scholarly journals Beyond BMI: a feasibility study implementing NutriSTEP in primary care practices using electronic medical records (EMRs)

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lesley Andrade ◽  
Kathy Moran ◽  
Susan J. Snelling ◽  
Darshaka Malaviarachchi ◽  
Joanne Beyers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Eating Habits ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Early Years ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Nutrition Risk ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices

Introduction Primary care providers have a role to play in supporting the development of healthy eating habits, particularly in a child’s early years. This study examined the feasibility of implementing the NutriSTEP® screen—a 17-item nutrition risk screening tool validated for use with both toddler and preschooler populations—integrated with an electronic medical record (EMR) in primary care practices in Ontario, Canada, to inform primary care decision-making and public health surveillance. Methods Five primary care practices implemented the NutriSTEP screen as a standardized form into their EMRs. To understand practitioners’ experiences with delivery and assess factors associated with successful implementation, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with primary care providers who were most knowledgeable about NutriSTEP implementation at their site. We assessed the quality of the extracted patient EMR data by determining the number of fully completed NutriSTEP screens and documented growth measurements of children. Results Primary care practices implemented the NutriSTEP screen as part of a variety of routine clinical contacts; specific data collection processes varied by site. Valid NutriSTEP screen data were captured in the EMRs of 80% of primary care practices. Approximately 90% of records had valid NutriSTEP screen completions and 70% of records had both valid NutriSTEP screen completions and valid growth measurements. Conclusion Integration of NutriSTEP as a standardized EMR form is feasible in primary care practices, although implementation varied in our study. The application of EMR-integrated NutriSTEP screening as part of a comprehensive childhood healthy weights surveillance system warrants further exploration.

A novel continuum-based framework for translating behavioral health integration to primary care settings

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 580-589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew L Goldman ◽  
Ekaterina Smali ◽  
Talia Richkin ◽  
Harold A Pincus ◽  
Henry Chung
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Behavioral Health ◽  
Technical Assistance ◽  
New York State ◽  
Behavioral Health Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Behavioral Health Integration ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices

Abstract Although evidence-based behavioral health integration models have been demonstrated to work well when implemented properly, primary care practices need practical guidance on the steps they can take to build behavioral health integration capacities. This is especially true for practice settings with fewer resources. This study is a pilot field test of a framework continuum composed of core components of behavioral health integration that can be used to translate the implementation of behavioral health into diverse clinical settings guided by a practice's priorities and available resources. This framework, in combination with technical assistance by the study team, was piloted in 11 small primary care sites (defined as ≤5 primary care providers) throughout New York State. Surveys were collected at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months. Informal check-in calls and site visits using qualitative semistructured individual and group interviews were conducted with 10 of the 11 sites. A mixed-methods approach was used to incorporate the survey data and qualitative thematic analysis. All practices advanced at least one level of behavioral health integration along various components of the framework. These advances included implementing depression screening, standardizing workflows for positive screens, integrating patient tracking tools for follow-up behavioral health visits, incorporating warm hand-offs to on-site or off-site behavioral health providers, and formalized external referrals using collaborative agreements. Practices reported they had overall positive experiences using the framework and offered feedback for how to improve future iterations. The framework continuum, in combination with technical assistance, was shown to be useful for primary care practices to advance integrated behavioral health care based on their priorities and resource availability. The results combined with feedback from the practices have yielded a revised “Framework 2.0” that includes a new organization as well as the addition of a “Sustainability” domain.

scholarly journals Adult Asthma Diagnosis: Physician Reported Challenges in Alberta-Based Primary Care Practices

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 237796082092598
Author(s):  
H. Sharpe ◽  
F. C. Claveria-Gonzalez ◽  
W. Davidson ◽  
A. D. Befus ◽  
J. P. Leung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Pulmonary Function ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Pulmonary Function Testing ◽  
Objective Measurement ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Asthma Diagnosis ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices ◽  
Function Testing

Introduction An estimated 8.1% of Canadians adults have asthma. While there are challenges associated with the use of objective measurement of lung function in the diagnosis of asthma, we are uncertain of the barriers that impact the use of objective measures, and have limited understanding of the challenges experienced by primary care providers in diagnosis of asthma. The objectives of this quality improvement initiative were to identify primary care providers’ methods of diagnosing asthma and to identify challenges with diagnosis. Methods An online survey was disseminated using a snowball methodology. Setting Primary care practices in Alberta, Canada. Participants A total of 84 primary care providers completed the survey. Main Outcome Measures Participants were asked their ideal and sufficient methods for diagnosing asthma and to identify challenges in their practice related to asthma diagnosis. Results They identified full pulmonary function testing (54%), pre- and postbronchodilator spirometry (54%), complete history and physical (42%), peak flow measurement overtime (26%), pulmonary consult (26%), and trial of asthma medication(s) (23%), as ideal methods of diagnosing asthma. The most significant barriers to diagnosis included episodic care–care provided typically during times of worsening symptoms without ongoing preventative/maintenance care (55%), patient follow-up (44%), conflict between clinical impression and pulmonary function results (43%), patient already on asthma medications (43%), and interpreting spirometry/pulmonary function results (39%). Conclusion The results of this survey indicate that the majority of primary care providers would choose full pulmonary function testing or pre- and postbronchodilator spirometry as the ideal methods of diagnosing asthma. However, barriers related to the nature of asthma care, patient factors, and challenges with diagnostic testing create challenges. This study also highlights that primary care providers have adapted to challenges in leveraging objective measurement and may rely upon other methods for diagnosis such as trials of medications.

