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Kenny C, Chavrimootoo S, Priyadarshini A. Cost of treating rheumatoid arthritis in the primary care public health system in Ireland: A time-driven activity-based cost analysis. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2024; 14:100439. [PMID: 38655193 PMCID: PMC11035073 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2024.100439] [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] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic diseases are at epidemic proportions and continuing to increase in both incidence and prevalence globally. Therefore, there is a growing need to assess and improve on the value currently provided within chronic care pathways. Examining the costs associated with care pathways is a critical part of assessing this value in order to better understand and introduce potential cost-saving interventions. Objectives Examining one such chronic disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), this study aimed to assess the cost associated with RA in primary care within the Health Service Executive (HSE) in Ireland. Methods Following mapping of the care pathway, patient vignettes based on exemplar RA patient types were used to conduct semi-structed interviews with every member (N = 21) of the primary care RA pathway. Time-Driven Activity-Based Costing (TDABC) was then used to calculate the overall cost of each patient (vignette) type. Results RA is an expensive condition regardless of disease stage. However, newly diagnosed patients as well as those with advanced disease in need of surgical interventions demonstrated the highest costs in terms of primary care personnel use. Additionally, patients prescribed Biological Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (bDMARDs) cost significantly more than those on Conventional Synthetic Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (csDMARDs) regardless of disease stage or personnel resource use. Conclusion RA and a subset of RA patients that exert the highest healthcare costs are growing in prevalence. Therefore, this study contributes by assessing the costs associated with RA in HSE primary care that can facilitate better understanding the current value being provided and improve upon the current care pathway to cut future costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Kenny
- College of Business, Technological University Dublin, Aungier Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Heng MTM, Seng GYT, Lee ES. Challenges of care coordination for complex patients among family medicine residents in a community ambulatory clinic: a qualitative study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:562. [PMID: 38783242 PMCID: PMC11119012 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05543-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Care coordination has been identified as one of five focuses of HealthierSG. Family medicine residents are expected to collaborate with other healthcare professionals for complex patients by the end of residency. However, many residents felt that it was challenging to coordinate care effectively among healthcare stakeholders. However, to date, no qualitative studies have explored these challenges. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the challenges encountered by family medicine residents when coordinating care for complex patients. METHODS This was a qualitative descriptive study in which semi structured in-depth interviews were conducted and guided by a topic guide. Total population sampling of 15 third-year family medicine residents in the National Healthcare Group Polyclinics was performed. The interviews were performed over Zoom and were transcribed. Thematic analysis was subsequently performed to analyse the transcripts. Coding was performed iteratively by two independent researchers. Disagreements were adjudicated by a third coder. A coding framework was agreed upon. Potential themes were then independently developed based on the coding framework. RESULTS Six themes emerged from the data, namely, interprofessional communications, accessibility, personal knowledge, time constraints, patient factors and caregiver dissent. CONCLUSION Challenges faced by family medicine residents are multifaceted. While a few are systemic and pertain to the broader healthcare framework, others, such as issues of unfamiliarity with institutional workflows, community resources, and confidentiality, pertain to the microcosm of residency itself. These are reversible areas for improvement. These challenges can be addressed during planning of residency curricula to better equip family medicine residents with coordinating care for complex patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moses Tan Mong Heng
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, 21 Geylang East Central, Singapore, 389707, Singapore.
