the outcomes of teams with different ratios of practitioners. DESIGN Quasi-experimental study. SETTING A GP cooperative (GPC) in the Netherlands. INTERVENTION Team 2 (1 NP, 3 GPs) and team 3 (2 NPs, 2 GPs) were compared with team 1 (4 GPs). Each team covered 35 weekend days. PARTICIPANTS All 9503 patients who were scheduled for a consultation at the GPC through a nurse triage system. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the total number of consultations per provider for weekend cover between 10:00 and 18:00 hours. Secondary outcomes concerned the numbers of patients outside the NPs' scope of practice, patient safety, resource use, direct healthcare costs and GPs' performance. RESULTS The mean number of consultations per shift was lower in teams with NPs (team 1: 93.9, team 3: 87.1; p<0.001). The mean proportion of patients outside NPs' scope of practice per hour was 9.0% (SD 6.7), and the highest value in any hour was 40%. The proportion of patients who did not receive treatment within the targeted time period was higher in teams with NPs (team 2, 5.2%; team 3, 8.3%) compared with GPs only (team 1 3.5%) (p<0.01). Team 3 referred more patients to the emergency department (14.7%) compared with team 1 (12.0%; p=0.028). In teams with NPs, GPs more often treated urgent patients (team 1: 13.2%, team 2: 16.3%, team 3: 21.4%; p<0.01) and patients with digestive complaints (team 1: 11.1%, team 2: 11.8%, team 3: 16.7%; p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Primary healthcare teams with a ratio of up to two GPs and two NPs provided sufficient capacity to provide care to all patients during weekend cover. Areas of concern are the number of consultations, delay in patient care and referrals to the emergency department. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02407847.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieke van der Biezen
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Wensing
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Regi van der Burgt
- Foundation for Development of Quality Care in General Practice, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Miranda Laurant
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, IQ Healthcare, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- HAN University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Studies, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Smits M, Keizer E, Giesen P, Deilkås ECT, Hofoss D, Bondevik GT. The psychometric properties of the 'safety attitudes questionnaire' in out-of-hours primary care services in the Netherlands. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0172390. [PMID: 28207909 PMCID: PMC5313186 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0172390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) is one of the most widely used instruments to assess safety culture among healthcare providers. The ambulatory version of the SAQ (SAQ-AV) can be used in the primary care setting. Our study objective was to examine the underlying factors and psychometric properties of the Dutch translation of the SAQ-AV in out-of-hours primary care services. DESIGN Cross-sectional observational study using a web-survey. SETTING Sixteen out-of-hours general practitioner cooperatives and two call centers in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS Primary healthcare providers in out-of-hours services. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Item-descriptive statistics, factor loadings, Cronbach's alpha scores, corrected item-total correlations, scale correlations. RESULTS The questionnaire was answered by 853 (43.2%) healthcare professionals. In the factor analyses, 784 respondents were included; mainly general practitioners (N = 470) and triage nurses (N = 189). Items were included in the analyses based on question type and results from previous studies. Five factors were drawn with reliability scores between .49 and .86 and a good construct validity. The five factors covered 27 of the 62 questionnaire items, with three to five items per factor. CONCLUSIONS The Dutch translation of the SAQ-AV, with five factors, seems to be a reliable tool for measuring patient safety culture and guide quality improvement interventions in out-of-hours primary care services. The Dutch factor structure differed from the original SAQ-AV and other translated versions. In future studies, the questionnaire should be validated further by examining if there is a relationship between the responses on the SAQ-AV, patient experiences, and the occurrence of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Smits
- Radboud Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Ellen Keizer
- Radboud Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Giesen
- Radboud Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Catharina Tveter Deilkås
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- The Norwegian Directorate of Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Dag Hofoss
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Tschudi Bondevik
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Uni Research Health, National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Bergen, Norway