scholarly journals Integrating childhood obesity resources into the patient-centered medical home: Provider perspectives in the United States

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-78 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samareh G Hill ◽  
Thao-Ly T Phan ◽  
George A Datto ◽  
Jobayer Hossain ◽  
Lloyd N Werk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Childhood Obesity ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
System Level ◽  
Pediatric Primary Care ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Obesity Management ◽  
Ancillary Staff ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices

Pediatric primary care providers play a critical role in managing obesity yet often lack the resources and support systems to provide effective care to children with obesity. The objective of this study was to identify system-level barriers to managing obesity and resources desired to better managing obesity from the perspective of pediatric primary care providers. A 64-item survey was electronically administered to 159 primary care providers from 26 practices within a large pediatric primary care network. Bivariate analyses were performed to compare survey responses based on provider and practice characteristics. Also factor analysis was conducted to determine key constructs that effect pediatric interventions for obesity. Survey response rate was 69% ( n = 109), with the majority of respondents being female (77%), physicians (67%), and without prior training in obesity management (74%). Time constraints during well visits (86%) and lack of ancillary staff (82%) were the most frequently reported barriers to obesity management. Information on community resources (99%), an on-site dietitian (96%), and patient educational materials (94%) were most frequently identified as potentially helpful for management of obesity in the primary care setting. Providers who desired more ancillary staff were significantly more likely to practice in clinics with a higher percentage of obese, Medicaid, and Hispanic patients. Integrating ancillary lifestyle expert support into primary care practices and connecting primary care practices to community organizations may be a successful strategy for assisting primary care providers with managing childhood obesity, especially among vulnerable populations.

scholarly journals Vertical integration of primary care practices with acute hospitals in England and Wales: why, how and so what? Findings from a qualitative, rapid evaluation

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e053222
Author(s):  
Manbinder Sidhu ◽  
Jack Pollard ◽  
Jon Sussex
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Vertical Integration ◽  
Secondary Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Health Economy ◽  
Service Utilisation ◽  
England And Wales ◽  
Acute Hospitals ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Primary Care Practices

ObjectivesTo understand the rationale, implementation and early impact of vertical integration between primary care medical practices and the organisations running acute hospitals in the National Health Service in England and Wales.Design and settingA qualitative, cross-comparative case study evaluation at two sites in England and one in Wales, consisting of interviews with stakeholders at the sites, alongside observations of strategic meetings and analysis of key documents.ResultsWe interviewed 52 stakeholders across the three sites in the second half of 2019 and observed four meetings from late 2019 to early 2020 (further observation was prevented by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic). The single most important driver of vertical integration was found to be to maintain primary care local to where patients live and thereby manage demand pressure on acute hospital services, especially emergency care. The opportunities created by maintaining local primary care providers—to develop patient services in primary care settings and better integrate them with secondary care—were exploited to differing degrees across the sites. There were notable differences between sites in operational and management arrangements, and in organisational and clinical integration. Closer organisational integration was attributed to previous good relationships between primary and secondary care locally, and to historical planning and preparation towards integrated working across the local health economy. The net impact of vertical integration on health system costs is argued by local stakeholders to be beneficial.ConclusionsVertical integration is a valuable option when primary care practices are at risk of closing, and may be a route to better integration of patient care. But it is not the only route and vertical integration is not attractive to all primary care physicians. A future evaluation of vertical integration is intended; of patients’ experience and of the impact on secondary care service utilisation.

scholarly journals Primary Care Physician Experiences with Integrated Population-Scale Genetic Testing: A Mixed-Methods Assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 165
Author(s):  
Amy A. Lemke ◽  
Laura M. Amendola ◽  
Kristine Kuchta ◽  
Henry M. Dunnenberger ◽  
Jennifer Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Genetic Testing ◽  
Data Privacy ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Genomic Medicine ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
The United States ◽  
Care Physician ◽  
Care Providers

