scholarly journals The introduction of advanced paramedics into primary care in Northern Ireland: a qualitative descriptive study of the experiences of general practitioners

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Damian Muldoon ◽  
Chris Seenan

Background: Primary care is dealing with an ever-increasing workload. The causes are multi-factorial but include a decreasing number of General Practitioners (GPs), combined with increased numbers of patients with multiple co-morbidities and an ageing population. As a result of these pressures, nursing and allied health professionals are now working within a growing number of advanced practice roles delivering community-based care. One such example is paramedics taking up advanced roles within General Practice settings in Northern Ireland. What is not known, however, is what GPs’ experiences are of these developments.Aims: To examine the experiences of GPs who have introduced an advanced paramedic into their primary care team in Northern Ireland.Design: A qualitative descriptive design was chosen as the most suitable approach to allow participants to relay their experiences in their own words within the loose confines of a semi-structured interview.Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a group of four purposively selected GPs who had direct experience of the phenomena of interest. These interviews were transcribed verbatim, anonymised and then analysed thematically.Results: The thematic analysis produced three superordinate themes of alleviating pressure, acceptance and psychological well-being. These were underpinned by seven ordinate themes that were supported using verbatim quotes. These were then discussed and contextualised with themes from existing literature.Conclusion: Generally, there was widespread support from the GPs for the introduction of advanced paramedics into primary care teams. The reasons were multi-factorial but the reduction in GP workload featured prominently. The participants reported benefits in terms of increased resilience and work‐life balance. The capacity to provide a clinician with experience of dealing with acute and emergency presentations, in combination with managing routine procedures, was also reported to be of great importance.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.-C. Audétat ◽  
S. Cairo Notari ◽  
J. Sader ◽  
C. Ritz ◽  
T. Fassier ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Primary care physicians are at the very heart of managing patients suffering from multimorbidity. However, several studies have highlighted that some physicians feel ill-equipped to manage these kinds of complex clinical situations. Few studies are available on the clinical reasoning processes at play during the long-term management and follow-up of patients suffering from multimorbidity. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding on how the clinical reasoning of primary care physicians is affected during follow-up consultations with these patients. Methods A qualitative research project based on semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians in an ambulatory setting will be carried out, using the video stimulated recall interview method. Participants will be filmed in their work environment during a standard consultation with a patient suffering from multimorbidity using a “button camera” (small camera) which will be pinned to their white coat. The recording will be used in a following semi-structured interview with physicians and the research team to instigate a stimulated recall. Stimulated recall is a research method that allows the investigation of cognitive processes by inviting participants to recall their concurrent thinking during an event when prompted by a video sequence recall. During this interview, participants will be prompted by different video sequence and asked to discuss them; the aim will be to encourage them to make their clinical reasoning processes explicit. Fifteen to twenty interviews are planned to reach data saturation. The interviews will be transcribed verbatim and data will be analysed according to a standard content analysis, using deductive and inductive approaches. Conclusion Study results will contribute to the scientific community’s overall understanding of clinical reasoning. This will subsequently allow future generation of primary care physicians to have access to more adequate trainings to manage patients suffering from multimorbidity in their practice. As a result, this will improve the quality of the patient’s care and treatments.


Author(s):  
Ratan S. Randhawa ◽  
Joht S. Chandan ◽  
Tom Thomas ◽  
Surinder Singh

AbstractBackgroundIn 2014, in the United Kingdom, the government made a commitment to spend £3.6 million on the introduction of Skype video calling consultations in general practice, however the efficacy of such technology has not yet been explored fully.AimThe study aimed to explore the views and attitudes of General Practitioners (GPs) towards video consultation in primary care; specifically, in three broad areas∙The benefits of video consultations to patients and healthcare professionals.∙Potential problems with video consultation and its implementation.∙The cost-effectiveness of video consultation in this setting.MethodA convenience sample of the views of 12 general practitioners across two primary care centres in North London were identified using topic guide based semi-structured interviews. A thematic framework approach was used to analyse the data collected to isolate main and sub-themes.FindingsThree main themes were identified1.Technology – GPs expressed concerns about the ability of patients to use technology, the availability of technology and the quality of technology available.2.Utility – encompassing GP’s ideas about the usefulness of video consultations to patients, practitioners and the doctor–patient relationship. GPs presented mixed views on the extent to which video consultation would be useful.3.Practicality – covering the views of GPs on implementation and effects on workload. GPs unanimously felt that it was not a practical substitute for face-to-face consultation. There were mixed feelings about it being used as an alternative to telephone consultation.ConclusionGPs did see potential benefits to using video consultations but also expressed concerns that need to be addressed if they are to have full confidence in the system. The views of those who are going to use video consultation as a means of increasing patient access are paramount if such tools are to be a core part of primary care.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 340
Author(s):  
Chloë Campbell ◽  
Caroline Morris ◽  
Lynn McBain

