scholarly journals An Implementation History of Primary Health Care Transformation: Alberta’s Primary Care Networks and the People, Time and Culture of change

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles Leslie ◽  
Akram Khayatzadeh-Mahani ◽  
Judy Birdsell ◽  
PG Forest ◽  
Rita Henderson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primary care, and its transformation into Primary Health Care (PHC), has become an area of intense policy interest around the world. As part of this trend Alberta, Canada, has implemented Primary Care Networks (PCNs). These are decentralized organizations, mandated with supporting the delivery of PHC, funded through capitation, and operating as partnerships between the province’s healthcare administration system and family physicians. This paper provides an implementationhistory of the PCNs, giving a detailed account of how people, time, and culture have interacted to implement bottom up, incremental change in a predominantly Fee-For-Service (FFS) environment.Methods: Our implementation history is built out of an analysis of policy documents and qualitative interviews. We conducted an interpretive analysis of relevant policy documents (n=20) published since the first PCN was established. We then grounded 12 semi-structured interviews in that initial policy analysis. These interviews explored 11 key stakeholders’ perceptions of PHC transformation in Alberta generally, and the formation and evolution of the PCNs specifically. The data from the policy review and the interviews were coded inductively, with participants checking our emerging analyses.Results: Over time, the PCNs have shifted from an initial Frontier Era that emphasized local solutions to local problems and featured few rules, to a present Era of Accountability that features central demands for standardized measures, governance, and co-planning with other elements of the health system. Across both eras, the PCNs have been first and foremost instruments and supporters of family physician authority and autonomy. A core group of people emerged to create the PCNs and, over time, to develop a long-term Quality Improvement (QI) vision and governance plan for them as organizations. The continuing willingness of both these groups to work at understanding and aligning one another’s cultures to achieve the transformation towards PHC has been central to the PCNs’ survival and success.Conclusions: Generalizable lessons from the implementation history of this emerging policy experiment include: The need for flexibility within a broad commitment to improving quality. The importance of time for individuals and organizations to learn about: quality improvement; one another’s cultures; and how best to support the transformation of a system while delivering care locally.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles Leslie ◽  
Akram Khayatzadeh-Mahani ◽  
Judy Birdsell ◽  
P. G. Forest ◽  
Rita Henderson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Primary care, and its transformation into Primary Health Care (PHC), has become an area of intense policy interest around the world. As part of this trend Alberta, Canada, has implemented Primary Care Networks (PCNs). These are decentralized organizations, mandated with supporting the delivery of PHC, funded through capitation, and operating as partnerships between the province’s healthcare administration system and family physicians. This paper provides an implementation history of the PCNs, giving a detailed account of how people, time, and culture have interacted to implement bottom up, incremental change in a predominantly Fee-For-Service (FFS) environment. Methods Our implementation history is built out of an analysis of policy documents and qualitative interviews. We conducted an interpretive analysis of relevant policy documents (n = 20) published since the first PCN was established. We then grounded 12 semi-structured interviews in that initial policy analysis. These interviews explored 11 key stakeholders’ perceptions of PHC transformation in Alberta generally, and the formation and evolution of the PCNs specifically. The data from the policy review and the interviews were coded inductively, with participants checking our emerging analyses. Results Over time, the PCNs have shifted from an initial Frontier Era that emphasized local solutions to local problems and featured few rules, to a present Era of Accountability that features central demands for standardized measures, governance, and co-planning with other elements of the health system. Across both eras, the PCNs have been first and foremost instruments and supporters of family physician authority and autonomy. A core group of people emerged to create the PCNs and, over time, to develop a long-term Quality Improvement (QI) vision and governance plan for them as organizations. The continuing willingness of both these groups to work at understanding and aligning one another’s cultures to achieve the transformation towards PHC has been central to the PCNs’ survival and success. Conclusions Generalizable lessons from the implementation history of this emerging policy experiment include: The need for flexibility within a broad commitment to improving quality. The importance of time for individuals and organizations to learn about: quality improvement; one another’s cultures; and how best to support the transformation of a system while delivering care locally.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles Leslie ◽  
Akram Khayatzadeh-Mahani ◽  
Judy Birdsell ◽  
PG Forest ◽  
Rita Henderson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primary care, and its transformation into Primary Health Care (PHC), has become an area of intense policy interest around the world. As part of this trend Alberta, Canada, has implemented Primary Care Networks (PCNs). These are decentralized organizations, mandated with supporting the delivery of PHC, funded through capitation, and operating as partnerships between the province’s healthcare administration system and family physicians. This paper provides an implementationhistory of the PCNs, giving a detailed account of how people, time, and culture have interacted to implement bottom up, incremental change in a predominantly Fee-For-Service (FFS) environment.Methods: Our implementation history is built out of an analysis of policy documents and qualitative interviews. We conducted an interpretive analysis of relevant policy documents (n=20) published since the first PCN was established. We then grounded 12 semi-structured