The scalable delivery of genomic medicine requires collaboration between genetics and non-genetics providers. Thus, it is essential to investigate and address the perceived value of and barriers to incorporating genetic testing into the clinical practice of primary care providers (PCPs). We used a mixed-methods approach of qualitative interviews and surveys to explore the experience of PCPs involved in the pilot DNA-10K population genetic testing program. Similar to previous research, PCPs reported low confidence with tasks related to ordering, interpreting and managing the results of genetic tests, and identified the need for additional education. PCPs endorsed high levels of utility for patients and their families but noted logistical challenges to incorporating genetic testing into their practice. Overall PCPs were not familiar with the United States’ Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act and they expressed high levels of concern for patient data privacy and potential insurance discrimination. This PCP feedback led to the development and implementation of several processes to improve the PCP experience with the DNA-10K program. These results contribute to the knowledge base regarding genomic implementation using a mixed provider model and may be beneficial for institutions developing similar clinical programs.

scholarly journals Primary care providers' bereavement care practices: recommendations for research directions

2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (12) ◽  
pp. 1221-1229 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela R. Ghesquiere ◽  
Sapana R. Patel ◽  
Daniel B. Kaplan ◽  
Martha L. Bruce
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Research Directions ◽  
Care Practices ◽  
Bereavement Care

scholarly journals Mindfulness and the primary care provider

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Alyson Wlasoff
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Nurse Practitioners ◽  
Care Setting ◽  
Primary Care Setting ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Mindfulness Practice ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Mindfulness Interventions ◽  
Reducing Stress

Primary care providers (PCPs), including nurse practitioners and primary care physicians, experience significant occupational stress, putting them at risk for chronic stress and burnout. Burnout rates are high amongst PCPs, and results in negative health effects that can impact the personal life of the PCP, as well as professional outcomes and patient care. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce anxiety and burnout symptoms, and improve healthcare provider well-being. Using an integrative literature review methodology outlined by Whittemore and Knafl, this paper explores if a mindfulness practice can reduce stress and burnout symptoms for PCPs. The results are discussed within the context of a primary care setting in Canada. Relevant literature was searched and a selected sample of ten primary research articles was selected for further analysis. Results suggest that mindfulness interventions are effective for reducing stress and burnout symptoms for PCPs, but access to these interventions may be a barrier to successful implementation of a mindfulness practice. In a primary care setting in Canada, PCPs are encouraged to attend mindfulness interventions and incorporate learned components into their practice, thereby increasing patient-centered care. Recommendations for reducing stress and burnout symptoms for PCPs are discussed, and specific strategies for successful implementation of mindfulness interventions are provided.

scholarly journals Provider-Related Linkages Between Primary Care Clinics and Community-Based Senior Centers Associated With Diabetes-Related Outcomes

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (6) ◽  
pp. 635-643
Author(s):  
Polly Hitchcock Noël ◽  
Chen-Pin Wang ◽  
Erin P. Finley ◽  
Sara E. Espinoza ◽  
Michael L. Parchman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Institute Of Medicine ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Senior Centers ◽  
Care Community ◽  
Primary Care Clinics ◽  
Primary Care Practices

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) suggests that linkages between primary care practices and community-based resources can improve health in lower income and minority patients, but examples of these are rare. We conducted a prospective, mixed-methods observational study to identify indicators of primary care–community linkage associated with the frequency of visits to community-based senior centers and improvements in diabetes-related outcomes among 149 new senior center members (72% Hispanic). We used semistructured interviews at baseline and 9-month follow-up, obtaining visit frequency from member software and clinical assessments including hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) from colocated primary care clinics. Members’ discussion of their activities with their primary care providers (PCPs) was associated with increased visits to the senior centers, as well as diabetes-related improvements. Direct feedback from the senior centers to their PCPs was desired by the majority of members and may help to reinforce use of community resources for self-management support.

The Trans Primary Care Guide: A Community-Based Approach to Developing a Web-based, Illustrated Resource for Primary Health Care Providers (Preprint)

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kelly Katharina Speck ◽  
Shelley L Wall
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Primary Care Providers ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Design And Development ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Basic Care ◽  
Training Resources

BACKGROUND There is a large gap in educational and training resources on trans-sensitive care in health professional curricula. In-person continuing medical education training sessions are often limited by time, place, and instructor availability. Web-based technologies offer the potential to easily reach primary care providers across the province. However, existing online training resources are lengthy in content, lack visual communication strategies, and do not encompass the multitude of different transition options sought by trans individuals. OBJECTIVE This article describes a community-based, participatory approach to the design and development of a web-based, illustrated resource guide with non-sequential access to medical and basic care protocols and guidelines to improve primary care providers' knowledge and confidence in caring for trans clients. METHODS The design and development of the Trans Primary Care Guide was informed by a participatory design research strategy focused on iterative improvement of the resource through iterative review by an advisory committee, formative evaluations with trans participants and primary care providers, and usability testing. RESULTS A web-based, illustrated resource (Trans Primary Care Guide) was developed to educate primary care providers on the health care needs of trans and gender-diverse people. CONCLUSIONS Successful implementation of the web-based resource was in part due to the utilization of design strategies to help primary care providers contextualize trans-competencies, the community-academic partnership and due to the early engagement of trans participants to ensure that information is gender affirming and culturally specific to regional community needs. CLINICALTRIAL Not applicable.

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