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic lockdown in New Zealand in March 2020, there was a rapid shift to virtual consultations in primary care. This change was supported by system adjustments to enable electronic transmission of prescriptions without a handwritten signature if they met certain security criteria. International research suggests potential for unintended consequences with such changes, so it is important to understand the effect on professional practice in New Zealand general practice and community pharmacy.AIMThe purpose of this study was to undertake a preliminary exploration of the experiences of New Zealand general practitioners and community pharmacists when prescriptions are transmitted electronically directly from prescriber to pharmacy.METHODSSemi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of four pharmacists and four general practitioners gathered qualitative data about their experiences of the shift to electronic transmission of prescriptions. Participants’ perceptions of effect on professional workflow, interprofessional interactions between general practitioners and pharmacists, and interactions with patients were explored. Interviews were audio-recorded, and the data analysed thematically using an inductive approach.RESULTSFour themes were identified: workflow transformation; mixed impact on interactions with patients; juggling timing and expectations; and new avenues for interprofessional communication (with some cul-de-sacs).DISCUSSIONBoth general practitioners and pharmacists experienced transformational changes to workflow. This was positive for general practitioners due to saved time and increased work flexibility. Pharmacists noted potential benefits but also some challenges. To fully reap teamwork benefits, more work is needed on managing the timing issues and patient expectations, and to refine the new modes of communication between health-care practitioners.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Anne Piotrowski

This qualitative descriptive study aimed to present findings from four primary teachers and their perceptions of mindfulness practices with young children. Using open-ended and semi-structured interviews, these teachers in the school system shared their experiences with mindfulness practices in their classrooms. This study, using a thematic analysis, indicated that teachers felt there to be benefits of including mindfulness practices in their classrooms but have found that there are various issues that may hinder successful implementation. Integrating different mindfulness practices in the classroom could allow childhood well-being to be improved though holistic approaches.


2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Barcons ◽  
B. García ◽  
C. Sarri ◽  
E. Rodríguez ◽  
O. Cunillera ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The changes in the models of care for mental disorders towards a community focus and deinstitutionalisation might have risen General practitioners’ (GPs) workload, increasing their mental health concerns and the need for solutions. Pragmatic research into improving GPs’ work-related health and psychological well-being is limited by focusing mainly on stressors and through not providing systematic attention to the development of positive mental health via interventions that develop psychological resources and capacities. The aim of this study was twofold: a) to determine the effectiveness of an intensive multimodal training programme for GPs designed to improve their management of mental-health patients; and b) to ascertain if the program could be also useful to improve the GPs management of their own burnout, job satisfaction and psychological well-being. Method Eighteen GPs constituted a control group that underwent the routine clinical Mental health support programme for primary care. An experimental group (N = 20) additionally received a Multimodal training programme (MTP) with an Integrated Brief Systemic Therapy (IBST) approach. Through questionnaires and a clinical interview, level of burnout, professional satisfaction, psychopathological state and various indicators of the quality of administrative and healthcare management were analysed at baseline and 10 months after the programme. Results In relation to government of mental-health patients indicators, on the one hand MTP group showed statistically significant improvements in certain administrative health parameters, but on the other it did not improve opinions and attitudes towards mental illness. Regarding GPs management of their own burnout, job satisfaction and psychological well-being assessments, the MTP presented better scores on global psychopathological state and better evolution of satisfaction at work; psychopharmacology use dropped in both groups; in contrast, the MTP did not improve burnout levels. Conclusions Findings of this preliminary study are promising for the MTP (with an IBST approach) practice in primary care. More research evidence is required from larger samples and randomized controlled trials to support both the hypothetical adoption of MTP (with an IBST approach) as a part of a continuing professional-training programme for GPs’ management of mental-health patients and its positive effects on work-related health factors.


Author(s):  
Kofi Awuviry-Newton ◽  
Jacob Oppong Nkansah ◽  
Abraham Newton ◽  
Kwamina Abekah-Carter

This study explores older people’s long-term care experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. A qualitative descriptive approach employing semi-structured interviews was used to collect data from 15 older people from Southern Ghana. Analysis of interview data resulted in five interrelated themes: (1) sources and type of long-term care; (2) older people’s satisfaction with the long-term care received; (3) changes in their long-term care; (4) feelings of neglect regarding long-term care; and (5) older people’s resilience in long-term care. The sustainability of long-term care depends on the state’s ability to devise innovative long-term care policies and programmes to promote older people’s and their carers’ well-being.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1024 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexis Arasu ◽  
Lisa J Moran ◽  
Tracy Robinson ◽  
Jacqueline Boyle ◽  
Siew Lim