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Klemenc-Ketis Z, Maletic M, Stropnik V, Deilkås ET, Hofoss D, Bondevik GT. The safety attitudes questionnaire - ambulatory version: psychometric properties of the Slovenian version for the out-of-hours primary care setting. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:36. [PMID: 28086919 PMCID: PMC5237240 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1972-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several tools have been developed to measure safety attitudes of health care providers, out of which the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (SAQ) is regarded as one of the most appropriate ones. In 2007, it was adapted to outpatient (primary health care) settings and in 2014 it was tested in out-of-hours health care settings in Norway. The purpose of this study was to translate the English version of the SAQ-Ambulatory Version (SAQ-AV) to Slovenian language; to test its reliability; and to explore its factor structure. Methods This was a cross-sectional study that took place in Slovenian out-of-hours primary care clinics in March-May 2015 as a part of an international study entitled Patient Safety Culture in European Out-of-hours services. The questionnaire consisted of the Slovenian version of the SAQ-AV. The link to the questionnaire was emailed to health care workers in the out-of-hours clinics. A total of 438 participants were invited. We performed exploratory factor analysis. Results Out of 438 invited participants, 250 answered the questionnaire (response rate 57.1%). Exploratory factor analysis put forward five factors: 1) Perceptions of management, 2) Job satisfaction, 3) Safety climate, 4) Teamwork climate, and 5) Communication. Cronbach’s alpha of the whole SAQ-AV was 0.922. Cronbach’s alpha of the five factors ranged from 0.587 to 0.791. Mean total score of the SAQ-AV was 56.6 ± 16.0 points. The factor with the highest average score was Teamwork climate and the factor with the lowest average was Job satisfaction. Conclusions Based on the results in our study, we cannot state that the SAQ-AV is a reliable tool for measuring safety culture in the Slovenian out-of-hours care setting. Our study also showed that there might be other safety culture factors in out-of-hours care not recognised before. We therefore recommend larger studies aiming to identify an alternative factor structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zalika Klemenc-Ketis
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Maribor, Taborska 8, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia. .,Department of Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Poljanski nasip 58, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia. .,Community Health Centre Ljubljana, Metelkova 9, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| | - Matjaz Maletic
- Faculty of Organisational Sciences, University of Maribor, Kidriceva cesta 55a, 4000, Kranj, Slovenia
| | - Vesna Stropnik
- Health Centre Ravne na Koroskem, Ob Suhi 11, 2390, Ravne na Koroskem, Slovenia
| | | | - Dag Hofoss
- Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Tschudi Bondevik
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Centre for Emergency Primary Health Care, Uni Research Health, Bergen, Norway
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Augustyns N, Lesaffer C, Teughels S, Philips H, Remmen R. Safe incident reporting in out-of-hours primary care: an exploratory study. Acta Clin Belg 2016; 71:415-422. [PMID: 27346374 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2016.1201616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The goal of safe incident reporting (SIR) is to recognize avoidable incidents to prevent future harm. Data on the use of SIR in Belgium's out-of-hours primary care (OOHC) services are lacking. We investigated a priori attitudes of managers and GPs, and their willingness to report in OOHC services. We mapped which methods are used. METHODS A telephone questionnaire was conducted with the managers of all 27 OOHC centers in Flanders. It assessed the design of used reporting systems and the attitudes towards SIR. A paper survey was administered to assess GPs' attitudes in two large out-of-hours primary care centers. RESULTS All managers participated (N = 23). Seventy percent used some form of incident reporting system, with a large design variation. All managers thought SIR is important to improve quality and safety. Seven managers predicted that GPs would be hesitant to use SIR. In the GPs' survey (response rate 58%), 69.7% of responders had experienced an incident and 74.5% would tend to report it. 81.1% agreed that an incident has to be analyzed, discussed, and should lead to an improvement plan. The majority believed SIR could create openness about adverse events and would improve job satisfaction. One out of five feared that it would make their job more difficult, and 39% were afraid the report could be used against the reporter. CONCLUSION OOHC center managers and GPs show positive attitudes towards SIR. There is a large variation in the currently used methods. Future projects could focus on interventions of implementation of SIR in OOHC.
