scholarly journals Lightweight Mobile Automated Assistant-to-physician for Global Lower-resource Areas

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chao Zhang ◽  
Hanxin Zhang ◽  
Atif Khan ◽  
Ted Kim ◽  
Olasubomi Omoleye ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Learning System ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Multiple Data Sets ◽  
Primary Healthcare Providers

Importance: Lower-resource areas in Africa and Asia face a unique set of healthcare challenges: the dual high burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases; a paucity of highly trained primary healthcare providers in both rural and densely populated urban areas; and a lack of reliable, inexpensive internet connections. Objective: To address these challenges, we designed an artificial intelligence assistant to help primary healthcare providers in lower-resource areas document demographic and medical sign/symptom data and to record and share diagnostic data in real-time with a centralized database. Design: We trained our system using multiple data sets, including US-based electronic medical records (EMRs) and open-source medical literature and developed an adaptive, general medical assistant system based on machine learning algorithms. Main outcomes and Measure: The application collects basic information from patients and provides primary care providers with diagnoses and prescriptions suggestions. The application is unique from existing systems in that it covers a wide range of common diseases, signs, and medication typical in lower-resource countries; the application works with or without an active internet connection. Results: We have built and implemented an adaptive learning system that assists trained primary care professionals by means of an Android smartphone application, which interacts with a central database and collects real-time data. The application has been tested by dozens of primary care providers. Conclusions and Relevance: Our application would provide primary healthcare providers in lower-resource areas with a tool that enables faster and more accurate documentation of medical encounters. This application could be leveraged to automatically populate local or national EMR systems.

scholarly journals Influencers on deprescribing practice of primary healthcare providers in Nova Scotia: An examination using behavior change frameworks

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
pp. 239920262092250
Author(s):  
Natalie Kennie-Kaulbach ◽  
Rachel Cormier ◽  
Olga Kits ◽  
Emily Reeve ◽  
Anne Marie Whelan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Nova Scotia ◽  
Behavior Change ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
System Level ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Behavior Change Wheel ◽  
Primary Healthcare Providers

Background: Deprescribing is a complex process requiring consideration of behavior change theory to improve implementation and uptake. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that influence deprescribing for primary healthcare providers (family physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and pharmacists) within Nova Scotia using the Theoretical Domains Framework version 2 (TDF(v2)) and the Behavior Change Wheel. Methods: Interviews and focus groups were completed with primary care providers (physicians, NPs, and pharmacists) in Nova Scotia, Canada. Coding was completed using the TDF(v2) to identify the key influencers. Subdomain themes were also identified for the main TDF(v2) domains and results were then linked to the Behavior Change Wheel—Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation components. Results: Participants identified key influencers for deprescribing including areas related to Opportunity, within TDF(v2) domain Social Influences, such as patients and other healthcare providers, as well as Physical barriers (TDF(v2) domain Environmental Context and Resources), such as lack of time and reimbursement. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a systematic approach to deprescribing in primary care should be supported by opportunities for patient and healthcare provider collaborations, as well as practice and system level enhancements to support sustainability of deprescribing practices.

scholarly journals The effects of Enhanced Primary Healthcare interventions on primary care providers job satisfaction

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Jun Wong ◽  
Aisyah Mohd Norzi ◽  
Swee Hung Ang ◽  
Chee Lee Chan ◽  
Faeiz Syezri Adzmin Jaafar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Post Intervention