| | - Gilbert Yeo Tian Seng
- Department of Transitional Care, Woodlands Health, 17 Woodlands Dr 17, Singapore, 737628, Singapore
| | - Eng Sing Lee
- National Healthcare Group Polyclinics, 3 Fusionopolis Link, Nexus @ one-north, Singapore, 138543, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, 308207, Singapore
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Kabir A, Conway DP, Ansari S, Tran A, Rhee JJ, Barr M. Impact of multimorbidity and complex multimorbidity on healthcare utilisation in older Australian adults aged 45 years or more: a large population-based cross-sectional data linkage study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e078762. [PMID: 38199624 PMCID: PMC10806611 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-078762] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES As life expectancy increases, older people are living longer with multimorbidity (MM, co-occurrence of ≥2 chronic health conditions) and complex multimorbidity (CMM, ≥3 chronic conditions affecting ≥3 different body systems). We assessed the impacts of MM and CMM on healthcare service use in Australia, as little was known about this. DESIGN Population-based cross-sectional data linkage study. SETTING New South Wales, Australia. PARTICIPANTS 248 496 people aged ≥45 years who completed the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study baseline questionnaire. PRIMARY OUTCOME High average annual healthcare service use (≥2 hospital admissions, ≥11 general practice visits and ≥2 emergency department (ED) visits) during the 3-year baseline period (year before, year of and year after recruitment). METHODS Baseline questionnaire data were linked with hospital, Medicare claims and ED datasets. Poisson regression models were used to estimate adjusted and unadjusted prevalence ratios for high service use with 95% CIs. Using a count of chronic conditions (disease count) as an alternative morbidity metric was requested during peer review. RESULTS Prevalence of MM and CMM was 43.8% and 15.5%, respectively, and prevalence increased with age. Across three healthcare settings, MM was associated with a 2.02-fold to 2.26-fold, and CMM was associated with a 1.83-fold to 2.08-fold, increased risk of high service use. The association was higher in the youngest group (45-59 years) versus the oldest group (≥75 years), which was confirmed when disease count was used as the morbidity metric in sensitivity analysis.When comparing impact using three categories with no overlap (no MM/CMM, MM with no CMM, and CMM), CMM had greater impact than MM across all settings. CONCLUSION Increased healthcare service use among older adults with MM and CMM impacts on the demand for primary care and hospital services. Which of MM or CMM has greater impact on risk of high healthcare service use depends on the analytic method used. Ageing populations living longer with increasing burdens of MM and CMM will require increased Medicare funding and provision of integrated care across the healthcare system to meet their complex needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamgir Kabir
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The George Institute for Global Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Damian P Conway
- Population and Community Health, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sameera Ansari
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Robina, Queensland, Australia
| | - An Tran
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Joel J Rhee
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Margo Barr
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Morris JS. A Call to Reconsider a Nationwide Electronic Health Record System: Correcting the Failures of the National Program for IT. JMIR Med Inform 2023; 11:e53112. [PMID: 38163966 PMCID: PMC10958994 DOI: 10.2196/53112] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The National Programme for IT (NPfIT) was launched in 2005 to implement 7 nationwide IT services across the National Health Service (NHS). Despite the success of many of these designated “deliverables,” the establishment of a single nationwide electronic health record (EHR) system never fully materialized. As a result, NHS medical records are now stored using a diverse array of alternate EHR systems, which frequently restricts health care practitioners from accessing extensive portions of their patients’ notes. This not only limits their ability to make well-informed clinical decisions but also impacts the quality of care they are able to provide. This article assesses the medical, economic, and bureaucratic implications of an NHS-wide EHR system. Additionally, it explores how the shortcomings of the NPfIT should be addressed when attempting to introduce such a system in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Seymour Morris
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Lee L, Moo E, Angelopoulos T, Dodson S, Yashadhana A. Integrating eye care in low-income and middle-income settings: a scoping review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e068348. [PMID: 37236663 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-068348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Integrated people-centred eye care has been recommended as a strategic framework for reducing global vision impairment and blindness. The extent to which eye care has integrated with other services has not been widely reported. We aimed to investigate approaches to integrating eye care service delivery with other systems in low resource settings, and identify factors associated with integration. DESIGN Rapid scoping review based on Cochrane Rapid Review and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and Cochrane Library databases were searched in September 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Papers with interventions involving eye care or preventative eye care integrated into other health systems, peer-reviewed in English, conducted in low-income or middle-income countries, and published between January 2011 and September 2021 were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers screened, quality appraised and coded included papers. A deductive-inductive iterative analysis approach was used with a focus on integrating service delivery. RESULTS The search identified 3889 potential papers, of which 24 were included. Twenty papers incorporated more than one intervention type (promotion, prevention and/or treatment), but none included rehabilitation. Most articles involved human resources development yet rarely appeared to be people-centred. The level of integration was associated with building relationships and enhancing service coordination. Integrating human resources was challenged by the need for ongoing support and worker retention. In primary care settings, workers were often already at full capacity, had competing priorities, varying capabilities and limited motivation. Additional barriers included inadequate referral and information systems, poor supply chain management and procurement practices and finite financing. CONCLUSION Integrating eye care into low resource health systems is a challenging task, compounded by resource limitations, competing priorities and ongoing support needs. This review highlighted a need for people-centred approaches to future interventions, and further investigation into integrating vision rehabilitation services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Lee