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Barry HE, Campbell JL, Asprey A, Richards SH. The use of patient experience survey data by out-of-hours primary care services: a qualitative interview study. BMJ Qual Saf 2016; 25:851-859. [PMID: 26490004 PMCID: PMC5136714 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2015-003963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND English National Quality Requirements mandate out-of-hours primary care services to routinely audit patient experience, but do not state how it should be done. OBJECTIVES We explored how providers collect patient feedback data and use it to inform service provision. We also explored staff views on the utility of out-of-hours questions from the English General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS). METHODS A qualitative study was conducted with 31 staff (comprising service managers, general practitioners and administrators) from 11 out-of-hours primary care providers in England, UK. Staff responsible for patient experience audits within their service were sampled and data collected via face-to-face semistructured interviews. RESULTS Although most providers regularly audited their patients' experiences by using patient surveys, many participants expressed a strong preference for additional qualitative feedback. Staff provided examples of small changes to service delivery resulting from patient feedback, but service-wide changes were not instigated. Perceptions that patients lacked sufficient understanding of the urgent care system in which out-of-hours primary care services operate were common and a barrier to using feedback to enable change. Participants recognised the value of using patient experience feedback to benchmark services, but perceived weaknesses in the out-of-hours items from the GPPS led them to question the validity of using these data for benchmarking in its current form. CONCLUSIONS The lack of clarity around how out-of-hours providers should audit patient experience hinders the utility of the National Quality Requirements. Although surveys were common, patient feedback data had only a limited role in service change. Data derived from the GPPS may be used to benchmark service providers, but refinement of the out-of-hours items is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather E Barry
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - John L Campbell
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Anthea Asprey
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Suzanne H Richards
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
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Schols AMR, Stevens F, Zeijen CGIP, Dinant GJ, van Vugt C, Cals JWL. Access to diagnostic tests during GP out-of-hours care: A cross-sectional study of all GP out-of-hours services in the Netherlands. Eur J Gen Pract 2016; 22:176-81. [PMID: 27362282 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2016.1189528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In general practice, excluding serious conditions is one of the cornerstones of the consultation. Diagnostic tests are widely used to assist the decision-making process in these cases. Little is known about general practitioners' (GPs) access to diagnostic tests at GP out-of-hours services. OBJECTIVES To determine GPs' access to diagnostic tests-imaging, function tests, laboratory tests, and point-of-care tests (POCT)-during GP out-of-hours care and to assess whether access to diagnostic facilities differs between services located adjacent to or separate from an accident and emergency (A&E) department. METHODS Cross-sectional survey of all 117 GP out-of-hours services in the Netherlands in 2014. RESULTS One-hundred-seventeen GP out-of-hours services participated in the survey; response rate 100%. Access to diagnostic tests during GP out-of-hours care varied across services, although generally there was limited access. Electrocardiography was available in 26% (30/117) of all services, conventional radiography in 19% (22/117), laboratory tests between 37% (43/117) and 65% (76/117). All services had glucose POCT and urine dipstick tests available while none utilized troponin POCT. We observed no relevant differences in access to diagnostic tests between services adjacent to or separate from an A&E department. CONCLUSION GPs in the Netherlands had limited and varying access to diagnostic tests during GP out-of-hours care in 2014. Out-of-hours services adjacent to A&E departments do not offer wider access to diagnostic tests. Further research on the accessibility of diagnostic tests in other European countries with similar and different GP out-of-hours care systems could shed further light on the effects of accessibility to diagnostic tests. [Box: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel M R Schols
- a Department of Family Medicine, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI) , Maastricht University , the Netherlands
| | - Femke Stevens
- a Department of Family Medicine, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI) , Maastricht University , the Netherlands
| | - Camiel G I P Zeijen
- a Department of Family Medicine, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI) , Maastricht University , the Netherlands
| | - Geert-Jan Dinant
- a Department of Family Medicine, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI) , Maastricht University , the Netherlands
| | | | - Jochen W L Cals
- a Department of Family Medicine, School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI) , Maastricht University , the Netherlands
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Improving Care And Research Electronic Data Trust Antwerp (iCAREdata): a research database of linked data on out-of-hours primary care. BMC Res Notes 2016; 9:259. [PMID: 27142361 PMCID: PMC4855754 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-016-2055-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary out-of-hours care is developing throughout Europe. High-quality databases with linked data from primary health services can help to improve research and future health services. METHODS In 2014, a central clinical research database infrastructure was established (iCAREdata: Improving Care And Research Electronic Data Trust Antwerp, www.icaredata.eu ) for primary and interdisciplinary health care at the University of Antwerp, linking data from General Practice Cooperatives, Emergency Departments and Pharmacies during out-of-hours care. Medical data are pseudonymised using the services of a Trusted Third Party, which encodes private information about patients and physicians before data is sent to iCAREdata. RESULTS iCAREdata provides many new research opportunities in the fields of clinical epidemiology, health care management and quality of care. A key aspect will be to ensure the quality of data registration by all health care providers. CONCLUSIONS This article describes the establishment of a research database and the possibilities of linking data from different primary out-of-hours care providers, with the potential to help to improve research and the quality of health care services.
