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Belin B, Aron I, Bhagat S, Fornari A, Ahuja TK. Tell Me More ® As A Tool for Provider Connectedness With Hospitalized Patients: A Mixed-Methods Study. J Patient Exp 2024; 11:23743735241272167. [PMID: 39157763 PMCID: PMC11329894 DOI: 10.1177/23743735241272167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Rates of burnout and compassion fatigue in healthcare professionals have remained high since the beginning of the pandemic with adverse implications for patient care. Tell Me More® (TMM) is a tool licensed by the Gold Foundation, which was created with the purpose of helping patients, caregivers, and hospital staff to connect with each other on a humanistic level. Research has shown the benefits of the TMM with students and anecdotally with patients. This mixed-method study, which consisted of surveys and semistructured interviews with healthcare professionals (n = 72), sought out to understand the impact of implementation of TMM on a hospital floor. Surveys were distributed before and after the occurrence of TMM with interviews only occurring afterward. Three out of 8 survey items were found to be significant. Content analysis from interviews generated 4 themes from participants which included "Connectedness to Patient," "Separation of Person and Illness," "Communication with Patient's Support Network," and "Connectedness with Non-Verbal Patients." TMM is a useful tool for strengthening provider-patient relationships in hospital settings and may therefore lessen compassion fatigue and burnout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryana Belin
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY
| | - Ishi Aron
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY
| | - Shyam Bhagat
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY
| | - Alice Fornari
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY
| | - Taranjeet K Ahuja
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, NY
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY
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Walløe S, Roikjær SG, Hansen SMB, Zangger G, Mortensen SR, Korfitsen CB, Simonÿ C, Lauridsen HH, Morsø L. Content validity of patient-reported measures evaluating experiences of the quality of transitions in healthcare settings-a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res 2024; 24:828. [PMID: 39039533 PMCID: PMC11265152 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-024-11298-0] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
No reviews so far have been conducted to define the constructs of patient-experienced quality in healthcare transitions or to identify existing generic measures of patients' experience of the quality within healthcare transitions. Our aim was to identify domains relevant for people experiencing healthcare transitions when evaluating the quality of care they have received, map the comprehensiveness of existing patient-reported experience measures (PREM), and evaluate the PREMs' content validity. The method was guided by the Joanna Briggs Institutes' guidance for scoping reviews. The search was performed on 07 December 2021 and updated 27 May 2024, in the electronic databases Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Cinahl (EBSCO). The search identified 20,422 publications, and 190 studies were included for review. We identified 30 PREMs assessing at least one aspect of adults' experience of transitions in healthcare. Summarising the content, we consider a model with two domains, organisational and human-relational, likely to be adequate. However, a more comprehensive analysis and adequate definition of the construct is needed. None of the PREMs were considered content valid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisse Walløe
- Department of Clinical Research, Research Unit OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
- Department of Physio- and Occupational Therapy, Research- and Implmentation Unit PROgrez, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Denmark.
| | - Stine Gundtoft Roikjær
- Department of Physio- and Occupational Therapy, Research- and Implmentation Unit PROgrez, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Denmark
- Department of Neurology, Center for Neurological Research, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Denmark
- Department of Health, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sebrina Maj-Britt Hansen
- Department of Clinical Research, Research Unit OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Graziella Zangger
- Department of Physio- and Occupational Therapy, Research- and Implmentation Unit PROgrez, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Denmark
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Research Unit for Musculoskeletal Function and Physiotherapy, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sofie Rath Mortensen
- Department of Physio- and Occupational Therapy, Research- and Implmentation Unit PROgrez, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Denmark
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, Research Unit for Exercise Epidemiology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Christoffer Bruun Korfitsen
- Department of Clinical Research, Research Unit OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Cochrane Denmark & Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO), University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Simonÿ
- Department of Physio- and Occupational Therapy, Research- and Implmentation Unit PROgrez, Næstved-Slagelse-Ringsted Hospitals, Region Zealand, Denmark
- Department of Health, Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Henrik Hein Lauridsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Lars Morsø
- Department of Clinical Research, Research Unit OPEN, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Groot L, Schers H, Burgers JS, Smalbrugge M, Uijen AA, Hoogland J, van der Horst HE, Maarsingh OR. Optimising personal continuity for older patients in general practice: a cluster randomised stepped wedge pragmatic trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078169. [PMID: 38772890 PMCID: PMC11110588 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of a multicomponent intervention for improving personal continuity for older patients in general practice. DESIGN A cluster randomised three-wedged, pragmatic trial during 18 months. SETTING 32 general practices in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS 221 general practitioners (GPs), practice assistants and other practice staff were included. Practices were instructed to include a random sample of 1050 patients aged 65 or older at baseline and 12-month follow-up. INTERVENTION The intervention took place at practice level and included opTimise persOnal cOntinuity for oLder (TOOL)-kit: a toolbox containing 34 strategies to improve personal continuity. OUTCOMES Data were collected at baseline and at six 3-monthly follow-up measurements. Primary outcome measure was experienced continuity of care at the patient level measured by the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire (NCQ) with subscales for personal continuity (GP knows me and GP shows commitment) and team/cross-boundary continuity at 12-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes were measured in GPs, practice assistants and other practice staff and included work stress and satisfaction and perceived level of personal continuity. In addition, a process evaluation was undertaken among GPs, practice assistants and other practice staff to assess the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. RESULTS No significant effect of the intervention was observed on NCQ subscales GP knows me (adjusted mean difference: 0.05 (95% CI -0.05 to 0.15), p=0.383), GP shows commitment (0.03 (95% CI -0.08 to 0.14), p=0.668) and team/cross-boundary (0.01 (95% CI -0.06 to 0.08), p=0.911). All secondary outcomes did not change significantly during follow-up. Process evaluation among GPs, practice assistants and other practice staff showed adequate acceptability of the intervention and partial implementation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a high perceived workload. CONCLUSION Although participants viewed TOOL-kit as a practical and accessible toolbox, it did not improve personal continuity as measured with the NCQ. The absence of an effect may be explained by the incomplete implementation of TOOL-kit into practice and the choice of general outcome measures instead of outcomes more specific for the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER International Clinical Trials registry Platform (ICTRP), trial NL8132 (URL: ICTRP Search Portal (who.int).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lex Groot
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Henk Schers
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - J S Burgers
- Guideline Development and Research, Dutch College of General Practitioners, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martin Smalbrugge
- Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam UMC Locatie VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemarie A Uijen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hoogland
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Otto R Maarsingh
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam UMC Location VUmc, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Burch P, Whittaker W, Bower P, Checkland K. Factors affecting the experience of joined-up, continuous primary care in the absence of relational continuity: an observational study. Br J Gen Pract 2024; 74:e300-e306. [PMID: 38325892 PMCID: PMC10877618 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2023.0208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an international trend towards the at-scale provision of primary care services, with such services often provided in different settings by a clinician unfamiliar to the patient. It is often assumed that, in the absence of relational continuity, any competent clinician can deliver joined-up, continuous care if they have access to clinical notes. AIM To explore the factors that affect the potential for providing joined-up, continuous care in a system where care is delivered away from a patient's regular practice, by a different organisation and set of staff. DESIGN AND SETTING Case studies of two extended-access providers in the north of England. METHOD Case studies were carried out between September 2021 and January 2022 in two sites. Data collected included observations of patient-healthcare professional interactions, interviews with staff and patients, and documentation. Analysis took place using a constant comparison approach. Data were coded. A model of the factors affecting continuity was constructed. RESULTS The potential for joined-up, continuous care appears dependent on staff, patient, and system factors. This includes diverse elements such as the attitude of clinicians to care coordination and the ability of an organisation to retain staff. CONCLUSION Healthcare systems increasingly rely on the assumption that any competent clinician can deliver joined-up, continuous care if they have access to clinical notes. This appears not to be the case. This study presents a model of factors affecting the patient's experience of continuity. The model needs validating in in-hours general practice and other settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Burch
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, Manchester
| | - William Whittaker
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, University of Manchester, Manchester
| | - Peter Bower
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, Manchester
| | - Katherine Checkland
- Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, University of Manchester, Manchester
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Mulongo SM, Kaura D, Mash B. A mixed methods study on continuity and care coordination based on the obstetric near miss approach. Health SA 2024; 29:2421. [PMID: 38726055 PMCID: PMC11079400 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v29i0.2421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The near-miss approach assumes that mothers facing life-threatening conditions such as severe pre-eclampsia and postpartum haemorrhage share common risk factors. Among these women, those who survive (near-miss cases) can offer insights into the determinants, providing valuable lessons for understanding underlying factors. Aim To investigate elements of continuity and coordination leading to obstetric near misses. Setting A major referral hospital and its referral pathway in Kenya. Methods Explanatory sequential mixed-methods design. Results Near-miss survivors had lower continuity and coordination of care indices during antenatal visits (COCI = 0.80, p = 0.0026), (modified continuity of care index [MCCI] = 0.62, p = 0.034), and those with non-life-threatening morbidity in the first trimester were more likely to experience a near miss (aOR = 4.34, p = 0.001). Facilities in the western region had a higher burden of near misses compared to the Eastern region. Qualitatively, three deductive themes were identified: sequential coordination, parallel coordination and continuity, along with factors classified as access. In mixed integration, poor continuity indices were explained by quality of interpersonal relationships and woman centredness. Poor coordination was explained by inadequate teamwork between providers in referring and referral facilities and between primary health facilities and the community. Higher near-miss rates in the western region resulted from differences in human and physical resources. Conclusion Promoting woman-centred care, teamwork, improving communication and introducing innovative coordination roles like case and care managers can enhance continuity and coordination of maternal healthcare. Contributions This study contributes to our understanding of the challenges of continuity and coordination in maternal healthcare in resource-poor settings by applying the WHO operationalisation of continuity and coordination using mixed methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M Mulongo
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doreen Kaura
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bob Mash
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Le Ho Thi QA, Pype P, Wens J, Nguyen Vu Quoc H, Derese A, Peersman W, Bui N, Nguyen Thi Thanh H, Nguyen Minh T. Continuity of primary care for type 2 diabetes and hypertension and its association with health outcomes and disease control: insights from Central Vietnam. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:34. [PMID: 38166740 PMCID: PMC10763071 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17522-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vietnam is undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition with a considerable burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), especially hypertension and diabetes (T2DM). Continuity of care (COC) is widely acknowledged as a benchmark for an efficient health system. This study aimed to determine the COC level for hypertension and T2DM within and across care levels and to investigate its associations with health outcomes and disease control. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on 602 people with T2DM and/or hypertension managed in primary care settings. We utilized both the Nijmegen continuity of care questionnaire (NCQ) and the Bice - Boxerman continuity of care index (COCI) to comprehensively measure three domains of COC: interpersonal, informational, and management continuity. ANOVA, paired-sample t-test, and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were performed to examine the predictors of COC. RESULTS Mean values of COC indices were: NCQ: 3.59 and COCI: 0.77. The proportion of people with low NCQ levels was 68.8%, and that with low COCI levels was 47.3%. Primary care offered higher informational continuity than specialists (p < 0.01); management continuity was higher within the primary care team than between primary and specialist care (p < 0.001). Gender, living areas, hospital admission and emergency department encounters, frequency of health visits, disease duration, blood pressure and blood glucose levels, and disease control were demonstrated to be statistically associated with higher levels of COC. CONCLUSIONS Continuity of primary care is not sufficiently achieved for hypertension and diabetes mellitus in Vietnam. Strengthening robust primary care services, improving the collaboration between healthcare providers through multidisciplinary team-based care and integrated care approach, and promoting patient education programs and shared decision-making interventions are priorities to improve COC for chronic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quynh-Anh Le Ho Thi
- Family Medicine Center, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam.