Abstract Background In response to address the rising burden of cardiovascular risk factors, Malaysian government has implemented Enhanced Primary Healthcare (EnPHC) interventions in July 2017 at public clinics level. Healthcare providers (HCPs) play crucial roles in healthcare service delivery and health system reform can influence HCPs’ job satisfaction. However, studies evaluating HCPs’ job satisfaction following primary care transformation remain scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to evaluate the effects of EnPHC interventions on HCPs. Methods This is a quasi-experimental study conducted in 20 intervention and 20 matched control clinics. We surveyed all healthcare providers who were directly involved in patient management. A self-administered questionnaire which included six questions on job satisfaction were distributed at baseline (April and May 2017) and post-intervention (March and April 2019). Difference-in-differences analysis was used in the multivariable linear regression model in which we adjusted for providers and clinics characteristics to detect the changes in job satisfaction following EnPHC interventions. Results A total of 1042 and 1215 HCPs responded at baseline and post-intervention respectively. At post-intervention, the intervention group reported higher level of stress and change in score between two groups was -0.14 (β= -0.139; 95% CI -0.266,-0.012; p =0.032). In subgroup analysis, nurses from intervention group experienced increase in work stress following EnPHC interventions (β= -0.223; 95% CI -0.419,-0.026; p =0.026). Additionally, the same group also responded that they were less likely to perceive their profession as well-respected at post-intervention (β= -0.175; 95% CI -0.331,-0.019; p =0.027). Conversely, allied health professionals from intervention group were more likely to report a good balance between work and effort (β= 0.386; 95% CI 0.033,0.738; p =0.032) after implementing EnPHC interventions. Conclusions Our findings suggest that EnPHC interventions had resulted in some untoward effect on HCPs’ job satisfaction. Job dissatisfaction can have detrimental effects on the organisation and healthcare system. Therefore, provider experience and well-being should be considered before introducing healthcare delivery reforms to avoid overburdening of HCPs.

scholarly journals Change in clinical knowledge of diabetes among primary healthcare providers in Indonesia: repeated cross-sectional survey of 5105 primary healthcare facilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001415
Author(s):  
Dorit T Stein ◽  
Nikkil Sudharsanan ◽  
Shita Dewi ◽  
Jennifer Manne-Goehler ◽  
Firman Witoelar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geographical Distribution ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Case Vignette ◽  
Diabetes Knowledge ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Provider Characteristics ◽  
Workforce Composition ◽  
Primary Healthcare Providers

IntroductionIndonesia is experiencing a rapid rise in the number of people with diabetes. There is limited evidence on how well primary care providers are equipped to deal with this growing epidemic. This study aimed to determine the level of primary healthcare providers’ knowledge of diabetes, change in knowledge from 2007 to 2014/2015 and the extent to which changes in the diabetes workforce composition, geographical distribution of providers, and provider characteristics explained the change in diabetes knowledge.Research design and methodsIn 2007 and 2014/2015, a random sample of public and private primary healthcare providers who reported providing diabetes care across 13 provinces in Indonesia completed a diabetes clinical case vignette. A provider’s diabetes vignette score represents the percentage of all correct clinical actions for a hypothetical diabetes patient that were spontaneously mentioned by the provider. We used standardization and fixed-effects linear regression models to determine the extent to which changes in diabetes workforce composition, geographical distribution of providers, and provider characteristics explained any change in diabetes knowledge between survey rounds, and how knowledge varied among provinces.ResultsThe mean unadjusted vignette score decreased from 37.1% (95% CI 36.4% to 37.9%) in 2007 to 29.1% (95% CI 28.4% to 29.8%, p<0.001) in 2014/2015. Vignette scores were, on average, 6.9 (95% CI −8.2 to 5.6, p<0.001) percentage points lower in 2014/2015 than in 2007 after adjusting for provider cadre, geographical distribution, and provider experience and training. Physicians and providers with postgraduate diabetes training had the highest vignette scores.ConclusionsDiabetes knowledge among primary healthcare providers in Indonesia decreased, from an already low level, between 2007 and 2014/2015. Policies that improve preservice training, particularly at newer schools, and investment in on-the-job training in diabetes might halt and reverse the decline in diabetes knowledge among Indonesia’s primary healthcare workforce.

scholarly journals The effects of Enhanced Primary Healthcare interventions on primary care providers job satisfaction