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elise Moo
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tiffany Angelopoulos
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sarity Dodson
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Aryati Yashadhana
- International Programs Division, The Fred Hollows Foundation Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Bour SS, Raaijmakers LHA, Bischoff EWMA, Goossens LMA, Rutten-van Mölken MPMH. How Can a Bundled Payment Model Incentivize the Transition from Single-Disease Management to Person-Centred and Integrated Care for Chronic Diseases in the Netherlands? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3857. [PMID: 36900870 PMCID: PMC10001506 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
To stimulate the integration of chronic care across disciplines, the Netherlands has implemented single-disease management programmes (SDMPs) in primary care since 2010; for example, for COPD, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular diseases. These disease-specific chronic care programmes are funded by bundled payments. For chronically ill patients with multimorbidity or with problems in other domains of health, this approach was shown to be less fit for purpose. As a result, we are currently witnessing several initiatives to broaden the scope of these programmes, aiming to provide truly person-centred integrated care (PC-IC). This raises the question if it is possible to design a payment model that would support this transition. We present an alternative payment model that combines a person-centred bundled payment with a shared savings model and pay-for-performance elements. Based on theoretical reasoning and results of previous evaluation studies, we expect the proposed payment model to stimulate integration of person-centred care between primary healthcare providers, secondary healthcare providers, and the social care domain. We also expect it to incentivise cost-conscious provider-behaviour, while safeguarding the quality of care, provided that adequate risk-mitigating actions, such as case-mix adjustment and cost-capping, are taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sterre S. Bour
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lena H. A. Raaijmakers
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erik W. M. A. Bischoff
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525 GA Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas M. A. Goossens
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus Choice Modelling Centre, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maureen P. M. H. Rutten-van Mölken
- Erasmus School of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Erasmus Choice Modelling Centre, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute for Medical Technology Assessment, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Akugizibwe M, Zalwango F, Namulundu CM, Namakoola I, Birungi J, Okebe J, Bachmann M, Jamie M, Jaffar S, Van Hout MC. "After all, we are all sick": multi-stakeholder understanding of stigma associated with integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension at selected government clinics in Uganda. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:20. [PMID: 36624438 PMCID: PMC9827009 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08959-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Integrated care is increasingly used to manage chronic conditions. In Uganda, the integration of HIV, diabetes and hypertension care has been piloted, to leverage the advantages of well facilitated and established HIV health care provision structures. This qualitative study aimed to explore HIV stigma dynamics whilst investigating multi-stakeholder perceptions and experiences of providing and receiving integrated management of HIV, diabetes and hypertension at selected government clinics in Central Uganda. METHODS: We adopted a qualitative-observational design. Participants were purposively selected. In-depth interviews were conducted with patients and with health care providers, clinical researchers, policy makers, and representatives from international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Focus group discussions were conducted with community members and leaders. Clinical procedures in the integrated care clinic were observed. Data were managed using Nvivo 12 and analyzed thematically. RESULTS Triangulated findings revealed diverse multi-stakeholder perceptions around HIV related stigma. Integrated care reduced the frequency with which patients with combinations of HIV, diabetes, hypertension visited health facilities, reduced the associated treatment costs, increased interpersonal relationships among patients and healthcare providers, and increased the capacity of health care providers to manage multiple chronic conditions. Integration reduced stigma through creating opportunities for health education, which allayed patient fears and increased their resolve to enroll for and adhere to treatment. Patients also had an opportunity to offer and receive psycho-social support and coupled with the support they received from healthcare worker. This strengthened patient-patient and provider-patient relationships, which are building blocks of service integration and of HIV stigma reduction. Although the model significantly reduced stigma, it did not eradicate service level challenges and societal discrimination among HIV patients. CONCLUSION The study reveals that, in a low resource setting like Uganda, integration of HIV, diabetes and hypertension care can improve patient experiences of care for multiple chronic conditions, and that integrated clinics may reduce HIV related stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ivan Namakoola
- MRC/UVRI and LSHTM, Uganda Research Unit, Entebbe, Uganda
| | | | - Joseph Okebe
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, England
| | | | | | - Shabbar Jaffar
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK, England