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Leutgeb R, Walker N, Remmen R, Klemenc-Ketis Z, Szecsenyi J, Laux G. On a European collaboration to identify organizational models, potential shortcomings and improvement options in out-of-hours primary health care. Eur J Gen Pract 2014; 20:233-7. [PMID: 24654834 DOI: 10.3109/13814788.2014.887069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Abstract Background: Out-of-hours care (OOHC) provision is an increasingly challenging aspect in the delivery of primary health care services. Although many European countries have implemented organizational models for out-of-hours primary care, which has been traditionally delivered by general practitioners, health care providers throughout Europe are still looking to resolve current challenges in OOHC. It is within this context that the European Research Network for Out-of-Hours Primary Health Care (EurOOHnet) was established in 2010 to investigate the provision of out-of-hours care across European countries, which have diverse political and health care systems. In this paper, we report on the EurOOHnet work related to OOHC organizational models, potential shortcomings and improvement options in out-of-hours primary health care. Needs assessment: The EurOOHnet expert working party proposed that models for OOHC should be reviewed to evaluate the availability and accessibility of OOHC for patients while also seeking ways to make the delivery of care more satisfying for service providers. OUTCOMES To move towards resolution of OOHC challenges in primary care, as the first stage, the EurOOHnet expert working party identified the following key needs: clear and uniform definitions of the different OOHC models between different countries; adequate-ideally transnational-definitions of urgency levels and corresponding data; and educational programmes for nurses and doctors (e.g. in the use of a standardized triage system for OOHC). Finally, the need for a modern system of data transfer between different health care providers in regular care and providers in OOHC to prevent information loss was identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruediger Leutgeb
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
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Eichler K, Imhof D, Moshinsky CC, Zoller M, Senn O, Rosemann T, Huber CA. The provision of out-of-hours care and associated costs in an urban area of Switzerland: a cost description study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2010; 11:99. [PMID: 21171989 PMCID: PMC3013078 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2296-11-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Switzerland, General Practitioners (GPs) play an important role for out-of-hours emergency care as one service option beside freely accessible and costly emergency departments of hospitals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the services provided and the economic consequences of a Swiss GP out-of-hours service. METHODS GPs participating in the out-of-hours service in the city of Zurich collected data on medical problems (ICPC coding), mode of contact, mode of resource use and services provided (time units; diagnostics; treatments). From a health care insurance perspective, we assessed the association between total costs and its two components (basic costs: charges for time units and emergency surcharge; individual costs: charges for clinical examination, diagnostics and treatment in the discretion of the GP). RESULTS 125 GPs collected data on 685 patient contacts. The most prevalent health problems were of respiratory (24%), musculoskeletal (13%) and digestive origin (12%). Home visits (61%) were the most common contact mode, followed by practice (25%) and telephone contacts (14%). 82% of patients could be treated by ambulatory care. In 20% of patients additional technical diagnostics, most often laboratory tests, were used. The mean total costs for one emergency patient contact were €144 (95%-CI: 137-151). The mode of contact was an important determinant of total costs (mean total costs for home visits: €176 [95%-CI: 168-184]; practice contact: €90 [95%-CI: 84-98]; telephone contact: €48 [95%-CI: 40-55]). Basic costs contributed 83% of total costs for home visits and 70% of total costs for practice contacts. Individual mean costs were similarly low for home visits (€30) and practice contacts (€27). Medical problems had no relevant influence on this cost pattern. CONCLUSIONS GPs managed most emergency demand in their out-of-hours service by ambulatory care. They applied little diagnostic testing and basic care. Our findings are of relevance for policy makers even from other countries with different pricing policies. Policy makers should be interested in a reimbursement system promoting out-of-hours care run by GPs as one valuable service option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Eichler
- Institute of Health Economics, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Daniel Imhof
- Institute of Health Economics, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland
| | - Corrine Chmiel Moshinsky
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Zoller
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carola A Huber
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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