scholarly journals Payment Reforms for Prehospital Care Services in a Middle Income Country: Assessing Implementation and Patient Outcomes Using a Mixed-Methods Approach

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Paibul Suriyawongpaisal ◽  
Samrit Srithamrongsawad ◽  
Pongsakorn Atiksawedparit ◽  
Khanisthar Phooseemungkun ◽  
Krongkan Bunchaiyai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Prehospital Care ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Time Flow ◽  
Care Systems ◽  
Pay System ◽  
Made In

Introduction. Financing health systems constitutes a key element of well-functioning healthcare system. Prior to 2015, two new financial arrangements (direct-pay and E-claim systems) were introduced on a voluntary basis which aimed to pool more financial resources and improve cash flow of prehospital care systems. The aims of this study were to (1) assess the effects of direct-pay system in terms of (a) timeliness of reimbursement to EMS agencies, (b) changes in clinical care processes, and (c) the outcomes of patient care as compared to previous system; (2) identify the reasons for or against EMS agencies to participate in direct-pay system mechanisms; (3) identify the emerging issues with potential to significantly further the advancement of EMS systems. Using a mixed-methods approach, retrospective datasets of 3,769,399 individual records of call responses from 2015 to 2017 were analyzed which compared EMS units with the direct-pay system against those without in terms of time flow of claim data and patient outcomes. For qualitative data, in-depth interviews were conducted. Results. EMS units participating in both systems had the highest percentages of financial claim being made in time as compared to those not participating in any (p=0.012). However, there were not any practically meaningful differences between EMS units participating and not participating in either of the payment systems in terms of patient care such as appropriateness of response time, airway management, and outcome of treatment. Analysis of data from focus-group and individual interviews ended up with a causal loop diagram demonstrating potential explanatory mechanisms for those findings. Conclusion. It is evident that progress has been made in terms of mobilising more financial inputs and improving financial information flow. However, there is no evidence of any changes in patient outcomes and quality of care. Furthermore, whether the progress is meaningful in filling the gaps of financial demands of the prehospital care systems is still questionable. Room for future improvement of prehospital care systems was discussed with implications for other countries.

scholarly journals Rapid Implementation of Video Visits in Neurology During COVID-19: Mixed Methods Evaluation (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erika A Saliba-Gustafsson ◽  
Rebecca Miller-Kuhlmann ◽  
Samantha M R Kling ◽  
Donn W Garvert ◽  
Cati G Brown-Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Traditional Health ◽  
Traditional Health Care ◽  
Care Systems

BACKGROUND Telemedicine has been used for decades. Despite its many advantages, its uptake and rigorous evaluation of feasibility across neurology’s ambulatory subspecialties has been sparse. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted health care systems worldwide to reconsider traditional health care delivery. To safeguard health care workers and patients, many health care systems quickly transitioned to telemedicine, including across neurology subspecialties, providing a new opportunity to evaluate this modality of care. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accelerated implementation of video visits in ambulatory neurology during the COVID-19 pandemic, we used mixed methods to assess adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, and perceptions of potential sustainability. METHODS Video visits were launched rapidly in ambulatory neurology clinics of a large academic medical center. To assess adoption, we analyzed clinician-level scheduling data collected between March 22 and May 16, 2020. We assessed acceptability, appropriateness, and sustainability via a clinician survey (n=48) and semistructured interviews with providers (n=30) completed between March and May 2020. RESULTS Video visits were adopted rapidly; overall, 65 (98%) clinicians integrated video visits into their workflow within the first 6 implementation weeks and 92% of all visits were conducted via video. Video visits were largely considered acceptable by clinicians, although various technological issues impacted their satisfaction. Video visits were reported to be more convenient for patients, families, and caregivers than in-person visits; however, access to technology, the patient’s technological capacity, and language difficulties were considered barriers. Many clinicians expressed optimism about future utilization of video visits in neurology. They believed that video visits promote continuity of care and can be incorporated into their practice long-term, although several insisted that they can never replace the in-person examination. CONCLUSIONS Video visits are an important addition to clinical care in ambulatory neurology and are anticipated to remain a permanent supplement to in-person visits, promoting patient care continuity, and flexibility for patients and clinicians alike.