interviews in that initial policy analysis. These interviews explored 11 key stakeholders’ perceptions of PHC transformation in Alberta generally, and the formation and evolution of the PCNs specifically. The data from the policy review and the interviews were coded inductively, with participants checking our emerging analyses.Results: Over time, the PCNs have shifted from an initial Frontier Era that emphasized local solutions to local problems and featured few rules, to a present Era of Accountability that features central demands for standardized measures, governance, and co-planning with other elements of the health system. Across both eras, the PCNs have been first and foremost instruments and supporters of family physician authority and autonomy. A core group of people emerged to create the PCNs and, over time, to develop a long-term Quality Improvement (QI) vision and governance plan for them as organizations. The continuing willingness of both these groups to work at understanding and aligning one another’s cultures to achieve the transformation towards PHC has been central to the PCNs’ survival and success.Conclusions: Generalizable lessons from the implementation history of this emerging policy experiment include: The need for flexibility within a broad commitment to improving quality. The importance of time for individuals and organizations to learn about: quality improvement; one another’s cultures; and how best to support the transformation of a system while delivering care locally.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles Leslie ◽  
Akram Khayatzadeh-Mahani ◽  
Judy Birdsell ◽  
PG Forest ◽  
Rita Henderson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primary care, and its transformation into Primary Health Care (PHC), hasbecome an area of intense policy interest around the world. As part of this trendAlberta, Canada, has implemented Primary Care Networks (PCNs). These aredecentralized organizations, mandated with supporting the delivery of PHC, fundedthrough capitation, and operating as partnerships between the province’s healthcareadministration system and family physicians. This paper provides an implementationhistory of the PCNs, giving a detailed account of how people, time, and culturehave interacted to implement bottom up, incremental change in a predominantly Fee-For-Service (FFS) environment.Methods: Our implementation history is built out of an analysis of policy documentsand qualitative interviews. We conducted an interpretive analysis of relevant policydocuments (n=20) published since the first PCN was established. We then grounded12 semi-structured interviews in that initial policy analysis. These interviews explored11 key stakeholders’ perceptions of PHC transformation in Alberta generally, and theformation and evolution of the PCNs specifically. The data from the policy review andthe interviews were coded inductively, with participants checking our emerginganalyses.Results: Over time, the PCNs have shifted from an initial Frontier Era thatemphasized local solutions to local problems and featured few rules, to a present Eraof Accountability that features central demands for standardized measures,governance, and co-planning with other elements of the health system. A core groupof people – clinician and administration leaders – emerged to create the PCNs and,over time , to develop a long-term Quality Improvement (QI) vision and governanceplan for them as organizations. The continuing willingness of both these groups towork at understanding and aligning one another’s cultures to achieve thetransformation towards PHC has been central to the PCNs’ survival and success.Conclusions: Generalizable lessons from the implementation history of this emergingpolicy experiment include: The need for flexibility within a broad commitment toimproving quality. The importance of time for individuals and organizations to learnabout: quality improvement; one another’s cultures; and how best to support thetransformation of a system while delivering care locally.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myles Leslie ◽  
Akram Khayatzadeh-Mahani ◽  
Judy Birdsell ◽  
PG Forest ◽  
Rita Henderson ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Primary care, and its transformation into Primary Health Care (PHC), hasbecome an area of intense policy interest around the world. As part of this trendAlberta, Canada, has implemented Primary Care Networks (PCNs). These aredecentralized organizations, mandated with supporting the delivery of PHC, fundedthrough capitation, and operating as partnerships between the province’s healthcareadministration system and family physicians. This paper provides an implementationhistory of the PCNs, giving a detailed account of how people, time, and culturehave interacted to implement bottom up, incremental change in a predominantly Fee-For-Service (FFS) environment.Methods: Our implementation history is built out of an analysis of policy documentsand qualitative interviews. We conducted an interpretive analysis of relevant policydocuments (n=20) published since the first PCN was established. We then grounded12 semi-structured interviews in that initial policy analysis. These interviews explored11 key stakeholders’ perceptions of PHC transformation in Alberta generally, and theformation and evolution of the PCNs specifically. The data from the policy review andthe interviews were coded inductively, with participants checking our emerginganalyses. Results: Over time, the PCNs have shifted from an initial Frontier Era thatemphasized local solutions to local problems and featured few rules, to a present Eraof Accountability that features central demands for standardized measures,governance, and co-planning with other elements of the health system. A core groupof people – clinician and administration leaders – emerged to create the PCNs and,over time , to develop a long-term Quality Improvement (QI) vision and governanceplan for them as organizations. The continuing willingness of both these groups towork at understanding and aligning one another’s cultures to achieve thetransformation towards PHC has been central to the PCNs’ survival and success.Conclusions: Generalizable lessons from the implementation history of this emergingpolicy experiment include: The need for flexibility within a broad commitment toimproving quality. The importance of time for individuals and organizations to learnabout: quality improvement; one another’s cultures; and how best to support thetransformation of a system while delivering care locally.