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Peter Pype
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Johan Wens
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Huy Nguyen Vu Quoc
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Anselme Derese
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Peersman
- Research Group Social and Community Work, Odisee University of Applied Sciences, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nhon Bui
- Phu Vang District health center, Thua Thien Hue province, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Huyen Nguyen Thi Thanh
- Family Medicine Center, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
- Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tam Nguyen Minh
- Family Medicine Center, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam.
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Wei Q, Yuan B, Xu J, He P, Xu H, Meng Q. Continuity of health care: measurement and application in two rural counties of Guangxi Province, China. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:917. [PMID: 37644426 PMCID: PMC10464216 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09916-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity of care (COC) is highly regarded in health promotion and health system strengthening. However, there is a lack of multidimensional quantitative assessment of continuity, making it challenging to evaluate and compare. Our objective was to create a novel measurement for COC and apply it in two rural counties in China to assess its validity and feasibility in evaluating health system reform. METHOD This study conducted a scoping literature review on COC, examining existing frameworks and indicators. Following an online expert poll, a composite indicator was developed using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). The measurement tool was then applied to assess the current state of COC in two rural counties in China. In addition to descriptive analysis, demographic and economic characteristics were analyzed for their association with COC scores using t-tests and multiple linear regression models. RESULTS The final COC measurement encompasses three dimensions, six sub-dimensions, and ten individual indicators, which integrated and improved the current frameworks and indicators. Relational continuity, informational continuity, and management continuity were identified as the primary dimensions of COC measurement. The COC score is 0.49 in County A and 0.41 in County B, with information continuity being the highest-scoring dimension. Notably, the disparity in continuity scores is most pronounced among individuals with varying attitudes towards health, demonstrating a positive correlation. CONCLUSION The construction of the composite indicator in this study offers a scientific and effective metric for comprehensively measuring continuity of care. The empirical data analysis conducted in Western China serves as an illustrative application of the indicator, demonstrating its efficiency. The results obtained from this analysis provide a solid foundation and valuable reference for strengthening the health system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianchen Wei
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Beibei Yuan
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Xu
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ping He
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Hanyi Xu
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyue Meng
- China Center for Health Development Studies, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.
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Mulongo SM, Kaura D, Mash B. Self-reported continuity and coordination of antenatal care and its association with obstetric near miss in Uasin Gishu county, Kenya. Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med 2023; 15:e1-e8. [PMID: 36744454 PMCID: PMC9900303 DOI: 10.4102/phcfm.v15i1.3452] [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: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity and coordination of care are core principles of high-quality primary health care. Optimising continuity and coordination improves maternal satisfaction. However, their association with morbidity and mortality outcomes is unclear. The obstetric near-miss approach can be used to investigate whether continuity and coordination influences the occurrence of a severe maternal outcome. AIM To compare self-reported continuity and coordination of care between obstetric near-miss survivors and those without near miss during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum. SETTING Uasin Gishu county, Rift Valley region, Kenya. METHODS A cross-sectional survey targeting 340 postnatal mothers. Continuity of care index (COCI) and modified continuity of care index (MCCI) were used to estimate longitudinal continuity. The Likert scale was administered to measure perceived continuity and coordination of care. Mann-Whitney U test and binomial logistic regression were used for hypothesis testing. RESULTS COCI and MCCI were lower among near-miss survivors (COCI = 0.80, p = 0.0026), (MCCI = 0.62, p = 0.034). Near-miss survivors scored lower on items assessing coordination between a higher-level provider and usual antenatal clinic (mean = 3.6, p = 0.006) and general coordination of care during pregnancy (mean = 3.9, p = 0.019). Presence of a non-life-threatening morbidity in pregnancy was associated with occurrence of near miss (aOR = 4.34, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Near-miss survivors scored lower on longitudinal continuity and coordination of care across levels. Further research should focus on strengthening coordination, determining the optimal level of longitudinal continuity and improving systems for early identification and management of morbidities in pregnancy.Contribution: The results of this study show that while longitudinal and relational COC is important during the antenatal period, the presence of a non-life-threatening condition in pregnancy remains the most important predictor of the occurrence of a near miss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M. Mulongo
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Doreen Kaura
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Bob Mash
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Kukafka R, Julian JA, Liddy C, Afkham A, McGee SF, Morgan SC, Segal R, Sussman J, Pond GR, O'Brien MA, Bender JL, Grunfeld E. Web-Based Asynchronous Tool to Facilitate Communication Between Primary Care Providers and Cancer Specialists: Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e40725. [PMID: 36652284 PMCID: PMC9892983 DOI: 10.2196/40725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer poses a significant global health burden. With advances in screening and treatment, there are now a growing number of cancer survivors with complex needs, requiring the involvement of multiple health care providers. Previous studies have identified problems related to communication and care coordination between primary care providers (PCPs) and cancer specialists. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine whether a web- and text-based asynchronous system (eOncoNote) could facilitate communication between PCPs and cancer specialists (oncologists and oncology nurses) to improve patient-reported continuity of care among patients receiving treatment or posttreatment survivorship care. METHODS In this pragmatic randomized controlled trial, a total of 173 patients were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (eOncoNote plus usual methods of communication between PCPs and cancer specialists) or a control group (usual communication only), including 104 (60.1%) patients in the survivorship phase (breast and colorectal cancer) and 69 (39.9%) patients in the treatment phase (breast and prostate cancer). The primary outcome was patient-reported team and cross-boundary continuity (Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire). Secondary outcome measures included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire on Major Depression, and Picker Patient Experience Questionnaire. Patients completed the questionnaires at baseline and at 2 points following randomization. Patients in the treatment phase completed follow-up questionnaires at 1 month and at either 4 months (patients with prostate cancer) or 6 months following randomization (patients with breast cancer). Patients in the survivorship phase completed follow-up questionnaires at 6 months and at 12 months following randomization. RESULTS The results did not show an intervention effect on the primary outcome of team and cross-boundary continuity of care or on the secondary outcomes of depression and patient experience with their health care. However, there was an intervention effect on anxiety. In the treatment phase, there was a statistically significant difference in the change score from baseline to the 1-month follow-up for GAD-7 (mean difference -2.3; P=.03). In the survivorship phase, there was a statistically significant difference in the change score for GAD-7 between baseline and the 6-month follow-up (mean difference -1.7; P=.03) and between baseline and the 12-month follow-up (mean difference -2.4; P=.004). CONCLUSIONS PCPs' and cancer specialists' access to eOncoNote is not significantly associated with patient-reported continuity of care. However, PCPs' and cancer specialists' access to the eOncoNote intervention may be a factor in reducing patient anxiety. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03333785; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03333785.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jim A Julian
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Clare Liddy
- Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | | | - Scott C Morgan
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada.,Department of Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Medical Physics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Roanne Segal
- The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan Sussman
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory R Pond
- Department of Oncology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mary Ann O'Brien
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jacqueline L Bender
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Cancer Rehabilitation and Survivorship, Department of Supportive Care, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eva Grunfeld
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
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10
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Continuity of Care and Coordination of Care: Can they Be Differentiated? Int J Integr Care 2023; 23:10. [PMID: 36819617 PMCID: PMC9936907 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.6467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Both care continuity and coordination are considered essential elements of health care system. However, little is known about the relationship between care continuity and coordination. This study aimed to differentiate the concepts of care continuity and coordination by developing and testing the reliability and validity of the Combined Outpatient Care Continuity and Coordination Assessment (COCCCA) questionnaire under the universal coverage health care system in Taiwan from a patient perspective. Methods Face-to-face interviews were conducted nationwide with community-dwelling older adults selected via stratified multistage systematic sampling with probability-proportional-to-size process. A total of 2,144 subjects completed the questionnaire, with a response rate of 44.67%. Results The 16 items of the COCCCA questionnaire were identified via item analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA generated five dimensions: three continuity-oriented (interpersonal, information sharing and longitudinal between patients and physicians) and two coordination-oriented (information exchange and communication/cooperation among multiple physicians). The second-order confirmatory factor analysis supported the factor structure and indicated that distinct constructs of care continuity and coordination can be identified. Conclusion The COCCCA instrument can differentiate the concepts of care continuity and care coordination and has been demonstrated to be valid and reliable in outpatient care settings from a patient perspective.
