scholarly journals Heart Failure Management Insights from Primary Care Physicians and Allied Health Care Providers in Southwestern Ontario

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narlon C Boa Sorte Silva ◽  
Roseanne W Pulford ◽  
Douglas S. Lee ◽  
Robert J Petrella

Abstract Background It remains to be determined whether collaborative strategies to improve and sustain overall health in patients with heart failure (HF) are currently being adopted by health care professionals. We surveyed primary care physicians, nurses and allied health care professionals in Southwestern Ontario regarding how they currently manage HF patients and how they perceive limitations, barriers and challenges in achieving optimal management in these patients. Methods We developed an online survey based on field expertise and a review of pertinent literature in HF management. We analyzed quantitative data collected via an online questionnaire powered by Qualtrics®. The survey included 87 items, including multiple choice and free text questions. We collected participant demographic and educational background, and information relating to general clinical practice and specific to HF management. The survey was 25 minutes long and was administered in October and November of 2018 Results We included 118 health care professionals from network lists of affiliated physicians and clinics of the department of Family Medicine at Western University; 88.1% (n=104) were physicians while 11.9% (n=14) were identified as other health care professionals. Two-thirds of our respondents were females (n=72) and nearly one-third were males (n=38). The survey included mostly family physicians (n=74) and family medicine residents (n=25). Most respondents indicated co-managing their HF patients with other health care professionals, including cardiologists and internists. The vast majority of respondents reported preferring to manage their HF patients as part of a team rather than alone. As well, the majority respondents (n=47) indicated being satisfied with the way they currently manage their HF patients; however, some indicated that practice set up and communication resources, followed by experience and education relating to HF guidelines, current drug therapy and medical management were important barriers to optimal management of HF patients. Consultations Most respondents indicated HF management was satisfactory, however, a minority did identify some areas for improvement (communication systems, work more collaborative as a team, education resources and access to specialists). Future research should consider these factors in developing strategies to enhance primary care involvement in co-management of HF patients, within collaborative and multidisciplinary systems of care.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narlon C Boa Sorte Silva ◽  
Roseanne W Pulford ◽  
Douglas S. Lee ◽  
Robert J Petrella

Abstract Background It remains to be determined whether collaborative strategies to improve and sustain overall health in patients with heart failure (HF) are currently being adopted by health care professionals. We surveyed primary care physicians, nurses and allied health care professionals in Southwestern Ontario regarding how they currently manage HF patients and how they perceive limitations, barriers and challenges in achieving optimal management in these patients. Methods We developed an online survey based on field expertise and a review of pertinent literature in HF management. We analyzed quantitative data collected via an online questionnaire powered by Qualtrics®. The survey included 87 items, including multiple choice and free text questions. We collected participant demographic and educational background, and information relating to general clinical practice and specific to HF management. The survey was 25 minutes long and was administered in October and November of 2018 Results We included 118 health care professionals from network lists of affiliated physicians and clinics of the department of Family Medicine at Western University; 88.1% (n=104) were physicians while 11.9% (n=14) were identified as other health care professionals. Two-thirds of our respondents were females (n=72) and nearly one-third were males (n=38). The survey included mostly family physicians (n=74) and family medicine residents (n=25). Most respondents indicated co-managing their HF patients with other health care professionals, including cardiologists and internists. The vast majority of respondents reported preferring to manage their HF patients as part of a team rather than alone. As well, the majority respondents (n=47) indicated being satisfied with the way they currently manage their HF patients; however, some indicated that practice set up and communication resources, followed by experience and education relating to HF guidelines, current drug therapy and medical management were important barriers to optimal management of HF patients. Consultations Most respondents indicated HF management was satisfactory, however, a minority did identify some areas for improvement (communication systems, work more collaborative as a team, education resources and access to specialists). Future research should consider these factors in developing strategies to enhance primary care involvement in co-management of HF patients, within collaborative and multidisciplinary systems of care.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narlon C Boa Sorte Silva ◽  
Roseanne W Pulford ◽  
Douglas S. Lee ◽  
Robert J Petrella

