scholarly journals The Evolving Role of Medical Assistants in Primary Care Practice: Divergent and Concordant Perspectives from MAs and Family Physicians

2020 ◽  
pp. 107755872096614
Author(s):  
Erin P. Fraher ◽  
Allison Cummings ◽  
Dana Neutze
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Population Health ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Direct Patient Care ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Medical Assistants ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices

Medical assistants (MAs) are a flexible and low-cost resource for primary care practices and their roles are swiftly transforming. We surveyed MAs and family physicians in primary care practices in North Carolina to assess concordance in their perspectives about MA roles, training, and confidence in performing activities related to visit planning; direct patient care; documentation; patient education, coaching or counseling; quality improvement; population health and communication. For most activities, we did not find evidence of role confusion between MAs and physicians, physician resistance to delegate tasks to properly trained MAs, or MA reluctance to pursue training to take on new roles. Three areas emerged where the gap between the potential and actual implementation of MA role transformation could be narrowed—population health and panel management; patient education, coaching, and counseling; and scribing. Closing these gaps will become increasingly important as our health care system moves toward value-based models of care.

scholarly journals A pilot study of participatory and rapid implementation approaches to increase depression screening in primary care

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Briana S. Last ◽  
Alison M. Buttenheim ◽  
Anne C. Futterer ◽  
Cecilia Livesey ◽  
Jeffrey Jaeger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Practice ◽  
Depression Screening ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Participatory Methods ◽  
Patient Support ◽  
Medical Assistants ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices ◽  
Innovation Tournament

Abstract Background Most individuals with depression go unidentified and untreated. In 2016 the US Preventive Services Task Force released guidelines recommending universal screening in primary care to identify patients with depression and to link them to treatment. Feasible, acceptable, and effective strategies to implement these guidelines are needed. Methods This three-phased study employed rapid participatory methods to design and test strategies to increase depression screening at Penn Medicine, a large health system with 90 primary care practices. First, researchers solicited ideas and barriers from stakeholders to increase screening using an innovation tournament—a crowdsourcing method that invites stakeholders to submit ideas to address a workplace challenge. Second, a panel of stakeholders and scientists deliberated over and ranked the tournament ideas. An instant runoff election was held to select the winning idea. Third, the research team piloted the winning idea in a primary care practice using rapid prototyping, an approach that quickly refines and iterates strategy designs. Results The innovation tournament yielded 31 ideas and 32 barriers from diverse stakeholders (12 primary care physicians, 10 medical assistants, 4 nurse practitioners, 2 practice managers, and 4 patient support assistants). A panel of 6 stakeholders and scientists deliberated on the ideas and voted for patient self-report (i.e., through tablet computers, text message, or an online patient portal) as the winning idea. The research team rapid prototyped tablets in one primary care practice with one physician over 5 five-hour shifts to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the strategy. Most patients, the physician, and medical assistants found the tablets acceptable and feasible. However, patient support assistants struggled to incorporate them in their workflow and expressed concerns about scaling up the process. Depression screening rates were higher using tablets compared to usual care; follow-up was comparable between tablets and usual care. Conclusions Rapid participatory methods engaged and amplified the voices of diverse stakeholders in primary care. These methods helped design an acceptable and feasible implementation strategy that showed promise for increasing depression screening in a primary care setting. The next step is to evaluate the strategy in a randomized controlled trial across primary care practices.

scholarly journals A Pilot Study of Participatory and Rapid Implementation Approaches to Increase Depression Screening in Primary Care

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Briana S. Last ◽  
Alison M. Buttenheim ◽  
Anne C. Futterer ◽  
Cecilia Livesey ◽  
Jeffrey Jaeger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Practice ◽  
Depression Screening ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Participatory Methods ◽  
Patient Support ◽  
Medical Assistants ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices ◽  
Innovation Tournament

Abstract Background: Most individuals with depression go unidentified and untreated. In 2016 the US Preventive Services Task Force released guidelines recommending universal screening in primary care to identify patients with depression and to link them to treatment. Feasible, acceptable, and effective strategies to implement these guidelines are needed. Methods: This three-phased study employed rapid participatory methods to design and test strategies to increase depression screening at Penn Medicine, a large health system with 90 primary care practices. First, researchers solicited ideas and barriers from stakeholders to increase screening using an innovation tournament—a crowdsourcing method that invites stakeholders to submit ideas to address a workplace challenge. Second, a panel of stakeholders and scientists deliberated over and ranked the tournament ideas. An instant runoff election was held to select the winning idea. Third, the research team piloted the winning idea in a primary care practice using rapid prototyping, an approach that quickly refines and iterates strategy designs. Results: The innovation tournament yielded 31 ideas and 32 barriers from diverse stakeholders (12 primary care physicians, 10 medical assistants, 4 nurse practitioners, 2 practice managers, and 4 patient support assistants). A panel of 6 stakeholders and scientists deliberated on the ideas and voted for patient self-report (i.e., through tablet computers, text message, or an online patient portal) as the winning idea. The research team rapid prototyped tablets in one primary care practice with one physician over 5 five-hour shifts to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of the strategy. Most patients, the physician, and medical assistants found the tablets acceptable and feasible. However, patient support assistants struggled to incorporate them in their workflow and expressed concerns about scaling up the process. Depression screening rates were higher using tablets compared to usual care; follow-up was comparable between tablets and usual care. Conclusions: Rapid participatory methods engaged and amplified the voices of diverse stakeholders in primary care. These methods helped design an acceptable and feasible implementation strategy that showed promise for increasing depression screening in a primary care setting. The next step is to evaluate the strategy in a randomized controlled trial across primary care practices.