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Arnold C, Hennrich P, Wensing M. Patient-reported continuity of care and the association with patient experience of cardiovascular prevention: an observational study in Germany. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:176. [PMID: 35850657 PMCID: PMC9289649 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01788-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular diseases are often accompanied by comorbidities, which require good coordination of care. Especially in fragmented healthcare systems, it is important to apply strategies such as case management to achieve high continuity of care. The aim of this study was to document continuity of care from the patients’ perspective in ambulatory cardiovascular care in Germany and to explore the associations with patient-reported experience of cardiovascular prevention. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was performed in primary care practices in Germany. The study included patients with three recorded chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease. Continuity of care was measured with the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire, which addresses personal/relational and team/cross-boundary continuity. From aspects of medical care and health-related lifestyle counselling a patient-reported experience of cardiovascular prevention index was formed with a range of 0–7. The association between continuity of care within the family practice and patient-reported experience of cardiovascular prevention was examined, using a linear multilevel regression model that adjusted for sociodemographics, structured care programme and numbers of contacts with the family practice. Results Four hundred thirty-five patients from 26 family practices participated. In a comparison between general practitioners (GPs) and cardiologists, higher values for relational continuity of care were given for GPs. Team/cross-boundary continuity for ‘within the family practice’ had a mean of 4.0 (standard deviation 0.7) and continuity between GPs and cardiologists a mean of 3.8 (standard deviation 0.7). Higher personal continuity of care for GPs was positively associated with patient-reported experience (b = 0.75, 95% CI 0.45–1.05, P < 0.001). Conclusions Overall, there was high patient-reported continuity, which positively influenced the experience of cardiovascular prevention. Nevertheless, there is potential for improvement of personal continuity of the cardiologists and team/cross-boundary continuity between GPs and cardiologists. Structured care programs may be able to support this. Trial registration We registered the study prospectively on 7 November 2019 at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) under ID no. DRKS00019219. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01788-7.
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Hennrich P, Arnold C, Koetsenruijter J, Wensing M. Measuring continuity of ambulatory cardiovascular care: a cross-sectional study on the applicability of the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire in Germany. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1258. [PMID: 36258211 PMCID: PMC9578194 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08612-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic cardiovascular diseases demand continuous care from general practitioners and medical specialists. Especially in fragmented healthcare systems, such as in Germany, a large body of research is devoted to the improvement of care continuity. Meanwhile, measuring continuity of care itself has been a challenge due to the absence of validated instruments. In 2011, the Dutch Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire (NCQ) was developed and validated to measure continuity of care across care settings from the patients’ perspectives in the Netherlands. Its applicability in other countries and health systems, however, has rarely been tested. We therefore aimed at assessing the applicability of the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire to the German health care context. Methods We translated and applied the original NCQ to an ambulatory cardiovascular care setting in Germany. Qualitative interview data and quantitative survey data on our adaptation were collected from patients in 27 general practices within the German states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. Qualitative data on understandability and clearness of the questionnaire was obtained using semi-structured telephone interviews and think aloud-protocols. Quantitative data was obtained through an anonymous written questionnaire containing the translated NCQ items to assess applicability of our translation. We performed confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses based on the original NCQ-structure mapped to general practitioners and an aggregated analysis of general practitioners and cardiologists combined. Results A total of 6 patients participated in the interviews and a total of 435 patients participated in the written survey. The interviews showed that, overall, patients had little difficulties comprehending and answering to our translation of the NCQ. The confirmatory factor analyses then showed that the structure of the original NCQ with 12 items and 3 latent factors can also be found in the German context. However, a simpler 2-factor-structure would also fit well with the data. Conclusion A German translation of the NCQ yielded a factor structure comparable to the original version and proved to be understandable for patients. Trial registration The project underlying the study was registered on November 7, 2019 in the German Clinical Trials Register (www.drks.de) under ID: DRKS00019219. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-08612-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Hennrich
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Christine Arnold
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Koetsenruijter
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michel Wensing
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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13
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Bjertnæs ØA, Iversen HH, Valderas JM. Patient experiences with general practitioners: psychometric performance of the generic PEQ-GP instrument among patients with chronic conditions. Fam Pract 2022; 39:519-526. [PMID: 34668020 PMCID: PMC9155158 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmab133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most generic patient experience instruments have not been validated specifically for persons with chronic health problems, even though they are the dominant user of GPs/family physicians. OBJECTIVES To assess the psychometric properties of the generic Patient Experiences with GP Questionnaire (PEQ-GP) instrument (five scales: assessment of GP, coordination, patient enablement, accessibility, and practice) in persons with chronic conditions, and to develop a short version to maximize response rates and minimize respondent fatigue in future applications. METHODS Secondary analysis of data from a national survey of patient experiences with general practitioners in 2018-2019 (response rate: 42.6%). The psychometric properties of PEQ-GP were assessed with exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha, supplemented with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and item response theory (IRT). A short version was constructed and evaluated based on item performance. RESULTS Nine hundred and seventy persons reported a chronic condition(s), the most frequent being "musculoskeletal, arthritis, other back and joints" (n = 473, 48.8%). Factor analysis identified three scales with adequate psychometric results: GP (15 items; Cronbach's alpha: 0.96), practice (3 items; Cronbach's alpha: 0.87), and accessibility (2 items; Cronbach's alpha: 0.77). Evaluation of item performance identified a 7-item short version, including a 5-item GP scale with scores with strong concordance with the 15-item scale (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient: 0.97, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The generic PEQ-GP exhibits adequate psychometric performance for persons with chronic conditions. Three empirically derived PEQ-GP scales cover evaluation of the GP, accessibility, and practice. The 7-item short form minimize respondent burden, but further validation work is warranted before large-scale use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øyvind A Bjertnæs
- Department of Health Services Research, Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hilde H Iversen
- Department of Health Services Research, Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jose M Valderas
- Health Services and Policy Research Group, Exeter Collaboration for Academic Primary Care, University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, United Kingdom
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14
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Groot LJJ, Schers HJ, Burgers JS, Schellevis FG, Smalbrugge M, Uijen AA, van de Ven PM, van der Horst HE, Maarsingh OR. Optimising personal continuity for older patients in general practice: a study protocol for a cluster randomised stepped wedge pragmatic trial. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2021; 22:207. [PMID: 34666678 PMCID: PMC8526277 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-021-01511-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background Continuity of care, in particular personal continuity, is a core principle of general practice and is associated with many benefits such as a better patient-provider relationship and lower mortality. However, personal continuity is under pressure due to changes in society and healthcare. This affects older patients more than younger patients. As the number of older patients will double the coming decades, an intervention to optimise personal continuity for this group is highly warranted. Methods Following the UK Medical Research Council framework for complex Interventions, we will develop and evaluate an intervention to optimise personal continuity for older patients in general practice. In phase 0, we will perform a literature study to provide the theoretical basis for the intervention. In phase I we will define the components of the intervention by performing surveys and focus groups among patients, general practitioners, practice assistants and practice nurses, concluded by a Delphi study among members of our group. In phase II, we will test and finalise the intervention with input from a pilot study in two general practices. In phase III, we will perform a stepped wedge cluster randomised pragmatic trial. The primary outcome measure is continuity of care from the patients’ perspective, measured by the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures are level of implementation, barriers and facilitators for implementation, acceptability and feasibility of the intervention. In phase IV, we will establish the conditions for large-scale implementation. Discussion This is the first study to investigate an intervention for improving personal continuity for older patients in general practice. If proven effective, our intervention will enable General practitioners to improve the quality of care for their increasing population of older patients. The pragmatic design of the study will enable evaluation in real-life conditions, facilitating future implementation. Trial registration number Netherlands Trial Register, trial NL8132. Registered 2 November 2019. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-021-01511-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lex J J Groot
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, location VU University Medical Centre, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Henk J Schers
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 21, 6525, EZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jako S Burgers
- MUMC+/ Maastricht University, Department of General Practice, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Universiteitssingel 40, 6229, ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Francois G Schellevis
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, location VU University Medical Centre, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Martin Smalbrugge
- Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, location VU University Medical Centre, De Boelelaan 1109, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annemarie A Uijen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Geert Grooteplein 21, 6525, EZ, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M van de Ven
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1089a, 1081, HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henriëtte E van der Horst
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, location VU University Medical Centre, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Otto R Maarsingh
- Department of General Practice, Amsterdam University Medical Centre, location VU University Medical Centre, van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081, BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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15
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Davis KM, Eckert MC, Hutchinson A, Harmon J, Sharplin G, Shakib S, Caughey GE. Effectiveness of nurse-led services for people with chronic disease in achieving an outcome of continuity of care at the primary-secondary healthcare interface: A quantitative systematic review. Int J Nurs Stud 2021; 121:103986. [PMID: 34242979 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2021.103986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Globally, chronic disease is a leading cause of illness, disability and death and an important driver of health system utilization and spending. Continuity of care is a significant component of quality healthcare. However, an association between nurse-led services, interventions, patient outcomes and continuity of care at the primary and secondary interface as an outcome, has not been established for people with chronic disease. OBJECTIVE To identify the effectiveness of nurse-led services for people with chronic disease in achieving an outcome of continuity of care at the primary-secondary healthcare interface. DESIGN Quantitative systematic review. DATA SOURCES Systematic searches of Medline, Cochrane, Embase, Emcare, JBI and Scopus databases were conducted of studies published between 1946 and May 2019 using the search terms "nurse", "continuity of care" and "chronic disease". REVIEW METHODS Quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials and Joanna Briggs Institute quality appraisal checklists. A second reviewer screened 10% of full text articles and all articles in critical appraisal. Studies were excluded from the review if they were of poor methodological quality or the description of the effect of the nurse-led service was inadequately reported. RESULTS Fourteen studies were included in the review (n=4,090 participants). All studies incorporated recognized continuity of care interventions. The nurse-led services were associated with fewer hospitalizations, reduced by 2-8.9% and re-admissions reduced by 14.8-51% (n=886). Reporting of positive patient experiences and improvement in symptoms and lifestyle was also evident. An association of nurse-led services with improved continuity of care between primary and secondary health services as an outcome per se could not be concluded. CONCLUSION Nurse-led services for adults provide coordinated interventions that support continuity of care for people with chronic disease in both the primary and secondary healthcare settings that are associated with reduced hospitalizations or readmissions and patient satisfaction. However, the limited use of validated continuity of care outcome measurement tools precluded establishing correlations between interventions, patient outcomes and continuity of care as a specific outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Davis
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, UniSA, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia.