Abstract Background It remains to be determined whether collaborative strategies to improve and sustain overall health in patients with heart failure (HF) are currently being adopted by health care professionals. We surveyed primary care physicians, nurses and allied health care professionals in Southwestern Ontario regarding how they currently manage HF patients and how they perceive limitations, barriers and challenges in achieving optimal management in these patients. Methods We developed an online survey based on field expertise and a review of pertinent literature in HF management. We analyzed quantitative data collected via an online questionnaire powered by Qualtrics®. The survey included 87 items, including multiple choice and free text questions. We collected participant demographic and educational background, and information relating to general clinical practice and specific to HF management. The survey was 25 minutes long and was administered in October and November of 2018 Results We included 118 health care professionals from network lists of affiliated physicians and clinics of the department of Family Medicine at Western University; 88.1% (n=104) were physicians while 11.9% (n=14) were identified as other health care professionals. Two-thirds of our respondents were females (n=72) and nearly one-third were males (n=38). The survey included mostly family physicians (n=74) and family medicine residents (n=25). Most respondents indicated co-managing their HF patients with other health care professionals, including cardiologists and internists. The vast majority of respondents reported preferring to manage their HF patients as part of a team rather than alone. As well, the majority respondents (n=47) indicated being satisfied with the way they currently manage their HF patients; however, some indicated that practice set up and communication resources, followed by experience and education relating to HF guidelines, current drug therapy and medical management were important barriers to optimal management of HF patients. Consultations Most respondents indicated HF management was satisfactory, however, a minority did identify some areas for improvement (communication systems, work more collaborative as a team, education resources and access to specialists). Future research should consider these factors in developing strategies to enhance primary care involvement in co-management of HF patients, within collaborative and multidisciplinary systems of care.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Feller ◽  
Christoph Berendonk

Abstract Background: Inter-professional collaboration is acknowledged as essential for quality patient-care. However, little is known about receptiveness to inter-professional feedback in the postgraduate training. This study explores, in light of social identity theory, the perceptions of residents, supervising physicians and allied health care professionals regarding inter-professional feedback in the context of workplace-based assessment. Methods: For six months, residents in diabetology at the University Hospital of Bern performed formative workplace-based assessments under direct observation of a supervising physician and an allied health care professional. Feedback from both observers was given to the resident after every assessment. Subsequently, focus group discussions were conducted to collect the participants’ perceptions of inter- and intra-professional feedback. Transcripts were analyzed qualitatively using a thematic analysis approach. Results: We identified four main themes: (1) Identity and hierarchy; (2) Interdependence of feedback source and feedback content; (3) Impact on collaboration and patient-care; (4) Logistical and organizational requirements. While different social identities are the source of inter-professional hierarchies, they did not impede the receptiveness to feedback. Perceived trustworthiness of the feedback was attributed with more importance than professional affiliations, whereas intra-professional hierarchies between physicians led to the perception of a more summative nature of the feedback and rather impeded receptiveness. According to the participants, inter-professional feedback raised awareness of the working reality of other team members and had a positive impact on communication between the different professional groups. Moreover, participants reported positive response from patients regarding the inter-professional collaboration they experienced. Considerable organizational effort is required to enable the parallel observation of a resident’s consultation by a supervising physician and an allied health care professional. Conclusions: Feedback from allied health care professionals can be a valuable learning resource for residents, given its role outside the sometimes conflicting area of intra-professional hierarchies. Inter-professional feedback in the context of workplace-based assessment carries the potential to strengthen collaboration between the different professional groups.


2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mike Grady ◽  
Laurence Barry Katz ◽  
Pamela Anderson ◽  
Brian Leonard Levy

BACKGROUND We previously demonstrated in patients with diabetes that displaying blood glucose results in association with color improved their ability to interpret glucose results. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to investigate the perceptions of health care professionals (HCPs) in specific countries about the value of color on a new glucose meter and to determine if HCP perspectives among countries differ on the value of this approach in clinical practice. METHODS A total of 180 HCPs, including 105 endocrinologists, 34 primary care physicians, 25 diabetes educators, and 16 pharmacists, were recruited from India (n=50), Russia (n=50), China (n=50), and the United States (n=30). These HCPs experienced the OneTouch Select Plus Simple glucose meter online from their own office computer using interactive demonstrations (webpages, meter simulator, and video clips). After providing demographic and current clinical practice insights, HCPs responded to questions about the utility of the color-enhanced glucose meter. RESULTS Mean age and years in their current professional role for the 180 HCPs was 41.3 (SD 8.1) and 13.3 (SD 6.8) years for endocrinologists, 41.3 (SD 8.3) and 14.1 (SD 6.8) years for primary care physicians, 37.5 (SD 8.7) and 12.7 (SD 6.8) years for diabetes educators, and 35.9 (SD 5.3) and 9.5 (SD 5.2) years for pharmacists. In all, 88% (44/50) of Russian and 83% (25/30) of American HCPs said their patients find it easy to recognize low, in-range, or high blood glucose results compared to 56% (28/50) of HCPs in China and 42% (21/50) in India. Regardless of country, HCPs had less confidence that their patients act on blood glucose results with 52% (26/50) in Russia, 63% (19/30) in the United States, 60% (30/50) in China, and 40% (20/50) in India responding positively. During the interactive online meter experience, HCPs from all countries responded positively to questions about a meter with color features. After reflecting on the value of this meter, most HCPs strongly agreed or agreed their patients would be more inclined to act on results using a meter with color features (Russia: 92%, 46/50; United States: 70%, 21/30; China: 98%, 49/50; India: 94%, 47/50). They also said that color was particularly useful for patients with lower numeracy or education who may struggle with interpreting results (Russia: 98%, 49/50; United States: 77%, 23/30; China: 100%, 50/50; India: 82%, 41/50). CONCLUSIONS This multicountry online study provides evidence that HCPs had high overall satisfaction with the OneTouch Select Plus glucose meter, which uses color-coded information to assist patients with interpreting blood glucose results. This may be especially helpful in patient populations with low numeracy or literacy and limited access to health care and direct interaction with HCPs.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katrin Feller ◽  
Christoph Berendonk