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wen Jun Wong ◽  
Aisyah Mohd Norzi ◽  
Swee Hung Ang ◽  
Chee Lee Chan ◽  
Faeiz Syezri Adzmin Jaafar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Post Intervention

Abstract Background:In response to address the rising burden of cardiovascular risk factors, Malaysian government has implemented Enhanced Primary Healthcare (EnPHC) interventions in July 2017 at public clinics level. Healthcare providers (HCPs) play crucial roles in healthcare service delivery and health system reform can influence HCPs’ job satisfaction. However, studies evaluating HCPs’ job satisfaction following primary care transformation remain scarce in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to evaluate the effects of EnPHC interventions on HCPs. Methods:This is a quasi-experimental study conducted in 20 intervention and 20 matched control clinics. We surveyed all healthcare providers who were directly involved in patient management. A self-administered questionnaire which included six questions on job satisfaction were distributed at baseline (April and May 2017) and post-intervention (March and April 2019). Difference-in-differences analysis was used in the multivariable linear regression model in which we adjusted for providers and clinics characteristics to detect the changes in job satisfaction following EnPHC interventions. Results:A total of 1042 and 1215 HCPs responded at baseline and post-intervention respectively. At post-intervention, the intervention group reported higher level of stress and change in score between two groups was -0.14 (β= -0.139; 95% CI -0.266,-0.012; p=0.032). In subgroup analysis, nurses from intervention group experienced increase in work stress following EnPHC interventions (β= -0.223; 95% CI -0.419,-0.026; p=0.026). Additionally, the same group also responded that they were less likely to perceive their profession as well-respected at post-intervention (β= -0.175; 95% CI -0.331,-0.019; p=0.027). Conversely, allied health professionals from intervention group were more likely to report a good balance between work and effort (β= 0.386; 95% CI 0.033,0.738; p=0.032) after implementing EnPHC interventions. Conclusions:Our findings suggest that EnPHC interventions had resulted in some untoward effect on HCPs’ job satisfaction. Job dissatisfaction can have detrimental effects on the organisation and healthcare system. Therefore, provider experience and well-being should be considered before introducing healthcare delivery reforms to avoid overburdening of HCPs.

Pearls and pitfalls for prescribing opioids in a climate of increased provider scrutiny

2017 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 190-195
Author(s):  
Joanna Gedzior ◽  
Arlen Kwong
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Opiate Addiction ◽  
Opioid Epidemic ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Surgeon General

In August 2016, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, MBA, issued a letter to healthcare providers requesting aid in addressing “an urgent health crisis facing America: the opioid epidemic.” In this article, we address some of the more poignant challenges that surface in treating patients with opiate addiction. We provide an outline of recommendations from the leading medical organizations to educate primary care providers on how to navigate patients to decreased or discontinued medication loads.

scholarly journals What matters most to patients about primary healthcare: mixed-methods patient priority setting exercises within the PREFeR (PRioritiEs For Research) project

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. e025954 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louisa Edwards ◽  
Melody Monro ◽  
Yaron Butterfield ◽  
Ravin Johl ◽  
Kent Cadogan Loftsgard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Priority Setting ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Health Resources ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Online Surveys ◽  
Care Research

ObjectivesTo identify patient-generated priority topics for future primary care research in British Columbia (BC), Canada within a diverse patient population.DesignMixed-methods priority setting exercises framed by the dialogue model, using the nominal group technique (rank-ordered scoring) and province-wide online surveys capturing importance ratings of the top 10 primary healthcare topics from patients and primary care providers.SettingBC, Canada.ParticipantsTopic identification was completed by 10 patient partners (7 female, 3 male) from the BC Primary Health Care Research Network Patient Advisory; online surveys were completed by 464 patients and 173 primary care providers.ResultsThe 10 members recruited to the patient advisory provided over 80 experiences of what stood out for them in BC primary care, which were grouped thematically into 18 topics, 10 of which were retained in province-wide surveys. Top-rated survey topics for both patients (n=464) and providers (n=173) included being unable to find a regular family doctor/other primary healthcare provider, support for living with chronic conditions, mental health resources and information sharing, including electronic medical records. However, all 10 topics were rated important, on average, by both groups.ConclusionsThe current project activities demonstrate the feasibility of including patients in priority setting exercises for primary healthcare in general, rather than focusing on a condition-specific population or disease area. There was considerable overlap between patient-generated topics and topics previously identified by other stakeholders, but patients identified two additional topics (mental health resources, improve and strengthen patient–provider communication). More similarities than differences in topic importance between patients and providers emerged in the online surveys. The project activities that follow (rapid literature reviews, multistakeholder dialogue) will highlight under-researched topics and inform the development of specific research questions.