| | - M C Eckert
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, UniSA, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia. https://twitter.com/@DrJoanneHarmon
| | - A Hutchinson
- UniSA, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia
| | - J Harmon
- UniSA, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia. https://twitter.com/marioneckert5
| | - G Sharplin
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, UniSA, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia
| | - S Shakib
- Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
| | - G E Caughey
- Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia; Discipline of Pharmacology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia; Registry of Senior Australians, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, Australia
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16
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Meinders MJ, Gentile G, Schrag AE, Konitsiotis S, Eggers C, Taba P, Lorenzl S, Odin P, Rosqvist K, Chaudhuri KR, Antonini A, Bloem BR, Groot MM. Advance Care Planning and Care Coordination for People With Parkinson's Disease and Their Family Caregivers-Study Protocol for a Multicentre, Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Neurol 2021; 12:673893. [PMID: 34434156 PMCID: PMC8382049 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.673893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease with motor- and non-motor symptoms. When the disease progresses, symptom burden increases. Consequently, additional care demands develop, the complexity of treatment increases, and the patient's quality of life is progressively threatened. To address these challenges, there is growing awareness of the potential benefits of palliative care for people with PD. This includes communication about end-of-life issues, such as Advance Care Planning (ACP), which helps to elicit patient's needs and preferences on issues related to future treatment and care. In this study, we will assess the impact and feasibility of a nurse-led palliative care intervention for people with PD across diverse European care settings. Methods: The intervention will be evaluated in a multicentre, open-label randomized controlled trial, with a parallel group design in seven European countries (Austria, Estonia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Sweden and United Kingdom). The “PD_Pal intervention” comprises (1) several consultations with a trained nurse who will perform ACP conversations and support care coordination and (2) use of a patient-directed “Parkinson Support Plan-workbook”. The primary endpoint is defined as the percentage of participants with documented ACP-decisions assessed at 6 months after baseline (t1). Secondary endpoints include patients' and family caregivers' quality of life, perceived care coordination, patients' symptom burden, and cost-effectiveness. In parallel, we will perform a process evaluation, to understand the feasibility of the intervention. Assessments are scheduled at baseline (t0), 6 months (t1), and 12 months (t2). Statistical analysis will be performed by means of Mantel–Haenszel methods and multilevel logistic regression models, correcting for multiple testing. Discussion: This study will contribute to the current knowledge gap on the application of palliative care interventions for people with Parkinson's disease aimed at ameliorating quality of life and managing end-of-life perspectives. Studying the impact and feasibility of the intervention in seven European countries, each with their own cultural and organisational characteristics, will allow us to create a broad perspective on palliative care interventions for people with Parkinson's disease across settings. Clinical Trial Registration:www.trialregister.nl, NL8180.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjan J Meinders
- Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson and Movement Disorders, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | | | - Anette E Schrag
- Department of Clinical and Movement Neurosciences, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Spiros Konitsiotis
- Department of Neurology, Medical School, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Carsten Eggers
- Department of Neurology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany.,Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bottrop GmbH, Department of Neurology, Bottrop, Germany
| | - Pille Taba
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia.,Neurology Clinic, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Stefan Lorenzl
- Institute of Nursing Science and Practice, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.,Department of Neurology and Department of Palliative Care, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany.,Department of Neurology, Klinikum Agatharied, Hausham, Germany
| | - Per Odin
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Rosqvist
- Division of Neurology, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - K Ray Chaudhuri
- Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience, Parkinson's Foundation Centre of Excellence, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelo Antonini
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Bastiaan R Bloem
- Department of Neurology, Center of Expertise for Parkinson and Movement Disorders, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marieke M Groot
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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17
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Cohen Castel O, Dagan E, Keinan-Boker L, Low M, Shadmi E. Patients' Perceived Continuity of Care and Adherence to Oral Anticancer Therapy: a Prospective Cohort Mediation Study. J Gen Intern Med 2021; 36:1525-1532. [PMID: 33768501 PMCID: PMC8175494 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-021-06704-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral anticancer therapy (OACT) poses adherence-related challenges to patients while generating a setting in which both primary care physicians (PCPs) and oncologists are involved in the active treatment of cancer. Continuity of care (COC) was shown to be associated with medication adherence. While maintaining COC is a central role of the PCP, how this affects continuity with oncologists, and jointly affects OACT adherence, is yet unknown. OBJECTIVES To explore how aspects of COC act together to promote OACT adherence. Specifically, to examine whether better personal continuity with the PCP leads to better personal continuity with the oncologist, which together lead to better cross-boundary continuity between the oncologist and the PCP, jointly leading to good adherence to OACT. DESIGN AND SETTING A prospective cohort study conducted in five oncology centers in Israel. A bootstrapping method was used to test the serial mediation model. PARTICIPANTS Adult patients (age > 18 years) receiving a first OACT prescription (n = 119) were followed for 120 days. MAIN MEASURES The Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire was used to assess patients' perceived personal and cross-boundary continuity. The medication possession ratio was used to measure adherence. KEY RESULTS Better personal continuity with the PCP was associated with better personal continuity with the oncologist (B = 0.35, p < 0.001), which was associated with better cross-boundary continuity (B = 0.33, p < 0.001), which, in turn, was associated with good adherence to OACT (B = 0.46, p = 0.03). Additionally, the indirect effect of personal continuity with the PCP on adherence to OACT through the mediation of personal continuity with the oncologist and cross-boundary continuity was found to be statistically significant (B = 0.053, 95% CI 0.0006-0.17). CONCLUSIONS In a system where the PCP is the case manager, cancer patients' perceived personal continuity with the PCP has an essential role for initiating a sequence of care delivery events that positively affect OACT adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Cohen Castel
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Efrat Dagan
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lital Keinan-Boker
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Marcelo Low
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
- Clalit Health Services, Head Office, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Efrat Shadmi
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
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18
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Hopstaken JS, van Dalen D, van der Kolk BM, van Geenen EJM, Hermans JJ, Gootjes EC, Schers HJ, van Dulmen AM, van Laarhoven CJHM, Stommel MWJ. Continuity of care experienced by patients in a multi-institutional pancreatic care network: a pilot study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:416. [PMID: 33941181 PMCID: PMC8094517 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06431-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Over the past decades, health care services for pancreatic surgery were reorganized. Volume norms were applied with the result that only a limited number of expert centers perform pancreatic surgery. As a result of this centralization of pancreatic surgery, the patient journey of patients with pancreatic tumors has become multi-institutional. To illustrate, patients are referred to a center of expertise for pancreatic surgery whereas other parts of pancreatic care, such as chemotherapy, take place in local hospitals. This fragmentation of health care services could affect continuity of care (COC). The aim of this study was to assess COC perceived by patients in a pancreatic care network and investigate correlations with patient-and care-related characteristics. Methods This is a pilot study in which patients with (pre) malignant pancreatic tumors discussed in a multidisciplinary tumor board in a Dutch tertiary hospital were asked to participate. Patients were asked to fill out the Nijmegen Continuity of Care-questionnaire (NCQ) (5-point Likert scale). Additionally, their patient-and care-related data were retrieved from medical records. Correlations of NCQ score and patient-and care-related characteristics were calculated with Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results In total, 44 patients were included (92% response rate). Pancreatic cancer was the predominant diagnosis (32%). Forty percent received a repetition of diagnostic investigations in the tertiary hospital. Mean scores for personal continuity were 3.55 ± 0.74 for GP, 3.29 ± 0.91 for the specialist and 3.43 ± 0.65 for collaboration between GPs and specialists. Overall COC was scored with a mean 3.38 ± 0.72. No significant correlations were observed between NCQ score and certain patient-or care-related characteristics. Conclusion Continuity of care perceived by patients with pancreatic tumors was scored as moderate. This outcome supports the need to improve continuity of care within multi-institutional pancreatic care networks. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-021-06431-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Hopstaken
- Department of Surgery, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein 10 (route 618), 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - D van Dalen
- Department of Surgery, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein 10 (route 618), 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - B M van der Kolk
- Department of Surgery, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein 10 (route 618), 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - E J M van Geenen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - J J Hermans
- Department of Medical Imaging, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - E C Gootjes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - H J Schers
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - A M van Dulmen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,Nivel (Netherlands institute for health services research), Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - C J H M van Laarhoven
- Department of Surgery, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein 10 (route 618), 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - M W J Stommel
- Department of Surgery, Radboud university medical center, Geert Grooteplein 10 (route 618), 6525 GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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19
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de Batlle J, Massip M, Vargiu E, Nadal N, Fuentes A, Ortega Bravo M, Colomina J, Drudis R, Torra M, Pallisó F, Miralles F, Barbé F, Torres G. Implementing Mobile Health-Enabled Integrated Care for Complex Chronic Patients: Patients and Professionals' Acceptability Study. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2020; 8:e22136. [PMID: 33216004 PMCID: PMC7718089 DOI: 10.2196/22136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrated care (IC) can promote health and social care efficiency through prioritization of preventive patient-centered models and defragmentation of care and collaboration across health tiers, and mobile health (mHealth) can be the cornerstone allowing for the adoption of IC. OBJECTIVE This study aims to assess the acceptability, usability, and satisfaction of an mHealth-enabled IC model for complex chronic patients in both patients and health professionals. METHODS As part of the CONNECARE Horizon 2020 project, a prospective, pragmatic, 2-arm, parallel, hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial was conducted from July 2018 to August 2019 in a rural region of Catalonia, Spain. Home-dwelling patients 55 years and older with chronic conditions and a history of hospitalizations for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart failure (use case [UC] 1), or a scheduled major elective hip or knee arthroplasty (UC2) were recruited. During the 3 months, patients experienced an mHealth-enabled IC model, including a self-management app for patients, a set of integrated sensors, and a web-based platform connecting professionals from different settings or usual care. The Person-Centered Coordinated Care Experience Questionnaire (P3CEQ) and the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire (NCQ) assessed person-centeredness and continuity of care. Acceptability was assessed for IC arm patients and staff with the Net Promoter Score (NPS) and the System Usability Scale (SUS). RESULTS The analyses included 77 IC patients, 58 controls who completed the follow-up, and 30 health care professionals. The mean age was 78 (SD 9) years in both study arms. Perception of patient-centeredness was similarly high in both arms (usual care: mean P3CEQ score 16.1, SD 3.3; IC: mean P3CEQ score 16.3, SD 2.4). IC patients reported better continuity of care than controls (usual care: mean NCQ score 3.7, SD 0.9; IC: mean NCQ score 4.0, SD 1; P=.04). The scores for patient acceptability (UC1: NPS +67%; UC2: NPS +45%) and usability (UC1: mean SUS score 79, SD 14; UC2: mean SUS score 68, SD 24) were outstanding. Professionals' acceptability was low (UC1: NPS -25%; UC2: NPS -35%), whereas usability was average (UC1: mean SUS score 63, SD 20; UC2: mean SUS score 62, SD 19). The actual use of technology was high; 77% (58/75) of patients reported physical activity for at least 60 days, and the ratio of times reported over times prescribed for other sensors ranged from 37% for oxygen saturation to 67% for weight. CONCLUSIONS The mHealth-enabled IC model showed outstanding results from the patients' perspective in 2 different UCs but lacked maturity and integration with legacy systems to be fully accepted by professionals. This paper provides useful lessons learned through the development and assessment process and may be of use to organizations willing to develop or implement mHealth-enabled IC for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi de Batlle