1995 ◽  
Vol 19 (6) ◽  
pp. 371-371
Author(s):  
Michael Phelan

This one day seminar was arranged by the King's Fund Organisational Audit team (KFOA), to take a multidisciplinary view of quality improvement in primary care. Despite the title of the day all the speakers were general practitioners and managers, and input from other professional groups was limited to questions and comments from the audience of nearly 200.


2013 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 190 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn H. Cheong ◽  
Carol L. Armour ◽  
Sinthia Z. Bosnic-Anticevich

Managing chronic illness is highly complex and the pathways to access health care for the patient are unpredictable and often unknown. While multidisciplinary care (MDC) arrangements are promoted in the Australian primary health care system, there is a paucity of research on multidisciplinary collaboration from patients’ perspectives. This exploratory study is the first to gain an understanding of the experiences, perceptions, attitudes and potential role of people with chronic illness (asthma) on the delivery of MDC in the Australian primary health care setting. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with asthma patients from Sydney, Australia. Qualitative analysis of data indicates that patients are significant players in MDC and their perceptions of their chronic condition, perceived roles of health care professionals, and expectations of health care delivery, influence their participation and attitudes towards multidisciplinary services. Our research shows the challenges presented by patients in the delivery and establishment of multidisciplinary health care teams, and highlights the need to consider patients’ perspectives in the development of MDC models in primary care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 73 (suppl 3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rutielle Ferreira Silva ◽  
Maria do Livramento Fortes Figueiredo ◽  
Juan José Tirado Darder ◽  
Ana Maria Ribeiro dos Santos ◽  
Maria Antonieta Rubio Tyrrell

ABSTRACT Objective: Describe the knowledge and practices of the Primary Health Care nurse on sarcopenia screening in the elderly. Methods: Qualitative study conducted with 24 Primary Health Care nurses. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews, recorded and later transcribed. The speeches were grouped in thematic categories, later analyzed, supported by Paulo Freire’s reference. Results: The findings showed that the primary care nurses’ knowledge of sarcopenia screening in the elderly was incipient and fragile. This reality is reflected in a gap in practice, although some instruments already require the registration of characteristics indicative of sarcopenia, such as the evaluation of the calf circumference. Final Considerations: The need to train nurses to perform sarcopenia screening and to implement a promotional and preventive care plan, which will result in improving the quality of life of the elderly assisted in Primary Care, was highlighted.