scholarly journals What is the carbon footprint of primary care practices? A retrospective life-cycle analysis in Switzerland

2022 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
John Nicolet ◽  
Yolanda Mueller ◽  
Paola Paruta ◽  
Julien Boucher ◽  
Nicolas Senn
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Life Cycle ◽  
Carbon Footprint ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Life Cycle Analysis ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Patient Transport ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices

Abstract Background The medical field causes significant environmental impact. Reduction of the primary care practice carbon footprint could contribute to decreasing global carbon emissions. This study aims to quantify the average carbon footprint of a primary care consultation, describe differences between primary care practices (best, worst and average performing) in western Switzerland and identify opportunities for mitigation. Methods We conducted a retrospective carbon footprint analysis of ten private practices over the year 2018. We used life-cycle analysis to estimate carbon emissions of each sector, from manufacture to disposal, expressing results as CO2 equivalents per average consultation and practice. We then modelled an average and theoretical best- case and worst-case practices. Collected data included invoices, medical and furniture inventories, heating and power supply, staff and patient transport, laboratory analyses (in/out-house) waste quantities and management costs. Results An average medical consultation generated 4.8 kg of CO2eq and overall, an average practice produced 30 tons of CO2eq per year, with 45.7% for staff and patient transport and 29.8% for heating. Medical consumables produced 5.5% of CO2eq emissions, while in-house laboratory and X-rays contributed less than 1% each. Emergency analyses requiring courier transport caused 5.8% of all emissions. Support activities generated 82.6% of the total CO2eq. Simulation of best- and worst-case scenarios resulted in a ten-fold variation in CO2eq emissions. Conclusion Optimizing structural and organisational aspects of practice work could have a major impact on the carbon footprint of primary care practices without large-scale changes in medical activities.

OP08 Using Real World Data To Support National Postmarketing Surveillance

2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (S1) ◽  
pp. 3-3
Author(s):  
Yeqin Zuo ◽  
Bernie Mullen ◽  
Rachel Hayhurst ◽  
Karen Kaye ◽  
Renee Granger ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Real World ◽  
National Level ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Health Priorities ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Postmarketing Surveillance ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices ◽  
Tract Infections

Introduction:While medicines and medical tests are developed in a controlled clinical trial environment, postmarketing surveillance in the real world can be challenging. MedicineInsight—a database of longitudinal patient-level clinical information from primary care practices in Australia—is a novel program that collects primary care data to improve postmarketing surveillance at a national level.Methods:MedicineInsight collects de-identified clinical information from primary care practice information systems using data extraction tools. MedicineInsight currently includes 3.6 million regular patients of 3,300 family physicians (general practitioners) from 650 primary care practices across Australia. MedicineInsight data include longitudinal clinical information on diagnosis and medicines (dose, strength, route of administration, medication switches over time, adverse events, and allergies), and pathology testing data. A series of observational studies was developed for postmarketing surveillance of management of a range of health priorities including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), depression, and antibiotics use.Results:Forty-four percent of patients with T2DM in the MedicineInsight database did not have a recorded hemoglobin A1c result and thirty-one percent did not have a recorded blood pressure reading in the previous 6 months. While guidelines recommend a stepwise approach to the initiation of COPD therapy, forty-nine percent of patients with COPD (with or without asthma) were prescribed dual therapy at initiation and a small number (4.5 percent) were prescribed triple therapy. Between 2011 and 2015, the annual rate of antidepressant prescribing per 1,000 family physician encounters increased by eight percent. High volumes of antibiotics were prescribed for respiratory tract infections in Australian primary care, notwithstanding guideline recommendations that antibiotics are not recommended in most cases.Conclusions:Large scale, real-world clinical data from primary care practices can play an important role in postmarketing surveillance at a national level.

Approaches to shared decision-making for PSA screening in primary care practice.