- Group of Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research in Respiratory Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mireia Massip
- Group of Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Eloisa Vargiu
- eHealth Unit, Eurecat, Centre Tecnòlogic de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuria Nadal
- Gerència Territorial de Barcelona, Institut Català de la Salut, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Marta Ortega Bravo
- Research Support Unit Lleida, Fundació Institut Universitari per a la recerca a l'Atenció Primària de Salut Jordi Gol i Gurina, Lleida, Spain
- Centre d'Atenció Primària Cappont, Gerència Territorial de Lleida, Institut Català de la Salut, Lleida, Spain
- Universitat de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Jordi Colomina
- Servei de Cirurgia Ortopèdica i Traumatologia, Hospital de Santa Maria de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Reis Drudis
- Unitat de Dolor Agut, Hospital de Santa Maria de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Montserrat Torra
- Unitat de Dolor Agut, Hospital de Santa Maria de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Francesc Pallisó
- Servei de Cirurgia Ortopèdica i Traumatologia, Hospital de Santa Maria de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
| | - Felip Miralles
- eHealth Unit, Eurecat, Centre Tecnòlogic de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Barbé
- Group of Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research in Respiratory Diseases, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gerard Torres
- Group of Translational Research in Respiratory Medicine, Institut de Recerca Biomedica de Lleida, Lleida, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Network Research in Respiratory Diseases, Madrid, Spain
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Fernandes S, Fond G, Zendjidjian XY, Baumstarck K, Lançon C, Berna F, Schurhoff F, Aouizerate B, Henry C, Etain B, Samalin L, Leboyer M, Llorca PM, Coldefy M, Auquier P, Boyer L. Measuring the Patient Experience of Mental Health Care: A Systematic and Critical Review of Patient-Reported Experience Measures. Patient Prefer Adherence 2020; 14:2147-2161. [PMID: 33192054 PMCID: PMC7653683 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s255264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is growing concern about measuring patient experience with mental health care. There are currently numerous patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) available for mental health care, but there is little guidance for selecting the most suitable instruments. The objective of this systematic review was to provide an overview of the psychometric properties and the content of available PREMs. METHODS A comprehensive review following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines was conducted using the MEDLINE database with no date restrictions. The content of PREMs was analyzed using an inductive qualitative approach, and the methodological quality was assessed according to Pesudovs quality criteria. RESULTS A total of 86 articles examining 75 PREMs and totaling 1932 items were included. Only four PREMs used statistical methods from item response theory (IRT). The 1932 items covered seven key mental health care domains: interpersonal relationships (22.6%), followed by respect and dignity (19.3%), access and care coordination (14.9%), drug therapy (14.1%), information (9.6%), psychological care (6.8%) and care environment (6.1%). Additionally, a few items focused on patient satisfaction (6.7%) rather than patient experience. No instrument covered the latent trait continuum of patient experience, as defined by the inductive qualitative approach, and the psychometric properties of the instruments were heterogeneous. CONCLUSION This work is a critical step in the creation of an item library to measure mental health care patient-reported experience that will be used in France to develop, validate, and standardize item banks and computerized adaptive testing (CAT) based on IRT. It will also provide internationally replicable measures that will allow direct comparisons of mental health care systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02491866.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fernandes
- Aix-Marseille University, School of Medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, EA 3279: CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
| | - Guillaume Fond
- Aix-Marseille University, School of Medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, EA 3279: CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
| | - Xavier Yves Zendjidjian
- Aix-Marseille University, School of Medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, EA 3279: CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
| | - Karine Baumstarck
- Aix-Marseille University, School of Medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, EA 3279: CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Lançon
- Aix-Marseille University, School of Medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, EA 3279: CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Magali Coldefy
- Institute for Research and Information in Health Economics (IRDES), Paris, France
| | - Pascal Auquier
- Aix-Marseille University, School of Medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, EA 3279: CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
| | - Laurent Boyer
- Aix-Marseille University, School of Medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, EA 3279: CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
| | - On behalf of the French PREMIUM Group
- Aix-Marseille University, School of Medicine - La Timone Medical Campus, EA 3279: CEReSS - Health Service Research and Quality of Life Center, Marseille, France
- FondaMental Foundation, Créteil, France
- Institute for Research and Information in Health Economics (IRDES), Paris, France
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21
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Arnold C, Hennrich P, Koetsenruijter J, van Lieshout J, Peters-Klimm F, Wensing M. Cooperation networks of ambulatory health care providers: exploration of mechanisms that influence coordination and uptake of recommended cardiovascular care (ExKoCare): a mixed-methods study protocol. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:168. [PMID: 32799795 PMCID: PMC7429883 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01229-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background As the number of elderly and multimorbid patients increases, healthcare has become more complex. This requires good coordination of treatment and care given the various health care professionals involved (e.g. general practitioners, medical specialists, physicians’ assistants). Lack of coordination jeopardizes seamless, evidence-based treatment and care, and eventually reduces clinical effectiveness. The aim of the study is a) to describe and explore information transfer and interprofessional collaboration in ambulatory cardiac care, b) to describe and explore the role of provider networks from the perspective of patients and providers, focusing on healthcare coordination and the uptake of recommended practices. Methods Two related studies are planned: a) an observational study of healthcare provider networks, involving 600 patients with chronic (atherosclerosis-related) cardiovascular disease from 40 general practices and up to 320 healthcare providers (general practitioners, medical specialist, physicians’ assistants), and b) a qualitative interview study with up to 80 healthcare professionals and patients. Furthermore, we will analyse claims data of a large German health insurer to explore provider networks in ambulatory cardiac care. Discussion The project aims to provide insight into factors, processes and mechanisms of information transfer and interprofessional collaboration, which affect seamless, evidence-based healthcare practice. This will contribute to the design of strategies for improving health care practice and to the development of measures of coordination for future research. Trial registration We registered the study prospectively on 7 November 2019 at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS, www.drks.de) under ID no. DRKS00019219.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Arnold
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Patrick Hennrich
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan Koetsenruijter
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jan van Lieshout
- Department IQ healthcare, Radboud Institute of Health Sciences, Radboud University medical center, P.O. Box 9101, 114, 6500, Nijmegen, HB, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Peters-Klimm
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Im Neuenheimer Feld 130.3, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
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22
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Grol SM, Molleman GRM, Wensing M, Kuijpers A, Scholte JK, van den Muijsenbergh MTC, Scherpbier ND, Schers HJ. Professional Care Networks of Frail Older People: An Explorative Survey Study from the Patient Perspective. Int J Integr Care 2020; 20:12. [PMID: 32292310 PMCID: PMC7147679 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.4721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frail older people living in the community require multidisciplinary care. Despite the fact that patient participation is high on the public agenda, studies into multidisciplinary care mainly focus on the viewpoints of professionals. Little is known about frail older patients' experiences with care delivered by multidisciplinary teams and their perception of collaboration between professional and informal caregivers. OBJECTIVE To gain more insight into the experiences of frail older patients with integrated multidisciplinary care by mapping the care networks of this patient group and their perception of the interconnection between professional and informal caregivers. METHODS Survey study to facilitate a care network analysis. Due to the vulnerable health status of the respondents, questionnaires were completed during interviews. Analysis was performed using an iterative process, using both visual and metric techniques. PARTICIPANTS 44 older persons, considered 'frail' by their general practitioner. SETTING Four general practices in The Netherlands. RESULTS The networks of the participants consisted of an average of 15 actors connected by 54 ties. General practitioners were the most common actors in the networks, and were well connected to medical specialists and in-home care providers. The participants did not always perceive a connection between their general practitioner and their informal caregiver. The network analyses resulted in the identification of three subtypes: simple star (n = 16), complex star (n = 16), and sub-group networks (n = 12). CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the elderly often do not experience the integration of multidisciplinary care as such. This is a real opportunity for MTs to improve their care and to make the patients' experiences better in line with what they are aiming: allowing patients to live at home as healthy and independently as possible for as long as possible. We showed that informal caregivers often form communication bridges between patients and professionals. Having a better knowledge of the patient perspective enables the gaps in professional care networks of frail older people to be filled and facilitates the anticipation of crisis situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sietske M Grol
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, NL
- Corperate Staff Strategy Development, Radboudumc University Medical Center, Nijmegen, NL
| | - Gerard R M Molleman
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, NL
- Community Health Service Gelderland-Zuid, Department of Healthy Living, Nijmegen, NL
| | - Michel Wensing
- Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, DE
| | - Anne Kuijpers
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, NL
| | - Joni K Scholte
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, NL
| | - Maria T C van den Muijsenbergh
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, NL
- Pharos, Centre of Expertise on Health Disparities, Utrecht, NL
| | - Nynke D Scherpbier
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, NL
| | - Henk J Schers
- Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, NL
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23
