scholarly journals Using positive deviance to improve timely access in primary care

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. e001228
Author(s):  
MaryBeth DeRocher ◽  
Sam Davie ◽  
Tara Kiran
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Positive Deviance ◽  
Promising Practices ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Secure Messaging ◽  
Care Organisation ◽  
Appointment Schedule ◽  
Timely Access ◽  
Primary Care Organisation

BackgroundImproving timely access in primary care is a continued challenge in many countries. We used positive deviance to try and identify best practices for achieving timely access in our primary care organisation in Toronto, Canada.MethodsSemistructured interviews were used to identify practice strategies used by physicians who successfully maintained a low third next available appointment (TNA) (positive deviants, n=6). We then conducted a cross-sectional survey to understand the prevalence of identified promising practices among all physicians (n=70) in the practice. We used χ2 testing to understand whether uptake of promising practices among survey respondents was different for those with a median TNA of 7 days or less vs a median TNA over 7 days.ResultsWe identified seven promising practice strategies used by positive deviants: adjusting the appointment template based on demand; reviewing the appointment schedule in advance; max-packing of visits; using phone, email and secure messaging; customising care for complex patients; managing planned absences; and involving the interprofessional team. 65 of 70 physicians responded to the survey on promising practices. Uptake of the promising practices was variable among survey respondents. In general, we found no association between uptake of promising practices and median TNA. One exception was that those with a median TNA of 7 or less were more likely to review the schedule in advance to potentially mitigate a visit using phone/email (62% vs 31%, p=0.0159).ConclusionPromising practices used by a small group of physicians (‘positive deviants’) to maintain good access were generally not associated with timely access among a larger sample of physicians in the practice. Our findings highlight the difficulty of untangling physician practice style and its contribution to timely access in primary care.

scholarly journals Use and impact of virtual primary care on quality and safety: The public's perspectives during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2110662
Author(s):  
Ana Luisa Neves ◽  
Jackie van Dael ◽  
Niki O’Brien ◽  
Kelsey Flott ◽  
Saira Ghafur ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Quality And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Secure Messaging ◽  
Virtual Care ◽  
Care Models ◽  
Remote Care ◽  
Future Work

Introduction With the onset of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), primary care has swiftly transitioned from face-to-face to virtual care, yet it remains largely unknown how this has impacted the quality and safety of care. We aim to evaluate patient use of virtual primary care models during COVID-19, including change in uptake, perceived impact on the quality and safety of care and willingness of future use. Methodology An online cross-sectional survey was administered to the public across the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy and Germany. McNemar tests were conducted to test pre- and post-pandemic differences in uptake for each technology. One-way analysis of variance was conducted to examine patient experience ratings and perceived impacts on healthcare quality and safety across demographic characteristics. Results Respondents (n = 6326) reported an increased use of telephone consultations ( + 6.3%, p < .001), patient-initiated services ( + 1.5%, n = 98, p < 0.001), video consultations ( + 1.4%, p < .001), remote triage ( + 1.3, p < 0.001) and secure messaging systems ( + 0.9%, p = .019). Experience rates using virtual care technologies were higher for men (2.4  ±  1.0 vs. 2.3  ±  0.9, p < .001), those with higher literacy (2.8  ±  1.0 vs. 2.3  ±  0.9, p < .001), and participants from Germany (2.5  ±  0.9, p < .001). Healthcare timeliness and efficiency were the dimensions most often reported as being positively impacted by virtual technologies (60.2%, n = 2793 and 55.7%, n = 2,401, respectively), followed by effectiveness (46.5%, n = 1802), safety (45.5%, n = 1822), patient-centredness (45.2%, n = 45.2) and equity (42.9%, n = 1726). Interest in future use was highest for telephone consultations (55.9%), patient-initiated digital services (56.1%), secure messaging systems (43.4%), online triage (35.1%), video consultations (37.0%) and chat consultations (30.1%), although significant variation was observed between countries and patient characteristics. Discussion Future work must examine the drivers and determinants of positive experiences using remote care to co-create a supportive environment that ensures equitable adoption and use. Comparative analysis between countries and health systems offers the opportunity for policymakers to learn from best practices internationally.

scholarly journals Patient trade-offs between continuity and access in primary care interprofessional teaching clinics in Canada: a cross-sectional survey using discrete choice experiment