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Sánchez-Ortega MA, Lluch-Canut MT, Roldán-Merino J, Agüera Z, Hidalgo-Blanco MA, Moreno-Poyato AR, Tinoco-Camarena J, Moreno-Arroyo C, Puig-Llobet M. Nursing Intervention to Improve Positive Mental Health and Self-Care Skills in People with Chronic Physical Health Conditions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:528. [PMID: 36612849 PMCID: PMC9819309 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The exponential increase in the number of people suffering chronic illness has become a problem for which healthcare services need a response. The inclusion of self-care and positive mental health as part of a strategy to promote health offers an opportunity for a reorganization oriented towards community spaces and group interventions. This study undertook the assessment of an intervention designed to optimize the agency of and capacity for self-care and positive mental health by utilizing activities drawn from the Nursing Intervention Classification (NIC), specifically from Field 3 (Behavioral), and organized as a program called PIPsE. A quasi-experimental design was prepared with an intervention group (n = 22) and a control group (n = 22), in a primary care center in the Barcelona metropolitan area. The instruments used were two ad hoc questionnaires to collect sociodemographic and satisfaction information and two scales: the Appraisal of Self-care Agency Scale (ASA) and the Positive Mental Health Questionnaire (PMHQ). The results obtained showed a significant increase in self-care capacity and both overall positive mental health and mental health by factors in the intervention group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Aurelia Sánchez-Ortega
- Nursing and Occupational Therapy School (EUIT), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08221 Terrassa, Spain
- Institut Català de la Salut (ICS), Generalitat de Catalunya, 08915 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Lluch-Canut
- Departament d’Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Materno-Infantil, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Juan Roldán-Merino
- Campus Docent Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, 08830 Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Zaida Agüera
- Departament d’Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Materno-Infantil, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Psychoneurobiology of Eating and Addictive Behaviors Group, Neurosciences Programme, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), 08908 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28015 Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Hidalgo-Blanco
- Departament d’Infermeria Fonamental i Médico-Quirúrgica, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Antonio R. Moreno-Poyato
- Departament d’Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Materno-Infantil, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jose Tinoco-Camarena
- Departament d’Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Materno-Infantil, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
- Center of Cornellà Specialists, Consorci Sanitari Integral, 08940 Cornellá de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Carmen Moreno-Arroyo
- Departament d’Infermeria Fonamental i Médico-Quirúrgica, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Montserrat Puig-Llobet
- Departament d’Infermeria de Salut Pública, Salut Mental i Materno-Infantil, Escola d’Infermeria, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), 08907 L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
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Dunlea S, McCombe G, Broughan J, Carroll Á, Fawsitt R, Gallagher J, Melin K, Cullen W. Priorities in integrating primary and secondary care: a multimethod study of GPs. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATED CARE 2022. [DOI: 10.1108/jica-06-2022-0030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PurposeThroughout the world, healthcare policy has committed to delivering integrated models of care. The interface between primary–secondary care has been identified as a particularly challenging area in this regard. To that end, this study aimed to examine the issue of integrated care from general practitioners’ (GPs) perspectives in Ireland.Design/methodology/approachThis multimethod study involved a cross-sectional survey and semi-structured interviews with GPs in the Ireland East region. A total of 1,274 GPs were identified from publicly available data as practising in the region, of whom the study team were able to identify 430 GPs with email addresses. An email invite was sent to 430 potential participants asking them to complete a 34-item online questionnaire and, for those who were willing, an in-depth interview was conducted with a member of the study team.FindingsIn total, 116 GPs completed the survey. Most GPs felt that enhancing integration between primary and secondary care in Ireland was a priority (n = 109, 93.9%). Five themes concerning the state of integrated care and initiatives to improve matters were identified from semi-structured interviews with 12 GPs.Originality/valueThe uniqueness of this study is that it uses a multimethod approach to provide insight into current GP views on the state of integrated care in Ireland, as well as their perspectives on how to improve integration within the Irish healthcare system.
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Improvement Strategies for the Challenging Collaboration of General Practitioners and Specialists for Patients with Complex Chronic Conditions: A Scoping Review. Int J Integr Care 2022; 22:4. [PMID: 36043030 PMCID: PMC9374013 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.5970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Coordination of healthcare professionals seems to be particularly important for patients with complex chronic disease, as they present a challenging interplay of conditions and symptoms. As one solution, to counteract or prevent this, improving collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and specialists has been the aim of studies by linking or coordinating their services along the continuum of care. This scoping review summarises role distributions and components of this collaboration that have potential for improvement for the care of patients with complex chronic conditions. Methods: Scoping review as a knowledge synthesis for components of collaboration and role distributions between medical specialists and GPs in intervention studies. The PubMed database was searched for literature from 2010–2020. Results: Literature search and reference screening generated 2,174 articles. 30 articles originating from 22 unique projects were included in our synthesis. In the interventions to improve collaboration, the GP is most commonly in charge of patient management and extends the scope of practice. The specialist provides support when needed. Clear definition of roles, resources for knowledge transfer and education from specialists are commonly utilised interventions. Typically, combinations of process and system changes addressing communication and coordination issues are applied. Most interventions improve provider and patient satisfaction, health outcomes, and reduce care fragmentation. Conclusion: This review showed that interventions to improve collaboration between GPs and medical specialists seem promising. Further efforts should be made to test and apply the findings systematically in broad clinical practice.