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Davis KM, Eckert MC, Shakib S, Harmon J, Hutchinson AD, Sharplin G, Caughey GE. Development and Implementation of a Nurse-Led Model of Care Coordination to Provide Health-Sector Continuity of Care for People With Multimorbidity: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e15006. [PMID: 31815675 PMCID: PMC6928704 DOI: 10.2196/15006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Innovative strategies are required to reduce care fragmentation for people with multimorbidity. Coordinated models of health care delivery need to be adopted to deliver consumer-centered continuity of care. Nurse-led services have emerged over the past 20 years as evidence-based structured models of care delivery, providing a range of positive and coordinated health care outcomes. Although nurse-led services are effective in a range of clinical settings, strategies to improve continuity of care across the secondary and primary health care sectors for people with multimorbidity have not been examined. Objective To implement a nurse-led model of care coordination from a multidisciplinary outpatient setting and provide continuity of care between the secondary and primary health care sectors for people with multimorbidity. Methods This action research mixed methods study will have two phases. Phase 1 includes a systematic review, stakeholder forums, and validation workshop to collaboratively develop a model of care for a nurse-led care coordination service. Phase 2, through a series of iterative action research cycles, will implement a nurse-led model of care coordination in a multidisciplinary outpatient setting. Three to five iterative action research cycles will allow the model to be refined and further developed with multiple data collection points throughout. Results Pilot implementation of the model of care coordination commenced in October 2018. Formal study recruitment commenced in May 2019 and the intervention and follow-up phases are ongoing. The results of the data analysis are expected to be available by March 2020. Conclusions Nursing, clinician, and patient outcomes and experiences with the nurse-led model of care coordination will provide a template to improve continuity of care between the secondary and primary health care systems. The model template may provide a future pathway for implementation of nurse-led services both nationally and internationally. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15006
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate M Davis
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Marion C Eckert
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sepehr Shakib
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Joanne Harmon
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Amanda D Hutchinson
- School of Psychology, Social Work, and Social Policy, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Greg Sharplin
- Rosemary Bryant AO Research Centre, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Gillian E Caughey
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.,Clinical Pharmacology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, Australia
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24
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Hustoft M, Biringer E, Gjesdal S, Moen VP, Aβmus J, Hetlevik Ø. The effect of team collaboration and continuity of care on health and disability among rehabilitation patients: a longitudinal survey-based study from western Norway. Qual Life Res 2019; 28:2773-2785. [PMID: 31144204 PMCID: PMC6761089 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-019-02216-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate how changes in patient-rated health and disability from baseline to after rehabilitation were associated with communication and relationships in rehabilitation teams and patient-rated continuity of care. METHODS Linear models were used to assess the associations between relational coordination [RC] and Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire-Norwegian version [NCQ-N] with changes in the World Health Association Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 [WHODAS 2.0] and EuroQol EQ-VAS [EQ-VAS]. To express change in WHODAS 2.0 and EQ-VAS, the model was adjusted for WHODAS 2.0 and EQ-VAS baseline scores. Analyses for possible slopes for the various diagnosis groups were performed. RESULTS A sample of 701 patients were included in the patient cohort, followed from before rehabilitation to 1 year after a rehabilitation stay involving treatment by 15 different interprofessional teams. The analyses revealed associations between continuity of care and changes in patient-rated health, measured with EQ-VAS (all p values < 0.01). RC communication was associated with more improvement in functioning in neoplasms patient group, compared to improvement of health among included patient groups. The results revealed no associations between NCQ-N and WHODAS 2.0 global score, or between RC in the rehabilitation teams treating the patients and changes in WHODAS 2.0 global score. CONCLUSION The current results revealed that better personal, team and cross-boundary continuity of rehabilitation care was associated with better patient health after rehabilitation at 1-year follow-up. Measures of patient experiences with different types of continuity of care may provide a promising indicator of the quality of rehabilitation care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merethe Hustoft
- Centre for Habilitation and Rehabilitation in Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Eva Biringer
- Section of Research and Innovation, Helse Fonna Local Health Authority, Haugesund/Stord, Norway
| | - Sturla Gjesdal
- Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Vegard Pihl Moen
- Centre for Habilitation and Rehabilitation in Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jörg Aβmus
- Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øystein Hetlevik
- Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Qiu C, Chen S, Yao Y, Zhao Y, Xin Y, Zang X. Adaption and validation of Nijmegen continuity questionnaire to recognize the influencing factors of continuity of care for hypertensive patients in China. BMC Health Serv Res 2019; 19:79. [PMID: 30696430 PMCID: PMC6352379 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-019-3915-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Continuity of care (COC) has become a primary point of concern for care providers in both developed and developing countries, which is regarded as the “cornerstone of care” and an “essential element” of good health care. A robust and proper instrument is of necessity to identify problems and evaluate intervention aimed at improving continuity of care. This study aimed to adapt Nijmegen continuity questionnaire (NCQ) into a Chinese version (NCQ-C) and to delineate the status of COC as well as explore its influencing factors for hypertensive patients in China. Methods A forward-back-translation procedure was adopted for the determination of the adaption of NCQ. Then a total of 448 patients completed questionnaires and 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Proper indexes were calculated to test the reliability and validity of NCQ-C. Logistic analysis were used to detect the influencing factors of COC. Results The NCQ-C had excellent intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.855 and internal consistency of seven dimensions varied from 0.907 to 0.944. The item-content validity index ranged from 0.71 to 1.00. For construct validity, seven-factor structure was confirmed as original questionnaire and all the fit indices indicated acceptable levels. Gender, education level, medical insurance and frequency of family visits, blood pressure level, depression status as well as general health perception were demonstrated to be statistically related to COC. Conclusions In addition, all the parameters of ABPM were negatively significant with COC. The NCQ-C has shown acceptable level of reliability and validity. The related factors of COC should arouse care providers’ attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Qiu
- School of Nursing, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Shixiang Chen
- School of Nursing, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Ying Yao
- Department of Emergency, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Zhao
- School of Nursing, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Xin
- Department of Cardiology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoying Zang
- School of Nursing, Tianjin Medical University, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, China.
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Cohen Castel O, Shadmi E, Keinan-Boker L, Granot T, Karkabi K, Dagan E. The association between patients' perceived continuity of care and beliefs about oral anticancer treatment. Support Care Cancer 2019; 27:3545-3553. [PMID: 30689046 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-019-04668-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore factors associated with necessity beliefs and concerns among patients receiving oral anticancer therapy (OACT) and, specifically, to examine the relationship between continuity of care (COC) and patients' beliefs about OACT. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients from four oncology centers receiving OACT (either targeted, hormonal, or chemotherapy). Two months after OACT initiation, patients were asked to participate in a face-to-face or telephone survey. The Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire was used to examine patients' perceptions of their personal necessity for OACT and concerns about potential adverse effects. The Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire was used to assess patients' perceived COC. Data on clinical characteristics were collected from medical records. RESULTS Participants' beliefs about OACT necessity (n = 91) were found to be associated with COC within the oncology team, and with COC between the oncology specialist and the primary care physicians (β = 0.27, p = 0.003; β = 0.22, p = 0.02, respectively), beyond age, depression, and cancer type (ΔR2 = 0.14, p < 0.001). Additionally, the difference between participants' beliefs about OACT necessity and their OACT-related concerns was associated with COC within the oncology team (β = 0.30, p = 0.001), beyond age, income, family status, and cancer type (ΔR2 = 0.09, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that cancer patients' perceptions about the COC between care providers are related to their beliefs about OACT necessity, thus providing evidence for the importance of health care delivery approaches that support COC within the oncology team and between the oncology specialist and the primary care physician.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Cohen Castel
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Efrat Shadmi
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lital Keinan-Boker
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tal Granot
- Davidoff Cancer Treatment and Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, 39 Jabotinski St, Petah Tikva, Israel
| | - Khaled Karkabi
- Department of Family Medicine, Clalit Health Services, Haifa & Western Galilee District, Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, 6 Hashachaf Street, Haifa, Israel
| | - Efrat Dagan
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, 199 Aba Khoushy Ave., Mount Carmel, Haifa, Israel
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Ball LE, Barnes KA, Crossland L, Nicholson C, Jackson C. Questionnaires that measure the quality of relationships between patients and primary care providers: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:866. [PMID: 30453957 PMCID: PMC6245854 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3687-4] [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: 04/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background International guidance on models of care stress the importance of good quality, continuous patient-provider relationships to support high quality and efficient care and hospital avoidance. However, assessing the quality of patient-provider relationships is challenging due to its experiential nature. The aim of this study was to undertake a systematic review to identify questionnaires previously developed or used to assess the quality of continuous relationships between patients and their provider in primary care. Methods MEDLINE, PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) and SCOPUS databases were searched for English language studies published between 2009 and 2017. Key terms used identified studies conducted in the primary care setting examining relationships between patients and providers. Studies that focused on the conceptualisation, development, testing or review of a questionnaire, or studies that used a questionnaire for assessing the quality of continuous relationships between patients and providers were eligible. Studies that did not assess quality via a questionnaire, only assessed single aspects of relationships, only assessed single encounters, assessed transitions between settings or assessed relationships using an index were excluded. Information on validity testing of each relevant questionnaire identified from articles was reviewed to inform recommendations for future research and evaluation. Results Twenty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria, including 14 unique questionnaires. The questionnaires were diverse in length, scope, focus and level of validity testing. Five questionnaires were considered not feasible for future use due to size and lack of development work. Three questionnaires were considered strongest candidates for use in future work based on being relevant to the topic and primary care setting, freely available in English and not needing additional pilot work prior to use. These three questionnaires were the Care Continuity Across Levels of Care Scale, the Nijmegan Continuity Questionnaire and the Patient-Doctor Depth of Relationship Tool. Conclusions This study provides an overview of 14 unique questionnaires that have been used to assess the quality of continuous relationships between patients and primary care providers. The decision to use one of the questionnaires in future work requires careful consideration, including the scope, length, validation testing, accessibility of the questionnaires and their alignment with the initiative being evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Ball
- Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, UQ-Mater Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia. .,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia.