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. e023578 ◽  
Author(s):  
Doug Oliver ◽  
Ken Deal ◽  
Michelle Howard ◽  
Helen Qian ◽  
Gina Agarwal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Discrete Choice ◽  
Choice Experiment ◽  
Wait Time ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Timely Access ◽  
Advanced Access ◽  
Teaching Clinics

ObjectiveTimely access to care and continuity with a specific provider are important determinants of patient satisfaction when booking appointments in primary care settings. Advanced access booking systems restrict the majority of providers’ appointment spots for same-day appointments and keep the number of prebooked appointments to a minimum. In the teaching clinic environment, continuity with the same provider can be a challenge. This study examines trade-offs that patients may consider during appointment bookings for six different clinical scenarios across a number of key access and continuity attributes using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) method.DesignCross-sectional survey.SettingTwo urban family medicine teaching clinics in Canada.ParticipantsConvenience sample of 430 patients of family medicine clinics aged 18 and older.InterventionDiscrete choice conjoint experiment survey.Primary outcome measuresPatient preferences on six attributes: appointment booking method, appointment wait time, time spent in the waiting room, appointment time convenience, familiarity with healthcare provider and position of healthcare provider. Data were analysed by hierarchical Bayes analysis to determine estimates of part-worth utilities for each respondent.ResultsPatients rated appointment wait time as the most highly valued attribute, followed by position of provider, then familiarity with the provider. Patients showed a significant preference (p<0.02) for their own physician for booking of routine annual check-ups and other logical preferences across attributes overall and by clinical scenario.ConclusionsPatients preferred timely access to their primary care team over other attributes in the majority of health state scenarios tested, especially urgent issues, however they were willing to wait for a check-up. These results support the notion that advanced access booking systems which leave the majority of appointment spots for same day access and still leave a few for continuity (check-up) bookings, align well with trends in patient preferences.

scholarly journals Prepared and highly committed despite the risk of COVID-19 infection: a cross-sectional survey of primary care physicians’ concerns and coping strategies in Singapore

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerrald Lau ◽  
David Hsien-Yung Tan ◽  
Gretel Jianlin Wong ◽  
Yii-Jen Lew ◽  
Ying-Xian Chua ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Stress Management ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Pandemic Preparedness ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Accessible Information ◽  
And Coping

Abstract Background Primary care physicians (PCPs) are first points-of-contact between suspected cases and the healthcare system in the current COVID-19 pandemic. This study examines PCPs’ concerns, impact on personal lives and work, and level of pandemic preparedness in the context of COVID-19 in Singapore. We also examine factors and coping strategies that PCPs have used to manage stress during the outbreak. Methods Two hundred and sixteen PCPs actively practicing in either a public or private clinic were cluster sampled via email invitation from three primary care organizations in Singapore from 6th to 29th March 2020. Participants completed a cross-sectional online questionnaire consisting of items on work- and non-work-related concerns, impact on personal and work life, perceived pandemic preparedness, stress-reduction factors, and personal coping strategies related to COVID-19. Results A total of 158 questionnaires were usable for analyses. PCPs perceived themselves to be at high risk of COVID-19 infection (89.9%), and a source of risk (74.7%) and concern (71.5%) to loved ones. PCPs reported acceptance of these risks (91.1%) and the need to care for COVID-19 patients (85.4%). Overall perceived pandemic preparedness was extremely high (75.9 to 89.9%). PCPs prioritized availability of personal protective equipment, strict infection prevention guidelines, accessible information about COVID-19, and well-being of their colleagues and family as the most effective stress management factors. Conclusions PCPs continue to serve willingly on the frontlines of this pandemic despite the high perception of risk to themselves and loved ones. Healthcare organizations should continue to support PCPs by managing both their psychosocial (e.g. stress management) and professional (e.g. pandemic preparedness) needs.