Abstract Background: Inter-professional collaboration is acknowledged as essential for quality patient-care. However, little is known about receptiveness to inter-professional feedback in the postgraduate training. This study explores, in light of social identity theory, the perceptions of residents, supervising physicians and allied health care professionals regarding inter- and intra-professional feedback in the context of workplace-based assessment. Methods: For six months, residents in diabetology at the University Hospital of Bern performed formative workplace-based assessments under direct observation of a supervising physician and an allied health care professional. Feedback from both observers was given to the resident after every assessment. Subsequently, focus group discussions were conducted to collect the participants’ perceptions of inter- and intra-professional feedback. Transcripts were analyzed qualitatively using a thematic analysis approach. Results: We identified four main themes: (1) Identity and hierarchy; (2) Interdependence of feedback source and feedback content; (3) Impact on collaboration and patient-care; (4) Logistical and organizational requirements. While different social identities are the source of inter-professional hierarchies, they did not impede the receptiveness to feedback. Perceived trustworthiness of the feedback was attributed with more importance than professional affiliations, whereas intra-professional hierarchies between physicians led to the perception of a more summative nature of the feedback and rather impeded receptiveness. According to the participants, inter-professional feedback raised awareness of the working reality of other team members and had a positive impact on communication between the different professional groups. Moreover, participants reported positive response from patients regarding the inter-professional collaboration they experienced. Considerable organizational effort is required to enable the parallel observation of a resident’s consultation by a supervising physician and an allied health care professional. Conclusions: Feedback from allied health care professionals can be a powerful learning resource for residents, given its role outside the sometimes conflicting area of intra-professional hierarchies. Inter-professional feedback in the context of workplace based assessment carries the potential to strengthen collaboration between the different professional groups and to improve patient care.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23
Author(s):  
H Yusuf ◽  
A Giwa ◽  
S Mohammed ◽  
SN Aguye Abdu ◽  
FM Dungus ◽  
...  

Introduction: In clinical practice, it is required that a profession not only clearly describe their own roles and responsibilities to other professionals but should also be aware of other professions’ roles in relation to their own. The objective of this study was to assess the perceptions of physicians and allied health care workers (Other health care professionals) of the roles of pharmacists in optimizing care for schizophrenic patients. Methods: A self-administered 17-item validated questionnaire was distributed to 120 health care professionals working at Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Maiduguri from September to October 2016. Results obtained were analysed using Chi-square test. Results: Health care professionals mostly had positive perceptions with a statistically significant difference (P< 0.05) across all assessed items. However, competent and knowledge of the pharmacists accounting for 93 (83.8%), involvement of the pharmacist in patient care accounting for 91(82%) and reassuring patients to improve quality of life accounting for 98(88.3%) had the highest number of health care professionals with positive perceptions while documenting patient care, monitoring and reemphasizing physicians instructions had the lowest accounting for 69 (62.2%), 74(66.7%) and 74 (66.7%) respectively in the different sections. Conclusions: The health care professionals surveyed mostly had positive perceptions. Thus, pharmacists can leverage on this to meet their roles in optimizing care for schizophrenic patients. Bangladesh J Medicine Jan 2019; 30(1) : 19-23


2011 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Heiwe ◽  
K. N. Kajermo ◽  
R. Tyni-Lenne ◽  
S. Guidetti ◽  
M. Samuelsson ◽  
...  

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