| | - Katelyn A Barnes
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Parklands Drive, Southport, Gold Coast, QLD, 4222, Australia
| | - Lisa Crossland
- Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, UQ-Mater Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Caroline Nicholson
- Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, UQ-Mater Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Claire Jackson
- Centre for Health System Reform and Integration, UQ-Mater Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
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Cohen Castel O, Dagan E, Keinan-Boker L, Shadmi E. Reliability and validity of the Hebrew version of the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire for measuring patients' perceived continuity of care in oral anticancer therapy. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl) 2018; 27:e12913. [PMID: 30238665 DOI: 10.1111/ecc.12913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 07/11/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To assess the validity and reliability of the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire in Hebrew (NCQ-H) for measuring patients' perceived continuity of care in the multiprovider setting of oral anticancer therapy (OACT). Following forward-backward translation of the original instrument into Hebrew, the NCQ-H was administered to adult cancer patients in five oncology centres in Israel, 2-3 months after initiation of OACT (either targeted, hormonal or chemotherapy). Confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach's alpha were used to assess the validity and reliability of the NCQ-H respectively. A total of 135 patients completed the questionnaire. The postanalysis models for measuring "personal continuity with care provider" (eight items for each provider: the oncology specialist and the primary care physician), and "team/cross-boundary continuity" (four items for each setting: within the oncology team, and between the oncology specialist and the primary care physician) showed good fit for the observed data (root-mean-square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.02; RMSEA = 0.015; for each model respectively). Cronbach's alpha was 0.79-0.95 for all subscales. Conclusions. This study provides preliminary evidence for the reliability and validity of the NCQ-H in assessing cancer patients' experience with continuity of care and for its usability in the context of OACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orit Cohen Castel
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Efrat Dagan
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Lital Keinan-Boker
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Efrat Shadmi
- The Cheryl Spencer Department of Nursing, Faculty of Social Welfare and Health Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Hustoft M, Biringer E, Gjesdal S, Aβmus J, Hetlevik Ø. Relational coordination in interprofessional teams and its effect on patient-reported benefit and continuity of care: a prospective cohort study from rehabilitation centres in Western Norway. BMC Health Serv Res 2018; 18:719. [PMID: 30223847 PMCID: PMC6142375 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-018-3536-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rehabilitation services depend on competent professionals who collaborate effectively. Well-functioning interprofessional teams are expected to positively impact continuity of care. Key factors in continuity of care are communication and collaboration among health care professionals in a team and their patients. This study assessed the associations between team functioning and patient-reported benefits and continuity of care in somatic rehabilitation centres. Methods This prospective cohort study uses survey data from 984 patients and from health care professionals in 15 teams in seven somatic rehabilitation centres in Western Norway. Linear mixed effect models were used to investigate associations between the interprofessional team communication and relationship scores (measured by the Relational Coordination [RC] Survey and patient-reported benefit and personal-, team- and cross-boundary continuity of care. Patient-reported continuity of care was measured using the Norwegian version of the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire. Results The mean communication score for healthcare teams was 3.9 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.78, 4.00), and the mean relationship score was 4.1 (SD = 0.56, 95% CI = 3.97, 4.18). Communication scores in rehabilitation teams varied from 3.4–4.3 and relationship scores from 3.6–4.5. Patients treated by teams with higher relationship scores experienced better continuity between health care professionals in the team at the rehabilitation centre (b = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.05, 0.68; p = 0.024). There was a positive association between RC communication in the team the patient was treated by and patient-reported activities of daily living benefit score; all other associations between RC scores and rehabilitation benefit scores were not significant. Conclusion Team function is associated with better patient-reported continuity of care and higher ADL-benefit scores among patients after rehabilitation. These findings indicate that interprofessional teams’ RC scores may predict rehabilitation outcomes, but further studies are needed before RC scores can be used as a quality indicator in somatic rehabilitation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-018-3536-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merethe Hustoft
- Centre for Habilitation and Rehabilitation in Western Norway, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Eva Biringer
- Section of Research and Innovation, Helse Fonna Local Health Authority, Haugesund/Stord, Norway
| | - Sturla Gjesdal
- Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jörg Aβmus
- Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øystein Hetlevik
- Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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van Melle MA, van Stel HF, Poldervaart JM, de Wit NJ, Zwart DLM. Measurement tools and outcome measures used in transitional patient safety; a systematic review. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197312. [PMID: 29864119 PMCID: PMC5986135 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients are at risk for harm when treated simultaneously by healthcare providers from different healthcare organisations. To assess current practice and improvements of transitional patient safety, valid measurement tools are needed. AIM AND METHODS To identify and appraise all measurement tools and outcomes that measure aspects of transitional patient safety, PubMed, Cinahl, Embase and Psychinfo were systematically searched. Two researchers performed the title and abstract and full-text selection. First, publications about validation of measurement tools were appraised for quality following COSMIN criteria. Second, we inventoried all measurement tools and outcome measures found in our search that assessed current transitional patient safety or the effect of interventions targeting transitional patient safety. RESULTS The initial search yielded 8288 studies, of which 18 assessed validity of measurement tools of different aspects of transitional safety, and 191 assessed current transitional patient safety or effect of interventions. In the validated measurement tools, the overall quality of content and structural validity was acceptable; other COSMIN criteria, such as reliability, measurement error and responsiveness, were mostly poor or not reported. In our outcome inventory, the most frequently used validated outcome measure was the Care Transition Measure (n = 9). The most frequently used non-validated outcome measures were: medication discrepancies (n = 98), hospital readmissions (n = 55), adverse events (n = 34), emergency department visits (n = 33), (mental or physical) health status (n = 28), quality and timeliness of discharge summary, and patient satisfaction (n = 23). CONCLUSIONS Although no validated measures exist that assess all aspects of transitional patient safety, we found validated measurement tools on specific aspects. Reporting of validity of transitional measurement tools was incomplete. Numerous outcome measures with unknown measurement properties are used in current studies on safety of care transitions, which makes interpretation or comparison of their results uncertain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije A van Melle
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Henk F van Stel
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Judith M Poldervaart
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Niek J de Wit
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Dorien L M Zwart
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
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den Herder-van der Eerden M, Ebenau A, Payne S, Preston N, Radbruch L, Linge-Dahl L, Csikos A, Busa C, Van Beek K, Groot M, Vissers K, Hasselaar J. Integrated palliative care networks from the perspectives of patients: A cross-sectional explorative study in five European countries. Palliat Med 2018; 32:1103-1113. [PMID: 29400620 PMCID: PMC5967022 DOI: 10.1177/0269216318756812] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although examining perspectives of patients on integrated palliative care organisation is essential, available literature is largely based on administrative data or healthcare professionals’ perspectives. AIM: (1) Providing insight into the composition and quality of care networks of patients receiving palliative care and (2) describing perceived integration between healthcare professionals within these networks and its association with overall satisfaction. DESIGN: Cross-sectional explorative design. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: We recruited 157 patients (62% cancer, 25% chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 13% chronic heart failure, mean age 68 years, 55% female) from 23 integrated palliative care initiatives in Belgium, Germany, the United Kingdom, Hungary and the Netherlands. RESULTS: About 33% reported contact with a palliative care specialist and 48% with a palliative care nurse. Relationships with palliative care specialists were rated significantly higher than other physicians (p < 0.001). Compared to patients with cancer, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio = 0.16, confidence interval (0.04; 0.57)) and chronic heart failure (odds ratio = 0.11, confidence interval (0.01; 0.93)) had significantly lower odds of reporting contact with palliative care specialists and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (odds ratio = 0.23, confidence interval (0.08; 0.71)) had significantly lower odds of reporting contact with palliative care nurses. Perceptions of main responsible healthcare professionals or caregivers in patient’s care networks varied across countries. Perceived integration was significantly associated with overall satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Palliative care professionals are not always present or recognised as such in patients’ care networks. Expert palliative care involvement needs to be explicated especially for non-cancer patients. One healthcare professional should support patients in understanding and navigating their palliative care network. Patients seem satisfied with care provision as long as continuity of care is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anne Ebenau
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sheila Payne
- 2 Division of Health Research, International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Nancy Preston
- 2 Division of Health Research, International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Lukas Radbruch
- 3 Klinik für Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Lisa Linge-Dahl
- 3 Klinik für Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Agnes Csikos
- 4 Department of Primary Health Care, University of Pécs Medical School (UP), Pécs, Hungary
| | - Csilla Busa
- 4 Department of Primary Health Care, University of Pécs Medical School (UP), Pécs, Hungary
| | - Karen Van Beek
- 5 Department of Radiation-Oncology and Palliative Care, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marieke Groot
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Kris Vissers
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Hasselaar
- 1 Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Hetlevik Ø, Hustoft M, Uijen A, Aßmus J, Gjesdal S. Patient perspectives on continuity of care: adaption and preliminary psychometric assessment of a Norwegian version of the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire (NCQ-N). BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:760. [PMID: 29162089 PMCID: PMC5698962 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2706-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Continuity of care is regarded as a core quality element in healthcare. Continuity can be related to one or more specific caregivers but also applies to collaboration within a team or across boundaries of healthcare. Measuring continuity is important to identify problems and evaluate quality improvement of interventions. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and psychometric properties of a Norwegian version of the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire (NCQ). Methods The NCQ was developed in The Netherlands. It measures patients’ experienced continuity of care across multiple care settings and as a multidimensional concept regardless of morbidity. The NCQ comprises 28 items categorised into three subscales; two personal continuity scales, “care giver knows me” and “shows commitment”, asked regarding the patient’s general practitioner (GP) and the most important specialist; and one “team/cross boundary continuity” scale, asked regarding primary care, specialised care and cooperation between GP and specialist, with a total of seven factors. The NCQ was translated and adapted to Norwegian (NCQ-N) and distributed among patients referred to somatic rehabilitation (N = 984, response rate 34.5%). Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA), Cronbach’s alpha, intra-class correlation (ICC) and Bland–Altman plots were used to assess psychometric properties. Results All patients (N = 375) who had responded to all parts of the NCQ-N were included in CFA. The CFA fit indices (CFI 0.941, RMSEA 0.064 (95% CI 0.059–0.070), SRMR 0.041) support a seven-factor structure in the NCQ-N based on the three subscales of the original NCQ. Cronbach’s alpha showed internal consistency (0.84–0.97), and was highest for the team/cross-boundary subscales. The NCQ-N showed overall high reliability with ICC 0.84–91 for personal continuity factors and 0.67–0.91 for team factors, with the lowest score for team continuity within primary care. Conclusions Psychometric assessment of the NCQ-N supports that this instrument, based on the three subscales of the original Dutch NCQ, captures the concept of “continuity of care” among adult patients with a variety of longstanding medical conditions who use healthcare on a regular basis. However, its usefulness among varied patient groups, including younger people, patients with acute disorders and individuals with mental health problems, should be further evaluated. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12913-017-2706-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øystein Hetlevik
- Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, PO-box 7804, N-5020, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Merethe Hustoft
- Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, PO-box 7804, N-5020, Bergen, Norway.,Centre for Habilitation and Rehabilitation in Western Norway, Bergen Local Health Authority, Bergen, Norway
| | - Annemarie Uijen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg Aßmus
- Centre for Clinical Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sturla Gjesdal
- Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, PO-box 7804, N-5020, Bergen, Norway
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The effect of weekly specialist palliative care teleconsultations in patients with advanced cancer -a randomized clinical trial. BMC Med 2017; 15:119. [PMID: 28625164 PMCID: PMC5474887 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-017-0866-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teleconsultation seems to be a promising intervention for providing palliative care to home-dwelling patients; however, its effect on clinically relevant outcome measures remains largely unexplored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine whether weekly teleconsultations from a hospital-based specialist palliative care consultation team (SPCT) improved patient-experienced symptom burden compared to "care as usual". Secondary objectives were to determine the effects of these teleconsultations on unmet palliative care needs, continuity of care, hospital admissions, satisfaction with teleconsultations, and the burden experienced by informal caregivers. METHODS Seventy-four home-dwelling patients diagnosed with advanced cancer were recruited from outpatient clinics of a tertiary university hospital and from regional home care organizations between May 2011 and January 2015. Participants were randomized to receive weekly, prescheduled teleconsultations with an SPCT-member (intervention group), or to receive "care as usual" (control group), for a period of 12 weeks. The primary outcome of this study was: patient-experienced symptom burden indicated by the following: (1) Total Distress Score (defined as the sum of all nine subscales of the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System) and (2) the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Mixed models were used to test for differences between the two groups. RESULTS The Total Distress Score became significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group, reaching significance at week 12 (adjusted difference at week 12: 6.90 points, 95% CI, 0.17 to 13.63; P = 0.04). The adjusted anxiety scores were higher in the intervention group than in the control group (estimate effect: 1.40; 95% CI, 0.14 to 2.55; P = 0.03). No difference was found between the groups in adjusted depression scores (estimate effect: 0.30; 95% CI, -1.39 to 1.99; P = 0.73) or in secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS Adding weekly teleconsultations to usual palliative care leads to worse reported symptom scores among home-dwelling patients with advanced cancer. Possible explanations for these findings include excess attention on symptoms and (potential) suffering, the supply-driven care model for teleconsultations used in this trial, and the already high level of specialist palliative care provided to the control group in this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION "The Netherlands National Trial Register", NTR2817 , prospectively registered: March 21, 2011.