Primary care organisation and management – Evidence from a total purchasing pilot

2000 ◽  
Vol 14 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 199-209
Author(s):  
Keith Hurst ◽  
Stephen Harrison ◽  
Trevor Ride
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Care Organisation ◽  
Primary Care Organisation

scholarly journals Task shifting from general practitioners to practice assistants and nurses in primary care: a cross-sectional survey in 34 countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter P. Groenewegen ◽  
Wienke G. W. Boerma ◽  
Peter Spreeuwenberg ◽  
Bohumil Seifert ◽  
Willemijn Schäfer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practitioners ◽  
Professional Training ◽  
Institutional Development ◽  
Task Shifting ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Nurse Prescribing ◽  
Number Of Patients

Abstract Aim: To describe variation in task shifting from general practitioners (GPs) to practice assistants/nurses in 34 countries, and to explain differences by analysing associations with characteristics of the GPs, their practices and features of the health care systems. Background: Redistribution of tasks and responsibilities in primary care are driven by changes in demand for care, such as the growing number of patients with chronic conditions, and workforce developments, including staff shortage. The need to manage an expanding range of services has led to adaptations in the skill mix of primary care teams. However, these developments are hampered by barriers between professional domains, which can be rigid as a result of strict regulation, traditional attitudes and lack of trust. Methods: Data were collected between 2011 and 2013 through a cross-sectional survey among approximately 7200 GPs in 34 countries. The dependent variable ‘task shifting’ is measured through a composite score of GPs’ self-reported shifting of tasks. Independent variables at GP and practice level are: innovativeness; part-time working; availability of staff; location and population of the practice. Country-level independent variables are: institutional development of primary care; demand for and supply of care; nurse prescribing as an indicator for professional boundaries; professionalisation of practice assistants/nurses (indicated by professional training, professional associations and journals). Multilevel analysis is used to account for the clustering of GPs in countries. Findings: Countries vary in the degree of task shifting by GPs. Regarding GP and practice characteristics, use of electronic health record applications (as an indicator for innovativeness) and age of the GPs are significantly related to task shifting. These variables explain only little variance at the level of GPs. Two country variables are positively related to task shifting: nurse prescribing and professionalisation of primary care nursing. Professionalisation has the strongest relationship, explaining 21% of the country variation.

scholarly journals Primary care workforce and continuous medical education in China: lessons to learn from a nationwide cross-sectional survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. e015145 ◽  
Author(s):  
William C W Wong ◽  
ShanZhu Zhu ◽  
Jason J Ong ◽  
MingHui Peng ◽  
Cindy L K Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Medical Education ◽  
Continuous Medical Education ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Primary Care Workforce ◽  
Education In China

scholarly journals Assessing a national policy on strengthening chronic care in primary care settings of a middle-income country using patients’ perspectives.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wichai Aekplakorn ◽  
Paibul Suriyawongpaisal ◽  
Samrit Srithamrongsaw ◽  
Phanuwich kaewkamjonchai
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Chronic Care ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Validated Questionnaire

Abstract Background To improve care for patients with chronic diseases, a recent policy initiative in Thailand focuses on strengthening primary care including training of the team to deliver healthcare based on the concept of Chronic Care Model (CCM). This study aimed to assess the perception of patients on the health care services after the implementation. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 4,071 patients with hypertension and/or diabetes registered to 27 primary care units and 11 hospital Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) clinics in 11 provinces.The patients were interviewed at home using a validated questionnaire of the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC+). It contains 20 items from the original PACIC, which measure different parts of the CCM, and an additional 6 items assess the 5A Model including assess, advise, agree, assist, and arrange subscales. Upgraded primary care unit (PCUs) were ordinary PCUs with the multi-professional team including a physician. Trained upgraded PCUs were upgraded PCUs with the training input. Structural equation modeling was used to create subscale scores for CCM and 5 A model characteristics. Mixed effect models were employed to compare subscale of patient perception of the care quality between trained upgraded PCUs, upgraded PCUs, ordinary PCUs and NCD clinics.Results There was an independent association between every PACIC subscale (as a measure of CCM) and facility type with the maximum likelihood for patients of ordinary PCU reporting high to highest scores (ORs: 1.46-1.85; p<0.05) compared to hospital NCD clinics. This is also the case for patients: seeing the same doctor on repeated visits (ORs: 1.82-2.17; p<0.05) or having phone contacts of the providers (ORs:1.53-1.99; p<0.05). Similarly, across all of the 5A model subscales, ORs for patients attending ordinary PCU responded with high to highest scores were 1.48-2.10 times compared to those for patients attending hospital NCD clinics (p<0.05). Conclusions The training and allocation of family physician approach in PCU may not satisfy the patients’ perception on quality of chronic care. Further studies might focus on other factors such as mismatch between health workforce and workload as a key factor influencing the success of the policy implementation.

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