scholarly journals Memory care approaches to better leverage capacity of dementia specialists: a narrative synthesis

Author(s):  
Jenny Lam ◽  
Soeren Mattke

Prior research suggests that a scarcity of dementia specialists could hamper access to disease-modifying Alzheimer’s treatments. We describe alternative approaches on how to leverage specialist time for memory care in this narrative synthesis based on 17 semi-structured interviews and a targeted literature review on memory care approaches that leverage specialist time. We identified four types of approaches: community primary care practices empowered with better tools and training; primary care memory clinics; specialty memory clinics and; specialty memory centers. Several approaches to use specialist time efficiently have been implemented and some but not all evaluated. The optimal approach may depend on the local context.

Author(s):  
Mary Jo Dorsey ◽  
Ellen Detlefsen

Objective – To describe preliminary findings from a study of information-seeking behaviors of primary care physicians who care for elderly and depressed patients, and the correlation between what is sought versus what is provided to the patient and (or) caregiver. Setting – Physicians in two large ambulatory primary care practices throughout urban Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who take care of geriatric patients. Methods – Structured interviews, with common questions, will be conducted with 12 primary care physicians to determine patterns of information-seeking behaviors. Environmental scans of physicians' offices for evidence of their existing information behaviors will complement the information obtained from the interviews. Results – This pilot study provides an analysis of the resources primary care physicians use to seek information to provide to patients and caregivers. Analyses show types of information sought, time spent seeking information, and methods used to find information given to patients. Conclusions – With mounting evidence of the Internet being used for patient self care, it is essential to understand if primary care physicians understand the scope and breadth of information readily available to their patients. The primary care physician needs to be aware of the types of information made available to their patients and the caregivers who are inclined to obtain information for the patient.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (13) ◽  
pp. 2071-2080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salini Mohanty ◽  
Amy Carroll-Scott ◽  
Marissa Wheeler ◽  
Cecilia Davis-Hayes ◽  
Renee Turchi ◽  
...  

Understanding how pediatric practices handle parental vaccine hesitancy is important as it impacts the efficiency and effectiveness of pediatric practices. In total, 21 semi-structured interviews with pediatric practice staff within a primary care network were conducted between May 2012 and March 2013. Thematic analysis focused on the barriers and challenges of vaccine hesitancy and strategies to reduce the burden at the practice level. Barriers and challenges of vaccine hesitancy included time constraints, administrative challenges, financial challenges and strained patient-provider relationships. Strategies to minimize the burden of vaccine hesitancy included training for vaccine counseling, screening for vaccine hesitancy prior to immunization visits, tailored vaccine counseling, and primary care provider visits for follow-up immunization. Pediatric practices reported many challenges when caring for vaccine-hesitant families. Multiple strategies were identified to reduce the burden of vaccine hesitancy, which future studies should explore to determine how effective they are in increasing vaccine acceptance in pediatric practices.


2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (01) ◽  
pp. 3-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bonnie M. Vest ◽  
Victoria M. Hall ◽  
Linda S. Kahn ◽  
Arvela R. Heider ◽  
Nancy Maloney ◽  
...  

Aims The purpose of this qualitative evaluation was to explore the experience of implementing routine telemonitoring (TM) in real-world primary care settings from the perspective of those delivering the intervention; namely the TM staff, and report on lessons learned that could inform future projects of this type. Background Routine TM for high-risk patients within primary care practices may help improve chronic disease control and reduce complications, including unnecessary hospital admissions. However, little is known about how to integrate routine TM in busy primary care practices. A TM pilot for diabetic patients was attempted in six primary care practices as part of the Beacon Community in Western New York. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with representatives of three TM agencies (n=8) participating in the pilot. Interviews were conducted over the phone or in person and lasted ~30 min. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Analysis was conducted using immersion-crystallization to identify themes. Findings TM staff revealed several themes related to the experience of delivering TM in real-world primary care: (1) the nurse–patient relationship is central to a successful TM experience, (2) TM is a useful tool for understanding socio-economic context and its impact on patients’ health, (3) TM staff anecdotally report important potential impacts on patient health, and (4) integrating TM into primary care practices needs to be planned carefully. Conclusions This qualitative study identified challenges and unexpected benefits that might inform future efforts. Communication and integration between the TM agency and the practice, including the designation of a point person within the office to coordinate TM and help address the broader contextual needs of patients, are important considerations for future implementation. The role of the TM nurse in developing trust with patients and uncovering the social and economic context within which patients manage their diabetes was an unexpected benefit.


