scholarly journals The Use of SMART Goals to Create Attainable Health Actions at Community Health Screenings

Author(s):  
Katherine Jensen ◽  
Jacob Canfield ◽  
Lessly Hernandez ◽  
Melanie Stone

Abstract Background Frontera de Salud is a student-run, interprofessional health organization that delivers primary care to underserved populations in South Texas. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the effectiveness of, and longitudinal adherence to, SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time bound) goals created with clients during the Frontera counseling session. Methods Prior to a trip, Frontera personnel received training on developing SMART goals. During the counseling session of the health screening, after a client had undergone tests to measure blood sugar and lipids, a Frontera counselor would create a personalized SMART goal with the client. Several months after the initial health screening, the Frontera client was contacted via phone call to discuss adherence to their SMART goal. Results Of a sample of 150 client records, 58 (38.7%) of those clients were able to be reached via phone call. Of those 58 clients, 38 (65.5%) reported adherence to the SMART goal created during their Frontera counseling session. For those 38 clients, 18 had a diet-related goal (47.4%), 3 had an exercise-related goal (7.9%) and 13 (34.2%) had a goal that encompassed both diet and exercise. Conclusions Among clients contacted for follow-up, almost two-thirds reported adherence to their SMART goal. The most efficacious goals were diet-related. Of concern, only 38.7% of clients were able to be reached for follow-up.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joëlle Suillot ◽  
Sophie Zuercher ◽  
Lydie Zufferey ◽  
Julien Sagez

Abstract Background: Telemedicine is a healthcare assistance method which has been promoted during the COVID-19 pandemic for the management of patients. The aim of this study is to quantify the type of request that primary care physicians are experiencing, as well as the healthcare assistance modalities and ultimately, how many physical consultations are necessary.Methods: We conducted a prospective, descriptive study in a primary care practice in Switzerland on telephone consultations related to COVID-19. The data collected included the reasons for the call, symptoms, healthcare assistance modalities and follow-up. The categorical variables are expressed as percentages of the total cases or groups.Results: We included 200 calls corresponding to 113 patients. The majority of patients (76.1%) were taken care of solely through telemedicine. The physical consultations were due to the need: for a swab test (12.4%), for a somatic assessment at the practice (9.7%) and for an emergency services consultation (1.8%). In 64.6% of cases, patient assistance required only one phone call. Calls lasted 7.85 minutes on average and were more frequent on Mondays (24%) and Fridays (18.5%). Calls led to the prescription of medication in 12.5% of cases, of a bronchodilator in 3% of cases and of an antibiotic in 0.5% of cases.Conclusion: A rigorous telephone follow-up strategy carried out by primary care physicians requires few physical consultations in patients showing symptoms of COVID-19.


2008 ◽  
Vol 10 (06) ◽  
pp. 430-434 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan R. Gerber ◽  
Howard J. Cabral ◽  
Shakira Franco Suglia ◽  
Robert C. Joseph ◽  
Lise E. Fried

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-35
Author(s):  
Farrah Lee Rosentreader

Background: Depression is highly prevalent in primary care settings and depressed patients of all ages are seen by their Primary Care Provider (PCP) for treatment (Datto et al., 2003).  In order to adequately treat depression, PCPs must follow the clinical guidelines for follow-up.Purpose: The purpose of this project was to implement a standardized follow-up plan for patients aged 12 and older with a positive screen for depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) screening tool.Methods: The setting was a rural clinic in Broken Bow, Nebraska.  The sample included 89 patients seen between September 1 -November 30, 2020 who met the criteria of a PHQ-9 score of 5 or greater compared with 47 patients seen between September 1 -November 30, 2019. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency and means and compared between before and after implementation of this quality improvement project.Results: In 2019, 11.3 % of patients reported depression. That more than doubled to 25.6 % in 2020.  Of the depressed patients in 2019, 36.2% had mild depression, while the number almost doubled to 60.7% in 2020. The 2020 PHQ-9 results were reviewed from most severe down to mild depression.  Of the 35 patients with the highest severity, 89% had at least one measure completed representing an adequate follow-up plan.  Referral rates improved from 12.8% in 2019 to 14.6% in 2020.  Medication was the most common treatment in both years with 57.4% in 2019 and 27% in 2020.  Completed follow-ups improved from 45.5% in 2019 to 73% in 2020; with 1 nurse phone call follow-up and one CSSR-S completed.Conclusion: It is unknow the affects from the 2020 pandemic.  However, and increase in mild depression shows a need to know how to treat sub-threshold depression. The use of the template as a guide led to improvement on all measures. However, some measures were used only sparingly and use may be improved with increased acceptance of the guide.  