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Sun Y, Zhang X, Han Y, Yu B, Liu H. Evolutionary game model of health care and social care collaborative services for the elderly population in China. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:616. [PMID: 35879656 PMCID: PMC9317207 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03300-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The synergy of health care and elderly social care organizations has become the focus of the research on integrated health care and social care. This study aims to propose a collaborative strategy among health care and elderly social care service providers. METHODS An evolutionary game model is applied for performance analysis and optimization of the cooperation between health care and elderly social care organizations. The behavioural strategies and the impact of key parameters on promoting the cooperation of the players are presented in detail. RESULTS Simulation experiments and sensitivity analysis results indicate that (1) the behavioural evolution of health care organizations and elderly social care organizations forms three types of integrated health care and social care services, namely, the bilateral cooperation type, health care organization-led type and elderly social care organization-led type. (2) Increasing the additional benefits for cooperation and reducing the additional costs for cooperation can promote the willingness to synergize to provide integrated health care and elderly social care services. At the early stage of evolution, increasing the costs that elderly social care organizations pay to purchase health care services or pay for negotiation in the bilateral cooperation type can provide incentives for health care organizations to cooperate while reducing the cooperation preferences of elderly social care organizations. However, the long-term impact of the costs on the behavioural strategies for cooperation of the two players cannot be determined. CONCLUSION The behavioural decisions on cooperation between health care and elderly social care organizations influence each other; commitment to integration and effective collaboration can be achieved by increasing the additional benefits and reducing the marginal costs. The findings suggest that the political-economic context and government policies have a greater influence on promoting cooperation, thus yielding positive or negative results for integrated care practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Sun
- Faculty of Management and Economics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Faculty of Management and Economics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.
| | - Yuehong Han
- School of Marxism, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Bo Yu
- Faculty of Management and Economics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China.,School of Humanities and Management, Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Haidan Liu
- Faculty of Management and Economics, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
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Sutarsa IN, Kasim R, Steward B, Bain-Donohue S, Slimings C, Hall Dykgraaf S, Barnard A. Do General Practitioners in a Visiting Medical Officer Arrangement Improve the Perceived Quality of Care of Rural and Remote Patients? A Qualitative Study in Australia. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10061045. [PMID: 35742096 PMCID: PMC9223112 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10061045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: In rural and remote Australia, general practitioners (GPs) provide care across the continuum from primary to secondary care, often in Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) arrangements with a local hospital. However, little is known about the role of GP-VMOs in improving the perceived quality of care and health outcomes for rural and remote communities. Methods: We collected qualitative data from three GP-VMOs (all aged >55 years) and 10 patients (all aged over 65 years) in three local health districts of New South Wales, Australia. Thirteen in-depth interviews were conducted between October 2020 and February 2021. We employed thematic analysis to identify key roles of GP-VMOs in improving the perceived quality of care and health outcomes of rural and remote patients. Results: Our study advances the current understanding regarding the role of GP-VMOs in improving the perceived quality of services and health outcomes of rural and remote patients. Key roles of GP-VMOs in improving the perceived quality of care include promoting the continuity of care and integrated health services, cultivating trust from local communities, and enhancing the satisfaction of patients. Conclusions: GP-VMOs work across primary and secondary care creating better linkages and promoting the continuity of care for rural and remote communities. Employing GP-VMOs in rural hospitals enables the knowledge and sensitivity gained from their ongoing interactions with patients in primary care to be effectively utilised in the delivery of hospital care.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Nyoman Sutarsa
- Rural Clinical School, Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.K.); (B.S.); (S.B.-D.); (C.S.); (S.H.D.); (A.B.)