2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 175-188 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethany Glueck

As integrated primary care (IPC) evolves, so does the new role of the behavioral health clinician (BHC). At present, mental health providers from various specialties are working as BHCs and adapting their training and skills to work as part of the medical team. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences of BHCs who work in IPC so as to better understand their roles, attitudes, and training needs. The themes that emerged from semi-structured interviews suggest that the roles of a BHC are multifaceted and rooted in a holistic mind-body approach. Participants supported the need for additional training in graduate programs and internships for integrated care. The results informed a conceptual model of BHCs working in IPC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (12) ◽  
pp. 840.3-841
Author(s):  
Mazhar Choudrhey ◽  
Michelle Edwards ◽  
Alison Cooper ◽  
Pippa Anderson ◽  
Thomas Hughes ◽  
...  

Aims/Objectives/BackgroundWe aim to examine senior managers’ perspectives on funding mechanisms used to implement the policy and experiences of success or challenges in introducing models of using GPs in or alongside emergency departments. Health policy in England has advocated the use of primary care clinicians at emergency departments to address pressures from rising attendances. However, implementing large systemic changes such as placing GPs in or alongside emergency departments requires significant funding, consideration of the opportunity costs of the alternative uses of such funding, an available workforce and evidence of how it should be used. Our findings will inform policy adaptation and service development to improve the healthcare provided to patients by providing new evidence of the reported experiences of adopting models of using GPs in or alongside emergency departments.Methods/DesignThe perspectives of senior clinical, business and finance managers with responsibility for emergency department services and on-site primary care service implementation were investigated in semi-structured interviews with 31 managers at 12 type-1 emergency departments in England and Wales. Emergency departments operated one of three GP models or had prior experience of implementing a GP model. Interviews were thematically analysed.Results/ConclusionsSuccessful GPs models in emergency departments were perceived to be reliant on well-organised and unified funding mechanisms, appropriate staffing and governance, and consideration of population demands and needs. Funding mechanisms and the flow of funds were reported as complex, the most efficient mechanisms were described at departments where funding was unified, in collaboration with health and community care services. Staffing with local, experienced GPs was important. There were also cautions from experiences with private locum providers. Our findings contribute to debates about implementing policy on how primary care clinicians are effectively and safely deployed in emergency departments and how local context should be considered.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malte Kohns Vasconcelos ◽  
Katharina Weil ◽  
Daniela Vesterling-Hörner ◽  
Mehrsad Klemm ◽  
Tarik el Scheich ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundGlobally, the COVID-19 pandemic has a major impact on healthcare provision. The effects in primary care are understudied.AimTo document changes in consultation numbers and patient management during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to identify challenges for patient care.MethodsSurvey of 44 paediatric primary care practices on consultation numbers and patient management changes (response rate 50%), and semi-structured interviews to identify challenges for patient care.ResultsNumbers of consultations for scheduled developmental examinations remained unchanged compared to the previous year while emergency visits were strongly reduced (mean 87.3 less/week in March–May 2020 compared to 2019, median reduction 55.0%). Children dependent on developmental therapy and with chronic health conditions were identified as patient groups receiving deteriorated care. High patient numbers, including of mildly symptomatic children presenting for health certificates, in combination with increased organisational demands and expected staff outages are priority concerns for the winter.ConclusionPrimary care paediatricians offered stable service through the early pandemic but expect strained resources for the upcoming winter. Unambiguous guidance on which children should present to primary care and who should be tested would help to allocate resources appropriately, and this guidance needs to consider age group specific issues including high prevalence of respiratory symptoms, dependency on carers and high contact rates.


2017 ◽  
Vol 67 (664) ◽  
pp. e764-e774 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasmine Pawa ◽  
John Robson ◽  
Sally Hull

BackgroundPrimary care practices are increasingly working in larger groups. In 2009, all 36 primary care practices in the London borough of Tower Hamlets were grouped geographically into eight managed practice networks to improve the quality of care they delivered. Quantitative evaluation has shown improved clinical outcomes.AimTo provide insight into the process of network implementation, including the aims, facilitating factors, and barriers, from both the clinical and managerial perspectives.Design and settingA qualitative study of network implementation in the London borough of Tower Hamlets, which serves a socially disadvantaged and ethnically diverse population.MethodNineteen semi-structured interviews were carried out with doctors, nurses, and managers, and were informed by existing literature on integrated care and GP networks. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, and thematic analysis used to analyse emerging themes.ResultsInterviewees agreed that networks improved clinical care and reduced variation in practice performance. Network implementation was facilitated by the balance struck between ‘a given structure’ and network autonomy to adopt local solutions. Improved use of data, including patient recall and peer performance indicators, were viewed as critical key factors. Targeted investment provided the necessary resources to achieve this. Barriers to implementing networks included differences in practice culture, a reluctance to share data, and increased workload.ConclusionCommissioners and providers were positive about the implementation of GP networks as a way to improve the quality of clinical care in Tower Hamlets. The issues that arose may be of relevance to other areas implementing similar quality improvement programmes at scale.