The Environmental Services Perspective on Hospital Room Design: A Mixed-Methods Approach

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily S. Patterson ◽  
Elizabeth Sanders ◽  
Carolyn M. Sommerich ◽  
Kevin D. Evans ◽  
Steven A. Lavender ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Acute Care ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Environmental Services ◽  
Healthcare Staff ◽  
Design Features ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Room Size ◽  
Room Design

Our aim is to enhance the safety and efficiency of all healthcare staff by designing patient rooms that meet the physical and cognitive needs of those providing direct and indirect patient care in hospital settings. A mixed-methods study was employed, where findings were compiled from twenty-six environmental services personnel across study activities. The insights were grouped into six categories of challenges with the design of hospital rooms in acute care settings: room cleaning, bathroom, room size, furniture, communication, and a miscellaneous ‘other’ category. There are design implications for storage, room design features, locations of room items, and fabrics and finishes.

scholarly journals Stop, Listen, and Learn: Using Mixed Methods to Add Value to Clinical Trials*

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 2515690X1985707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Hunter ◽  
Mike Armour
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Study Designs

This commentary discusses the concept of value-based or value-focused health care as a rationale for researchers to incorporate mixed methods study designs a priori into clinical trials evaluating traditional, complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine (TCAIM). Along with assessing patient outcomes, information about patients’ experiences and preferences are needed to determine the value of an intervention. Incorporating a mixed-methods approach can improve the quality of clinical trials and provide important information about the potential value of the intervention.

Diagnostic Accuracy & Pathology Revised Reports: Evidence-Based Guideline Development

2020 ◽  
Vol 154 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S124-S124
Author(s):  
A Spiczka ◽  
L Waibel ◽  
E Garcia ◽  
I Kundu ◽  
R Garris ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Guideline Development ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Diagnostic Errors ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Diagnostic Discrepancies

Abstract Introduction/Objective Diagnostic errors in pathology may have adverse impact on patient outcomes and are often rectified through revised reports (RR). Improving patient outcomes with accurate RR is a tangible yet challenging benefit to assuring continuous quality improvement (CQI). Assessment and elevation of RR optimization requires counterbalance of workflow complexity in the diagnostic reporting domain. Implications inform best-practice guidelines for pathology RR and exemplify improved patient outcomes by driving down negative impacts from diagnostic errors. Methods A “Survey for RR in Pathology: Reality & Best Practices” was sent via email to relevant stakeholders. The 8-item survey was designed by the National Pathology Quality Registry team & ASCP’s Institute for Science, Technology & Policy. The model included quantitative and qualitative feedback to probe current experiences with RR. The survey was open April 1-30, 2019, via Key Survey and used snowball sampling. Results Key results illuminate necessity for RR standardization. Survey findings represent 172 respondents. Ninety- two percent of respondents indicated report accuracy as a major indication for optimizing RR practices & positively impacting patient care. Pathology practices assure appropriate RR by notifying a care provider when a change in diagnosis necessitates RR (89%) & 86% of respondents indicate delineation of RR types (e.g. addenda, amendment). Still 54% of respondents see inappropriate RR use with lack of notification to care providers and 48% indicate no delineation of RR types. This balance-counterbalance highlights deviations from optimized RR and a need for guidelines. Effects on patient care or impact to a patient’s treatment plan was indicated by 43% who affirmed stratification of diagnostic discrepancies as major vs. minor. Solely focusing on changes in diagnosis (benign vs. malignant) was heralded by 19% of respondents as a reason to categorize diagnostic discrepancies. Forty-two percent of respondents indicate data-driven CQI in the RR domain. Conclusion Identified RR practice gaps decrease diagnostic accuracy, confirming the need for optimal RR guidelines. RR guidelines should focus on standardized nomenclature; active dialogue between laboratory team & clinical care partners; streamlined workflows to assure accuracy; & valuing transparency to derive improved patient outcomes based on high-quality diagnostic pathology RR.