- Department of Population Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Denpasar 80232, Bali, Indonesia
- Correspondence:
| | - Rosny Kasim
- Rural Clinical School, Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.K.); (B.S.); (S.B.-D.); (C.S.); (S.H.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Ben Steward
- Rural Clinical School, Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.K.); (B.S.); (S.B.-D.); (C.S.); (S.H.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Suzanne Bain-Donohue
- Rural Clinical School, Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.K.); (B.S.); (S.B.-D.); (C.S.); (S.H.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Claudia Slimings
- Rural Clinical School, Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.K.); (B.S.); (S.B.-D.); (C.S.); (S.H.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Sally Hall Dykgraaf
- Rural Clinical School, Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.K.); (B.S.); (S.B.-D.); (C.S.); (S.H.D.); (A.B.)
| | - Amanda Barnard
- Rural Clinical School, Medical School, College of Health and Medicine, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia; (R.K.); (B.S.); (S.B.-D.); (C.S.); (S.H.D.); (A.B.)
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Integration of Care in Complex and Fragmented Service Systems: Experiences of Staff in Flexible Assertive Community Treatment Teams. Int J Integr Care 2022; 22:17. [PMID: 35651735 PMCID: PMC9139156 DOI: 10.5334/ijic.6011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: To provide more integrated care, several countries have implemented the Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) model. However, this model does not guarantee full integration, especially in complex and fragmented service systems like in Norway. Hence, we investigated which barriers that might reduce the potential for integrated care in the Norwegian system, as described by staff in FACT teams, and how they adjust their way of working to increase the opportunities for integration. Methods: Online focus group interviews involving 35 staff members of five Norwegian FACT teams were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide. The material was analysed using thematic text analysis. Results: Six themes described the barriers to integrated care in the service system: fragmentation, different legislation and digital systems, challenges in collaboration, bureaucracy and limited opening hours. Three themes described adjustments in the teams’ way of working to enhance integration: working as the responsible co-ordinator, being a collaborator, and the only entry channel into the service system. Conclusion: The FACT team staff described several barriers to integration within the system. However, they made some adjustments in their way of working that might provide opportunities for integrated care within complex and fragmented service systems.
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Zaytseva A, Verger P, Ventelou B. United, can we be stronger? Did French general practitioners in multi-professional groups provide more chronic care follow-up during lockdown? BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:519. [PMID: 35440039 PMCID: PMC9016683 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07937-z] [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] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Given the importance of the continuous follow-up of chronic patients, we evaluated the performance of French private practice general practitioners (GPs) practicing in multi-professional group practices (MGP) regarding chronic care management during the first Covid-19 lockdown in Spring 2020 compared to GPs not in MGP. We consider two outcomes: continuity of care provision for chronic patients and proactivity in contacting these patients. Methods The cross-sectional web questionnaire of 1191 GPs took place in April 2020. We exploit self-reported data on: 1) the frequency of consultations for chronic patients during lockdown compared to their “typical” week before the pandemic, along with 2) GPs’ proactive behaviour when contacting their chronic patients. We use probit and bivariate probit models (adjusted for endogeneity of choice of engagement in MGP) to test whether GPs in MGP had significantly different responses to the Covid-19 crisis compared to those practicing outside MGP. Results Out of 1191 participants (response rate: 43.1%), around 40% of GPs were female and 34% were younger than 50 years old. Regression results indicate that GPs in MGP were less likely to experience a drop in consultations related to complications of chronic diseases (− 45.3%). They were also more proactive (+ 13.4%) in contacting their chronic patients compared to their peers practicing outside MGP. Conclusion We demonstrate that the MGP organisational formula was beneficial to the follow-up of patients with chronic conditions during the lockdown; therefore, it appears beneficial to expand integrated practices, since they perform better when facing a major shock. Further research is needed to confirm the efficiency of these integrated practices outside the particular pandemic setup. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07937-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Zaytseva
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, EHESS, Centrale Marseille, AMSE, 5-9 Boulevard Maurice Bourdet, CS 50498, 13205, Marseille Cedex 1, France. .,Southeastern Regional Health Observatory, ORS Paca, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 5, France.
| | - Pierre Verger
- Southeastern Regional Health Observatory, ORS Paca, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France, 27 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13385, Marseille Cedex 5, France.,Aix-Marseille University, IRD, AP-HM, SSA, VITROME, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, 19-21 Boulevard Jean Moulin, 13005, Marseille, France
| | - Bruno Ventelou
- Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, EHESS, Centrale Marseille, AMSE, 5-9 Boulevard Maurice Bourdet, CS 50498, 13205, Marseille Cedex 1, France
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