2016 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 510
Author(s):  
Leigh Kinsman ◽  
Rachel Tham ◽  
Julie Symons ◽  
Mike Jones ◽  
Stephen Campbell ◽  
...  

Rural primary care services have the potential to play a major role in reducing the gap in cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes between rural and metropolitan Australians, particularly in men at high risk of CVD. The aim of this study was to explore the self-reported behaviours and satisfaction with their general practice/practitioner of men at high risk of CVD, and attitudes of rural primary care clinicians regarding the role of primary care in CVD prevention. This observational research was addressed through survey questionnaires with rural men at high risk of CVD and semi-structured interviews with rural primary care clinicians. Fourteen rural primary care practices from towns with populations less than 25000 participated. One hundred and fifty-eight high-risk men completed the questionnaire. Their responses demonstrated poorly controlled risk factors despite a willingness to change. Alternatively, rural primary care clinicians (n=20) reported that patients were unlikely to change and that illness-based funding models inhibited cardiovascular preventive activities. Australians living in rural areas have worse CVD outcomes. In addition, there is a disparity in the assumptions of health providers and male patients at high risk of CVD in rural areas. This necessitates innovative rural primary care models that include a blended payment system that incentivises or funds preventive care alongside an emphasis on lifestyle advice, as well as an explicit strategy to influence clinician and patient behaviour to help address the disparity.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marieke M. van der Zande ◽  
Melanie Dembinsky ◽  
Giovanni Aresi ◽  
Tjeerd P. van Staa

Abstract Background Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is high on the UK public health policy agenda, and poses challenges to patient safety and the provision of health services. Widespread prescribing of antibiotics is thought to increase AMR, and mostly takes place in primary medical care. However, prescribing rates vary substantially between general practices. The aim of this study was to understand contextual factors related to general practitioners’ (GPs) antibiotic prescribing behaviour in low, high, and around the mean (medium) prescribing primary care practices. Methods Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 GPs working in North-West England. Participants were purposively sampled from practices with low, medium, and high antibiotic prescribing rates adjusted for the number and characteristics of patients registered in a practice. The interviews were analysed thematically. Results This study found that optimizing antibiotic prescribing creates tensions for GPs, particularly in doctor-patient communication during a consultation. GPs balanced patient expectations and their own decision-making in their communication. When not prescribing antibiotics, GPs reported the need for supportive mechanisms, such as regular practice meetings, within the practice, and in the wider healthcare system (e.g. longer consultation times). In low prescribing practices, GPs reported that increasing dialogue with colleagues, having consistent patterns of prescribing within the practice, supportive practice policies, and enough resources such as consultation time were important supports when not prescribing antibiotics. Conclusions Insight into GPs’ negotiations with patient and public health demands, and consistent and supportive practice-level policies can help support prudent antibiotic prescribing among primary care practices.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (30_suppl) ◽  
pp. 80-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer Tsui ◽  
Jenna Howard ◽  
William L. Miller ◽  
Denalee M. O'Malley ◽  
Shawna V. Hudson ◽  
...  

80 Background: Improvements in the management of care transitions between primary care and oncology are critical for achieving optimal care quality and outcomes for cancer patients and survivors. We examine relationships between innovative PC practices and oncologists to inform and strengthen PC-oncology interfaces in diverse healthcare settings. Methods: Comparative case studies of 14 innovative PC practices throughout the United States examined strategies for providing cancer survivorship care. Field researchers observed each practice for 10-12 days, recording fieldnotes and conducting key informant and formal, semi-structured interviews with clinicians and staff. We extracted all data related to PC-oncology relationships and then collaboratively identified patterns to characterize these relationships through an inductive “immersion/crystallization” analysis process. Results: Nine of the 14 practices discussed either formal or informal PC-oncology relationships. Nearly all practices with existing formal PC-oncology relationships were embedded within healthcare systems. Private, independent practices had more informal relationships between individual PC physicians and specific oncologists. Practices with formal relationships noted ease of communication and transfer of patient information, timeliness in patient referrals, and direct access to oncologists; while practices with informal relationships noted the benefits of having close engagement with specific oncologists. Regardless of relationship type, remaining challenges include lack of clarity about roles during cancer treatment and beyond. Conclusions: With the rapid transformation of U.S. healthcare towards system ownership of primary care practices, efforts are needed to integrate the strengths of both formal and informal PC-oncology relationships to improve care for cancer patients and survivors.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document