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Mojares ◽  
Sherydahn Aldrich ◽  
Maria Novales-Fiel

Background: This project attempts to discover the subjective response needs of 30-day post-acute stroke patients and their family members that were treated in two Northern California hospitals. The goal is to determine the functional level of the Stroke Survivor (SS) as measured by the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and to identify post-discharge needs. Purpose: The objective of this project is to identify the patient’s mRS score and post-discharge needs. The study includes stroke education reinforcement, primary care physician follow-up, ancillary services follow-up, discern hospital readmissions rates, and increase patient satisfaction. Methods: A list of discharged acute ischemic stroke patients over a three month period was provided to the Stroke Nurse Champion (SNC). A stroke phone call template was created to elicit the patient’s history, diagnosis, and mRS score. Patients with intracranial hemorrhage diagnosis, patients discharged to Skilled Nursing Facilities, and deceased patients were excluded from the study. The SNC performed chart review to determine patient course of hospitalization and stroke care management; places follow-up phone call to patient or family member; and identify the SS needs. When needs were discovered, they were addressed using electronic in-house messaging to patient’s primary care providers and ancillary staff. Results: Of the 63 participants, nine required stroke resource follow-up. The average mRS score of 1.84 revealed the patient’s knowledge of self-management to be 100%. There were 13 cases that needed outpatient therapy and Home Health therapy with mRS >2. The study outcome includes readmission rate of 0.03% (n=2) and stroke patient satisfaction >12.5%. Conclusions: Based on the mRS score, the SS appropriately met the level of care including rehabilitation needs at home. Post discharge needs of SS included psychosocial support, medication modification and appropriate durable medical equipment. Overall, the SS were satisfied with their care with low incidence of hospital readmission due to their stroke education provided during their hospitalization. Further plans for each hospital facility to consider continuing this project or to change the focus to outpatient support services as well.


Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessica Douglas ◽  
Heather Ramsey ◽  
Kelly Venters ◽  
Amber Parker

Background and Purpose: Hospital readmissions have become a priority focus for healthcare organizations. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, 20% of all patients who are discharged from a hospital will be readmitted within thirty days (CMS, 2015). This not only has a negative impact for the patient, but also imposes a financial impact on the healthcare organization. Baseline data from 2014 at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital (LCRH) showed a stroke readmission rate of 9.6%. The purpose was to decrease stroke readmissions through development of a discharge call process that targets risk factors for readmission and ensures transition from hospital care to post-discharge follow-up. Methods: The discharge call process was implemented in June 2014. Calls were conducted by the facility’s stroke educator. All stroke program participants excluding discharges to nursing homes, rehabilitation center, or hospice were included in the discharge call process. Minimally, 3 attempts per patient were made to conduct the phone call within 3 days of discharge. In addition, the Lake Cumberland Area Stroke Support Group was established in May 2016 for stroke survivors and their caregivers. Results: Stroke readmission rates at LCRH decreased to 7.9% in 2015 and further declined to 1.6% as of 2nd quarter 2016. Interventions completed as a result of the discharge phone call process include: expediting follow-up appointments, collaborating with primary care practitioner for needed prescriptions, clarifying discharge instructions, reinforcing stroke education, and scheduling additional follow-up calls to provide assistance when needed. Conclusions: Stroke readmission rates decreased from 9.6% in 2014 to 1.6% through second quarter of 2016. Multiple opportunities were discovered to close the communication gap between hospital care and primary care follow-up. Maintaining contact post-discharge is needed to transition from the hospital to home care.


2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711005
Author(s):  
Raza Naqvi ◽  
Octavia Gale

BackgroundPreventative medicine has become a central focus in primary care provision, with greater emphasis on education and access to health care screening. The Department of Health reports existing health inequalities and inequalities in access within ethnic minority groups. Studies assessing the value of community engagement in primary care have reported variable outcomes in term of subsequent service utilisation.AimTo consider the benefit of community-based health screening checks to improve access and health outcomes in minority ethnic groups.MethodAn open community health screening event (n = 43), to allow targeted screening within an ethnic minority population. Screening included BP, BMI, BM and cholesterol. Results were interpreted by a healthcare professional and counselling was provided regarding relevant risk factors. Post-event feedback was gathered to collate participant opinion and views.ResultsSeventy-nine per cent of participants were from ethnic minority backgrounds: 64% were overweight or obese and 53% of participants were referred to primary care for urgent review following abnormal findings. All those referred would not have accessed healthcare without the event referral. All (100%) participants believed it improved health education and access to health care.ConclusionThis study clearly demonstrates the value of targeted community-led screening and education events in public health promotion. There was a significant benefit in providing community-based screening. There is a need for a longitudinal analysis to determine the impact on health outcomes and long-term access to healthcare provision.


Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ubiratan Cardinalli Adler ◽  
Maristela Schiabel Adler ◽  
Livia Mitchiguian Hotta ◽  
Ana Elisa Madureira Padula ◽  
Amarilys de Toledo Cesar ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives To investigate the effectiveness and safety of homeopathic medicine Natrum muriaticum (LM2) for mild cases of COVID-19 in Primary Health Care. Trial design A randomized, two-armed (1:1), parallel, placebo-controlled, double-blind, clinical trial is being performed to test the following hypotheses: H0: homeopathic medicines = placebo (null hypothesis) vs. H1: homeopathic medicines ≠ placebo (alternative hypothesis) for mild cases of COVID-19 in Primary Care. Participants Setting: Primary Care of São Carlos – São Paulo – Brazil. One hundred participants aged 18 years or older, with Influenza-like symptoms and a positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Willingness to give informed consent and to comply with the study procedures is also required. Exclusion criterium: severe acute respiratory syndrome. Intervention and comparator Homeopathy: 1 globule of Natrum muriaticum LM2 diluted in 20 mL of alcohol 30% and dispensed in a 30 ml bottle. Placebo: 20 mL of alcohol 30% dispensed in a 30 ml bottle. Posology: one drop taken orally every 4 hours (6 doses/day) while there is fever, cough, tiredness, or pain (headache, sore throat, muscle aches, chest pain, etc.) followed by one drop every 6 hours (4 doses/day) until the fourteenth day of use. The bottle of study medication should be submitted to 10 vigorous shakes (succussions) before each dose. Posology may be changed by telemedicine, with no break in blinding. Study medication should be maintained during home isolation. According to the Primary Care protocol, the home isolation period lasts until the 10th day after the appearance of the first symptom, or up to 72 hours without symptoms. Main outcomes The primary endpoint will be time to recovery, defined as the number of days elapsed before all COVID-19 Influenza-like symptoms are recorded as mild or absent during home isolation period. Secondary measures are recovery time for each COVID-19 symptom; score of the scale created for the study (COVID-Simile Scale); medicines used during follow-up; number of days of follow-up; number of visits to emergency services; number of hospitalizations; other symptoms and Adverse Events during home isolation period. Randomisation The study Statistician generated a block randomization list, using a 1:1 ratio of the two groups (denoted as A and B) and a web-based tool (http://www.random.org/lists). Blinding (masking) The clinical investigators, the statistician, the Primary Care teams, the study collaborators, and the participants will remain blinded from the identity of the two treatment groups until the end of the study. Numbers to be randomised (sample size) One hundred participants are planned to be randomized (1:1) to placebo (50) or homeopathy (50). Trial Status Protocol version/date May 21, 2020. Recruitment is ongoing. First participant was recruited/included on June 29,2020. Due to recruitment adaptations to Primary Care changes, the authors anticipate the trial will finish recruiting on April 10, 2021. Trial registration COVID-Simile Study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN - https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm) on June 1st, 2020, and the trial start date was June 15, 2020. Unique ID: UMIN000040602. Full protocol The full protocol is attached as an additional file, accessible from the Trials website (Additional file 1). In the interest in expediting dissemination of this material, the familiar formatting has been eliminated; this Letter serves as a summary of the key elements of the full protocol.


Geriatrics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 18
Author(s):  
Marjan Abbasi ◽  
Sheny Khera ◽  
Julia Dabravolskaj ◽  
Bernadette Chevalier ◽  
Kelly Parker

(1) Background: Integrated models of primary care deliver the comprehensive and preventative approach needed to identify and manage frailty in older people. Seniors’ Community Hub (SCH) was developed to deliver person-centered, evidence-informed, coordinated, and integrated care services to older community dwelling adults living with frailty. This paper aims to describe the SCH model, and to present patient-oriented results of the pilot. (2) Methods: SCH was piloted in an academic clinic with six family physicians. Eligible patients were community dwelling, 65 years of age and older, and considered to be at risk of frailty (eFI > 0.12). Health professionals within the clinic received training in geriatrics and interprofessional teamwork to form the SCH team working with family physicians, patients and caregivers. The SCH intervention consisted of a team-based multi-domain assessment with person-centered care planning and follow-up. Patient-oriented outcomes (EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS) and 4-metre gait speed were measured at initial visit and 12 months later. (3) Results: 88 patients were enrolled in the pilot from April 2016–December 2018. No statistically significant differences in EQ-5D-5L/VAS or the 4-metre gait speed were detected in 38 patients completing the 12-month assessment. (4) Conclusions: Future larger scale studies of longer duration are needed to demonstrate impacts of integrated models of primary care on patient-oriented outcomes for older adults living with frailty.


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