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (6_suppl) ◽  
pp. 33-33
Author(s):  
Cara B Litvin ◽  
Steven M. Ornstein ◽  
Lynne Nemeth
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Patient Education ◽  
Shared Decision Making ◽  
Prostate Cancer Screening ◽  
Shared Decision ◽  
Psa Screening ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices

33 Background: In April 2017, the United States Preventive Services Task Force published a draft statement recommending that clinicians inform men ages 55 to 65 about the potential benefits and harms of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer. The HIT-OVERUSE study is an ongoing 2 year group randomized study in 20 primary care practices to test a practice-based intervention to reduce overuse, including avoidance of routine PSA screening without shared decision making. The purpose of this report is to present qualitative findings about approaches participating practices have adopted to facilitate shared decision-making for PSA screening. Methods: Eleven practices in ten states randomized to the HIT-OVERUSE intervention group have hosted on-site visits for academic detailing and participatory planning and sent two practice representatives to a one day meeting to share ‘best practices.’ Detailed notes from site visits, follow-up emails, and the ‘best practice’ meeting were reviewed to identify strategies adopted by practices to facilitate shared decision-making for PSA screening for prostate cancer screening. Results: All practices adopted at least one strategy to promote shared-decision making for PSA screening. Four practices removed standing orders for routine PSA screening. Four practices educated their clinical staff about the test; three developed scripts for staff to use when asked by patients about the test. Six practices began using patient education handouts about PSA screening. One provider started showing a brief YouTube video with patients, while another practice developed a slide show to show in the waiting room. Most providers in nearly all practices reported modifying their conversation about PSA screening with patients to include some discussion about the benefits and the harms of screening. Conclusions: Primary care practices participating an intervention to reduce overuse have adopted varied approaches to facilitate shared-decision making for prostate cancer screening. While having face-to-face conversations is one approach, other strategies may employ staff or utilize patient education or videos to convey the benefits and harms of screening.

scholarly journals Factors Influencing the Implementation of Screening and Brief Interventions for Alcohol Use in Primary Care Practices: A Systematic Review Protocol

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frederico Rosário ◽  
Maria Inês Santos ◽  
Kathryn Angus ◽  
Leo Pas ◽  
Niamh Fitzgerald
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Brief Intervention ◽  
Behavioural Change ◽  
Family Physicians ◽  
Alcohol Screening ◽  
Brief Interventions ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
Screening And Brief Intervention ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices

Introduction: Alcohol is a leading risk factor contributing to the global burden of disease. National and international agencies recommend evidence-based screening and brief interventions in primary care settings in order to reduce alcohol consumption. However, the majority of primary care professionals do not routinely deliver such interventions.Objective: To identify factors influencing general practitioners/family physicians’ and primary care nurses’ routine delivery of alcohol screening and brief intervention in adults.Material and Methods: A systematic literature search will be carried out in the following electronic databases: Medline, CINAHL, CENTRAL, and PsycINFO. Two authors will independently abstract data and assess study quality using the NIH National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute quality assessment tools for quantitative studies, and the CASP checklist for qualitative studies. A narrative synthesis of the findings will be provided, structured around the barriers and facilitators identified. Identified barriers and facilitators will be further analysed using the Behavioural Change Wheel/Theoretical Domains Framework.Discussion: This review will describe the barriers to, and facilitators for, the implementation of alcohol screening and brief interventions by general practitioners/family physicians and nurses at primary care practices. By mapping the barriers and facilitators to the domains of the Behavioural Change Wheel/Theoretical Domains Framework, this review will also provide implementation researchers with a useful tool for selecting promising practitioner-oriented behavioural interventions for improving alcohol screening and brief intervention delivery in primary care.Conclusion: This review will provide important information for implementing alcohol screening and brief intervention in primary health care.Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO CRD42016052681 

Collaborative Care in Primary Care: The Influence of Practice Interior Architecture on Informal Face-to-Face Communication—An Observational Study

2020 ◽  
pp. 193758672093966
Author(s):  
Sonya Morgan ◽  
Susan Pullon ◽  
Eileen McKinlay ◽  
Susan Garrett ◽  
Jonathan Kennedy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Practice ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Interior Architecture ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Shared Spaces ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Staff

Background: Quality patient care in primary care settings, especially for patients with complex long-term health needs, is improved by interprofessional collaborative practice. Effective collaboration is achieved in large part by frequent informal face-to-face “on-the-fly” communication between team members. Research undertaken in hospitals shows that interior architecture influences informal communication and collaboration between staff. However, little is known about how the interior architecture of primary care practices might facilitate or hinder informal communication and collaboration among primary care staff. Objectives: This research explores the influence of primary care practice interior architecture on face-to-face on-the-fly communication for collaborative care. Methods: An observational study was undertaken to compare face-to-face informal interactions between staff in three primary care practices of differing interior architecture. Data collected from practices included: direct observations floor plans, photographs, interviews, and surveys. Results: Most primary care staff engaged in frequent, brief face-to-face interactions, which appeared to be key to the delivery of effective collaboration. Features of primary care practice designs that were associated with increased frequency of staff interaction included shared spaces, staff proximity/visibility, and the presence of convenient circulatory and transitional spaces where staff were able to easily engage in timely on-the-fly communication with colleagues. Conclusions: The interior architecture of primary care practices has an important impact on staff collaboration. Although more research is needed to investigate further details in more practices, close attention should nevertheless be paid to maximizing opportunities for brief face-to-face communication in well-designed shared spaces in primary care practices.

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