scholarly journals Diabetes in Appalachia: providers’ perspectives

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. Beverly ◽  
Marilyn D. Ritholz ◽  
Karie Cook ◽  
Lesli K. Johnson ◽  
Anirudh Ruhil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Diabetes Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Cultural Humility ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Post Traumatic Stress ◽  
Appalachian Culture ◽  
Patients With Diabetes ◽  
Appalachian Ohio

Abstract Background: Southeastern Appalachian Ohio has more than double the national average of diabetes and a critical shortage of healthcare providers. Paradoxically, there is limited research focused on primary care providers’ experiences treating people with diabetes in this region. This study explored providers’ perceived barriers to and facilitators for treating patients with diabetes in southeastern Appalachian Ohio. Methods: We conducted in-depth interviews with healthcare providers who treat people with diabetes in rural southeastern Ohio. Interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed via content and thematic analyses using NVivo 12 software (QSR International, Chadstone, VIC, Australia). Results: Qualitative analysis revealed four themes: (1) patients’ diabetes fatalism and helplessness: providers recounted story after story of patients believing that their diabetes was inevitable and that they were helpless to prevent or delay diabetes complications. (2) Comorbid psychosocial issues: providers described high rates of depression, anxiety, incest, abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder among people with diabetes in this region. (3) Inter-connected social determinants interfering with diabetes care: providers identified major barriers including lack of access to providers, lack of access to transportation, food insecurity, housing insecurity, and financial insecurity. (4) Providers’ cultural understanding and recommendations: providers emphasized the importance of understanding of the values central to Appalachian culture and gave culturally attuned clinical suggestions for how to use these values when working with this population. Conclusions: Evidence-based interventions tailored to Appalachian culture and training designed to increase the cultural competency and cultural humility of primary care providers may be effective approaches to reduce barriers to diabetes care in Appalachian Ohio.

scholarly journals A Hepatitis C Educational Needs Assessment of Canadian Healthcare Providers

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Reza Naghdi ◽  
Karen Seto ◽  
Carolyn Klassen ◽  
Didi Emokpare ◽  
Brian Conway ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Hepatitis C ◽  
Needs Assessment ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Educational Needs ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Care Providers

Background and Aim. Despite advances in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC), it remains a major public health problem in Canada and globally. The knowledge of healthcare providers (HCPs) is critical to improve the care of CHC in Canada. To assess the current knowledge and educational needs of healthcare providers (HCPs) in the area of CHC management a national online survey was conducted. Method. An interprofessional steering committee designed a 29-question survey distributed through various direct and electronic routes. The survey assessed several domains (e.g., participant and practice demographics, access to resources, knowledge of new treatments, and educational preferences). Results. A total of 163 HCPs responded to the survey. All hepatologists and 8% of primary care providers (PCPs) reported involvement in treatment of CHC. Physicians most frequently screened patients who had abnormal liver enzymes, while nurses tended to screen based on lifestyle factors. More than 70% of PCPs were not aware of new medications and their mechanisms. Conclusion. Overall, the needs assessment demonstrated that there was a need for further education, particularly for primary care physicians, to maximize the role that they can play in screening, testing, and treatment of hepatitis C in Canada.

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