2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abby Andrews ◽  
Katharine A. Wallis ◽  
Felicity Goodyear-Smith

Abstract INTRODUCTION The Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care at the University of Auckland is considering developing a Master of Primary Health Care (MPHC) programme. Masters level study entails considerable investment of both university and student time and money. AIM To explore the views of potential students and possible employers of future graduates to discover whether there is a market for such a programme and to inform the development of the programme. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 primary health care stakeholders. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using a general inductive approach to identify themes. FINDINGS Primary care practitioners might embark on MPHC studies to develop health management and leadership skills, to develop and/or enhance clinical skills, to enhance teaching and research skills, or for reasons of personal interest. Barriers to MPHC study were identified as cost and a lack of funding, time constraints and clinical workload. Study participants favoured inter-professional learning and a flexible delivery format. Pre-existing courses may already satisfy the post-graduate educational needs of primary care practitioners. Masters level study may be superfluous to the needs of the primary care workforce. CONCLUSIONS Any successful MPHC programme would need to provide value for PHC practitioner students and be unique. The postgraduate educational needs of New Zealand primary care practitioners may be already catered for. The international market for a MPHC programme is yet to be explored.


Author(s):  
Severina Alice da Costa Uchôa ◽  
Ricardo Alexandre Arcêncio ◽  
Inês Fronteira ◽  
Ardigleusa Alves Coêlho ◽  
Claudia Santos Martiniano ◽  
...  

Objective: to analyze the influence of contextual indicators on the performance of cities regarding potential access to primary health care in Brazil and to discuss the contribution from nurses working on this access. Method: a multicenter descriptive study using secondary data from External Evaluation of the National Program for Access and Quality Improvement in Primary Care, with the participation of 17,202 primary care teams. The chi-square test of proportions was used to verify differences between the cities stratified in the dimensions on size of the coverage group, supply, coordination and integration. When necessary, the chi-square test with Yates correction or Fisher’s exact test were employed. For the population variable, the Kruskal-Wallis test was used. Results: the majority of participants were nurses (n = 15,876; 92.3%). Statistically significant differences were observed between the cities in terms of territory (p=0.0000), availability (p=0.0000), coordination of care (p=0.0000), integration (p=0.0000) and supply (p=0.0000), verifying that the cities that make up group 6 tend to perform better in these dimensions, with a better performance in all dimensions analyzed in groups 4, 5 and 6. Conclusion: weakness in smaller cities, confirming inequities in the potential access to Primary Health Care in Brazil as challenges for universal coverage. The preponderant role of nurses for its achievement is highlighted.


2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. 2543-2551 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lílian Moura de Lima Spagnolo ◽  
Jéssica Oliveira Tomberg ◽  
Dagoberta Alves Vieira ◽  
Roxana Isabel Cardozo Gonzales

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the flow of care to the person with symptoms of tuberculosis and the results achieved in the detection of cases in Primary Health Care units of two municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul. Method: descriptive of mixed methods, developed between 2013 and 2016. We used secondary data of 69 units and semi-structured interviews with 10 professionals. Descriptive statistical analysis and content analysis were used. Results: it was observed that the fragmented flow of attention to the respiratory symptoms in Pelotas resulted in low detection of cases by Primary Care, 8.8% of the diagnoses of the municipality. The Sapucaia do Sul flow presents continuity of care, and Primary Care performed 50% of the diagnoses of the municipality. Conclusion: the organization of flows by municipal management was instrumental in promoting or limiting the commitment of Primary Health Care teams in coordinating care and consequently in achieving the goals of disease control.


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