scholarly journals Rapid Implementation of Video Visits in Neurology During COVID-19: Mixed Methods Evaluation

10.2196/24328 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. e24328
Author(s):  
Erika A Saliba-Gustafsson ◽  
Rebecca Miller-Kuhlmann ◽  
Samantha M R Kling ◽  
Donn W Garvert ◽  
Cati G Brown-Johnson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Health Care Systems ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Academic Medical Center ◽  
Traditional Health ◽  
Traditional Health Care ◽  
Care Systems

Background Telemedicine has been used for decades. Despite its many advantages, its uptake and rigorous evaluation of feasibility across neurology’s ambulatory subspecialties has been sparse. However, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted health care systems worldwide to reconsider traditional health care delivery. To safeguard health care workers and patients, many health care systems quickly transitioned to telemedicine, including across neurology subspecialties, providing a new opportunity to evaluate this modality of care. Objective To evaluate the accelerated implementation of video visits in ambulatory neurology during the COVID-19 pandemic, we used mixed methods to assess adoption, acceptability, appropriateness, and perceptions of potential sustainability. Methods Video visits were launched rapidly in ambulatory neurology clinics of a large academic medical center. To assess adoption, we analyzed clinician-level scheduling data collected between March 22 and May 16, 2020. We assessed acceptability, appropriateness, and sustainability via a clinician survey (n=48) and semistructured interviews with providers (n=30) completed between March and May 2020. Results Video visits were adopted rapidly; overall, 65 (98%) clinicians integrated video visits into their workflow within the first 6 implementation weeks and 92% of all visits were conducted via video. Video visits were largely considered acceptable by clinicians, although various technological issues impacted their satisfaction. Video visits were reported to be more convenient for patients, families, and caregivers than in-person visits; however, access to technology, the patient’s technological capacity, and language difficulties were considered barriers. Many clinicians expressed optimism about future utilization of video visits in neurology. They believed that video visits promote continuity of care and can be incorporated into their practice long-term, although several insisted that they can never replace the in-person examination. Conclusions Video visits are an important addition to clinical care in ambulatory neurology and are anticipated to remain a permanent supplement to in-person visits, promoting patient care continuity, and flexibility for patients and clinicians alike.

Effects of continuing medical education on improving physician clinical care and patient health: A review of systematic reviews

2005 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 380-385 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernard S. Bloom
Keyword(s):  
Medical Education ◽  
Patient Care ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Continuing Medical Education ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
Care Quality ◽  
Clinical Practices ◽  
Patient Health ◽  
Meta Analyses

Objectives:The objective of physician continuing medical education (CME) is to help them keep abreast of advances in patient care, to accept new more-beneficial care, and discontinue use of existing lower-benefit diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. The goal of this review was to examine effectiveness of current CME tools and techniques in changing physician clinical practices and improving patient health outcomes.Methods:Results of published systematic reviews were examined to determine the spectrum from most- to least-effective CME techniques. We searched multiple databases, from 1 January 1984 to 30 October 2004, for English-language, peer-reviewed meta-analyses and other systematic reviews of CME programs that alter physician behavior and/or patient outcomes.Results:Twenty-six reviews met inclusion criteria, that is, were either formal meta-analyses or other systematic reviews. Interactive techniques (audit/feedback, academic detailing/outreach, and reminders) are the most effective at simultaneously changing physician care and patient outcomes. Clinical practice guidelines and opinion leaders are less effective. Didactic presentations and distributing printed information only have little or no beneficial effect in changing physician practice.Conclusions:Even though the most-effective CME techniques have been proven, use of least-effective ones predominates. Such use of ineffective CME likely reduces patient care quality and raises costs for all, the worst of both worlds.

Exploring Social Identity Among People with Disabilities: A Mixed-Methods Approach

2012 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adena T. Rottenstein ◽  
Ryan J. Dougherty ◽  
Alexis Strouse ◽  
Lily Hashemi ◽  
Hilary Baruch
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
People With Disabilities ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach
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