Background: Weight and lifestyle management is advocated as the first-line treatment for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by evidence-based guidelines. Current literature describes both systems- and individual-related challenges that general practitioners (GPs) face when attempting to implement guideline recommendations for lifestyle management into clinical practice for the general population. The GPs’ perspective in relation to weight and lifestyle advice for PCOS has not been captured. Methods: Fifteen GPs were recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews. NVIVO software was used for qualitative analysis. Results: We report that GPs unanimously acknowledge the importance of weight and lifestyle management in PCOS. Practice was influenced by both systems-related and individual-related facilitators and barriers. Individual-related barriers include perceived lack of patient motivation for weight loss, time pressures, lack of financial reimbursement, and weight management being professionally unrewarding. System-related barriers include costs of accessing allied health professionals and unavailability of allied health professionals in certain locations. Individual-related facilitators include motivated patient subgroups such as those trying to get pregnant and specific communication techniques such as motivational interviewing. System-related facilitators include the GP’s role in chronic disease management. Conclusions: This study contributes to the understanding of barriers and facilitators that could be addressed to optimize weight and lifestyle management in women with PCOS in primary care.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. e028251 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asbjørn Johansen Fagerlund ◽  
Inger Marie Holm ◽  
Paolo Zanaboni

ObjectivesTo explore general practitioners’ (GPs) perceptions towards use of four digital health services for citizens: an electronic booking service to make reservations with the GP; an electronic prescription service to request renewal of maintenance drugs; a service for text-based non-clinical enquiries to the GP office and a service for text-based electronic consultation (e-consultation) with the GP.DesignA qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews.SettingPrimary care.ParticipantsNine GPs who were early adopters of the four services were interviewed.MethodOne moderator presented topics using open-ended questions, facilitated the discussion and followed up with further questions. Phone interviews were conducted, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative data were analysed using the framework method.ResultsThe use of digital services in primary care in Norway is growing, although the use of text-based e-consultations is still limited. Most GPs were positive about all four services, but there was still some scepticism regarding their effects. Advantages for GP offices included reduced phone load, increased efficiency, released time for medical assessments, less crowded waiting rooms and more precise communication. Benefits for patients were increased flexibility, autonomy and time and money savings. Children, the elderly and people with low computer literacy might still need traditional alternatives.ConclusionsMore defined and standardised routines, as well as more evidence of the effects, are necessary for large-scale adoption.


2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-500 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abigail Moore ◽  
Caroline Croxson ◽  
Sara McKelvie ◽  
Dan Lasserson ◽  
Gail Hayward

Abstract Background The world has an ageing population. Infection is common in older adults; serious infection has a high mortality rate and is associated with unplanned admissions. In the UK, general practitioners (GPs) must identify which older patients require admission to hospital and provide appropriate care and support for those staying at home. Objectives To explore attitudes of UK GPs towards referring older patients with suspected infection to hospital, how they weigh up the decision to admit against the alternatives and how alternatives to admission could be made more effective. Methods. Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews. GPs were purposively sampled from across the UK to achieve maximum variation in terms of GP role, experience and practice population. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed using a modified framework approach. Results GPs’ key influences on decision making were grouped into patient, GP and system factors. Patient factors included clinical factors, social factors and shared decision making. GP factors included gut instinct, risk management and acknowledging an associated personal emotional burden. System factors involved weighing up the pressure on secondary care beds against increasing GP workload. GPs described that finding an alternative to admission could be more time consuming, complex to arrange or were restricted by lack of capacity. Conclusion GPs need to be empowered to make safe decisions about place of care for older adults with suspected infection. This may mean developing strategies to support decision making as well as improving the ease of access to, and capacity of, any alternatives to admission.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 814 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathelijne H. van der Wouden ◽  
Ellen Paasman ◽  
Martina Teichert ◽  
Matty R. Crone ◽  
Henk-Jan Guchelaar ◽  
...  

Despite overcoming many implementation barriers, pharmacogenomic (PGx) panel-testing is not routine practice in the Netherlands. Therefore, we aim to study pharmacists’ perceived enablers and barriers for PGx panel-testing among pharmacists participating in a PGx implementation study. Here, pharmacists identify primary care patients, initiating one of 39 drugs with a Dutch Pharmacogenetic Working Group (DPWG) recommendation and subsequently utilizing the results of a 12 gene PGx panel test to guide dose and drug selection. Pharmacists were invited for a general survey and a semi-structured interview based on the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases (TICD) framework, aiming to identify implementation enablers and barriers, if they had managed at least two patients with actionable PGx results. In total, 15 semi-structured interviews were performed before saturation point was reached. Of these, five barrier themes emerged: (1) unclear procedures, (2) undetermined reimbursement for PGx test and consult, (3) insufficient evidence of clinical utility for PGx panel-testing, (4) infrastructure inefficiencies, and (5) HCP PGx knowledge and awareness; and two enabler themes: (1) pharmacist perceived role in delivering PGx, and (2) believed clinical utility of PGx. Despite a strong belief in the beneficial effects of PGx, pharmacists’ barriers remain, an these hinder implementation in primary care.


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