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Jackson BM, Gutierrez ML, Relyea GE, Carlton EL, Ahn S, Binkley BL, Bailey JE. Unmet Primary Care Needs in Diabetic Patients with Multimorbidity in a Medically Underserved Area. Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol 2017; 4:2333392817702760. [PMID: 28540336 PMCID: PMC5431606 DOI: 10.1177/2333392817702760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Diabetic patients with multimorbidity in medically underserved minority communities are less engaged in primary care and experience high emergency department (ED) utilization. This study assesses unmet primary care needs among diabetic patients in a medically underserved area (MUA). Community Context: A suburb of Memphis—Whitehaven, Tennessee (Shelby County, ZIP codes 38109 and 38116)—majority African American (96.6%) with 30.5% below the poverty level. Methods: Community case study using multiple data sources including diabetes registry, individual interviews, focus groups, and a survey of 30 ED patients with diabetes and multimorbidity. Results: Diabetes registry data indicated that 95.5% of 5723 diabetic patients had multimorbidity. Over 91.5% were uncontrolled at some point in 2014 to 2015. Only 83% of patients with diabetes and multimorbidity reported having a primary care provider (PCP) and those without a PCP were more likely to report delays in needed care. Patients expressed strong interest in health coaching (88%) and receiving text messages from the doctor’s office (73%). Individual patient interviews (n = 9) and focus groups (n = 11) revealed common primary care and self-care experiences and needs including diabetes education, improved patient–provider communication, health-care access and coverage, and strengthened primary care and community. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that almost 1 in 5 ED complex diabetic patients in an MUA do not have a PCP, and that difficulty accessing primary care often results in patients forgoing needed care. Qualitative findings support these conclusions. These results suggest that primary care capacity and infrastructure to support diabetes self-care need strengthening in MUAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca M Jackson
- Division of Health Systems Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA.,Center for Health System Improvement, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mary Lou Gutierrez
- Center for Health System Improvement, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - George E Relyea
- Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Erik L Carlton
- Division of Health Systems Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - SangNam Ahn
- Division of Health Systems Management and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Bonnie L Binkley
- Center for Health System Improvement, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - James E Bailey
- Center for Health System Improvement, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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Hermes-Moll K, Dengler R, Riese C, Baumann W. Tumor Boards from the Perspective of Ambulant Oncological Care. Oncol Res Treat 2016; 39:377-83. [PMID: 27260517 DOI: 10.1159/000446311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer therapy requires the cooperation of physicians from different disciplines. At the core of the collaboration are 'tumor boards' (also known as 'multidisciplinary team meetings' and 'tumor conferences'). However, there is limited health care research that addresses the multiple facets of such meetings. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data were analyzed from 3 routinely conducted surveys comprising information from (i) office-based hematologists and oncologists, (ii) their patients, and (iii) quality indicators. RESULTS Most office-based oncologists stated that they participate in tumor boards taking place in hospitals. Although tumor boards are viewed as time intensive and lack financial compensation, they are considered as beneficial for patient care. Less than half of patients knew that their cases were discussed at a tumor board; those who knew rated the collaboration between their treating doctors as more positive, but also experienced slightly higher distress levels. The quality indicators showed that tumor board meetings were documented in three-quarters of the patient charts, but only half included the tumor board's recommendation. CONCLUSIONS Participation in tumor boards is perceived as beneficial by oncologists and not just considered as a fulfillment of societies' recommendations or guidelines. The higher distress levels in patients who knew that their case was discussed at a tumor board may have occurred because more difficult cases are discussed at tumor boards and since the oncologists spend more time explaining the therapy process in complex cases, including the tumor board results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Hermes-Moll
- Wissenschaftliches Institut der Niedergelassenen Hx00E4;matologen und Onkologen (WINHO) GmbH, Cologne, Germany
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van der Eerden M, Csikos A, Busa C, Hughes S, Radbruch L, Menten J, Hasselaar J, Groot M. Experiences of patients, family and professional caregivers with Integrated Palliative Care in Europe: protocol for an international, multicenter, prospective, mixed method study. BMC Palliat Care 2014; 13:52. [PMID: 25473377 PMCID: PMC4254197 DOI: 10.1186/1472-684x-13-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2014] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of people living with advanced cancer and chronic disease has increased worldwide. Many of these patients could benefit from palliative care, focusing on optimising the quality of life of patients and their families facing problems resulting from life-threatening diseases. However, fragmentation and discontinuity of palliative care services often result in suboptimal palliative care. In order to overcome these problems, models using an integrated care approach are increasingly advocated in palliative care services. Although several models and definitions of Integrated Palliative Care (IPC) have been developed, the effects of integrated care are still under-investigated. Knowledge of the key components that constitute successful palliative care integration is still lacking. This mixed methods study will examine the experiences of patients, family caregivers and professional caregivers in order to provide insight into the mechanisms that constitute successful palliative care integration. METHODS/DESIGN Prospective multiple embedded case study. Three to five integrated palliative care initiatives will be selected in Belgium, Germany, Hungary, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Data collection will involve Social Network Analysis (SNA), a patient diary, semi-structured interviews, and questionnaires: Palliative care Outcome Scale (POS), Canhelp Lite, Caregiver Reaction Assessment (CRA). Patients and family caregivers will be followed in 4 consecutive contact moments over 3 months. The diary will be kept weekly by patients. One focus group per initiative will be conducted with professional caregivers. Interviews and focus groups will be tape recorded, transcribed and qualitatively analysed using NVivo 10. SPSS Statistics 20 will be used for statistical analysis. DISCUSSION This study will provide valuable knowledge about barriers, opportunities and good practices in palliative care integration in the selected initiatives across countries. This knowledge can be used in the benchmark of integrated palliative care initiatives across Europe. It will add to the scientific evidence for IPC services internationally and will contribute to improvements in the quality of care and the quality of living and dying of severely ill patients and their relatives in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlieke van der Eerden
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes Csikos
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Pecs Medical School (UP), Pécs, Hungary
| | - Csilla Busa
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Pecs Medical School (UP), Pécs, Hungary
| | - Sean Hughes
- Division of Health Research, International Observatory on End of Life Care, Lancaster university, Lancaster, UK
| | - Lukas Radbruch
- Klinik für Palliativmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Johan Menten
- Radiation Oncology Department, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jeroen Hasselaar
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Groot
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Uijen AA, Heinst CW, Schellevis FG, van den Bosch WJHM, van de Laar FA, Terwee CB, Schers HJ. Measurement properties of questionnaires measuring continuity of care: a systematic review. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42256. [PMID: 22860100 PMCID: PMC3409169 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Continuity of care is widely acknowledged as a core value in family medicine. In this systematic review, we aimed to identify the instruments measuring continuity of care and to assess the quality of their measurement properties. METHODS We did a systematic review using the PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO databases, with an extensive search strategy including 'continuity of care', 'coordination of care', 'integration of care', 'patient centered care', 'case management' and its linguistic variations. We searched from 1995 to October 2011 and included articles describing the development and/or evaluation of the measurement properties of instruments measuring one or more dimensions of continuity of care (1) care from the same provider who knows and follows the patient (personal continuity), (2) communication and cooperation between care providers in one care setting (team continuity), and (3) communication and cooperation between care providers in different care settings (cross-boundary continuity). We assessed the methodological quality of the measurement properties of each instrument using the COSMIN checklist. RESULTS We included 24 articles describing the development and/or evaluation of 21 instruments. Ten instruments measured all three dimensions of continuity of care. Instruments were developed for different groups of patients or providers. For most instruments, three or four of the six measurement properties were assessed (mostly internal consistency, content validity, structural validity and construct validity). Six instruments scored positive on the quality of at least three of six measurement properties. CONCLUSIONS Most included instruments have problems with either the number or quality of its assessed measurement properties or the ability to measure all three dimensions of continuity of care. Based on the results of this review, we recommend the use of one of the four most promising instruments, depending on the target population Diabetes Continuity of Care Questionnaire, Alberta Continuity of Services Scale-Mental Health, Heart Continuity of Care Questionnaire, and Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie A Uijen
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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