scholarly journals An evaluation of foundation doctor training: a mixed-methods study of the impact on workforce well-being and patient care [the Evaluating the Impact of Doctors in Training (EDiT) study]

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (15) ◽  
pp. 1-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Mason ◽  
C O’Keeffe ◽  
A Carter ◽  
R O’Hara ◽  
C Stride

BackgroundA major reform of junior doctor training was undertaken in 2004–5, with the introduction of foundation training (FT) to address perceived problems with work structure, conditions and training opportunities for postgraduate doctors. The well-being and motivation of junior doctors within the context of this change to training (and other changes such as restrictions in working hours of junior doctors and increasing demand for health care) and the consequent impact upon the quality of care provided is not well understood.ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the well-being of foundation year 2 (F2) doctors in training. Phase 1 describes the aims of delivering foundation training with a focus on the role of training in supporting the well-being of F2 doctors and assesses how FT is implemented on a regional basis, particularly in emergency medicine (EM). Phase 2 identifies how F2 doctor well-being and motivation are influenced over F2 and specifically in relation to EM placements and quality of care provided to patients.MethodsPhase 1 used semistructured interviews and focus groups with postgraduate deanery leads, training leads (TLs) and F2 doctors to explore the strategic aims and implementation of FT, focusing on the specialty of EM. Phase 2 was a 12-month online longitudinal study of F2 doctors measuring levels of and changes in well-being and motivation. In a range of specialties, one of which was EM, data from measures of well-being, motivation, intention to quit, confidence and competence and job-related characteristics (e.g. work demands, task feedback, role clarity) were collected at four time points. In addition, we examined F2 doctor well-being in relation to quality of care by reviewing clinical records (criterion-based and holistic reviews) during the emergency department (ED) placement relating to head injury and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).ResultsPhase 1 of the study found that variation exists in how successfully FT is implemented locally; F2 lacks a clearly defined end point; there is a minimal focus on the well-being of F2 doctors (only on the few already shown to be ‘in difficulty’); the ED presented a challenging but worthwhile learning environment requiring a significant amount of support from senior ED staff; and disagreement existed about the performance and confidence levels of F2 doctors. A total of 30 EDs in nine postgraduate medical deaneries participated in phase 2 with 217 foundation doctors completing the longitudinal study. F2 doctors reported significantly increased confidence in managing common acute conditions and undertaking practical procedures over their second foundation year, with the biggest increase in confidence and competence associated with their ED placement. F2 doctors had levels of job satisfaction and anxiety/depression that were comparable to or better than those of other NHS workers, and adequate quality and safety of care are being provided for head injury and COPD.ConclusionsThere are ongoing challenges in delivering high-quality FT at the local level, especially in time-pressured specialties such as EM. There are also challenges in how FT detects and manages doctors who are struggling with their work. The survey was the first to document the well-being of foundation doctors over the course of their second year, and average scores compared well with those of other doctors and health-care workers. F2 doctors are benefiting from the training provided as we found improvements in perceived confidence and competence over the year, with the ED placement being of most value to F2 doctors in this respect. Although adequate quality of care was demonstrated, we found no significant relationships between well-being of foundation doctors and the quality of care they provided to patients, suggesting the need for further work in this area.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
pp. HSI.S13283 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wadi B. Alonazi ◽  
Shane A. Thomas

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of quality of care (QoC) on patients’ quality of life (QoL). In a cross-sectional study, two domains of QoC and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Bref questionnaire were combined to collect data from 1,059 pre-discharge patients in four accredited hospitals (ACCHs) and four non-accredited hospitals (NACCHs) in Saudi Arabia. Health and well-being are often restricted to the characterization of sensory qualities in certain settings such as unrestricted access to healthcare, effective treatment, and social welfare. The patients admitted to tertiary health care facilities are generally able to present themselves with a holistic approach as to how they experience the impact of health policy. The statistical results indicated that patients reported a very limited correlation between QoC and QoL in both settings. The model established a positive, but ultimately weak and insignificant, association between QoC (access and effective treatment) and QoL ( r = 0.349, P = 0.000; r = 0.161, P = 0.000, respectively). Even though the two settings are theoretically different in terms of being able to conceptualize, adopt, and implement QoC, the outcomes from both settings demonstrated insignificant relationships with QoL as the results were quite similar. Though modern medicine has substantially improved QoL around the world, this paper proposes that health accreditation has a very limited impact on improving QoL. This paper raises awareness of this topic with multiple healthcare professionals who are interested in correlating QoC and QoL. Hopefully, it will stimulate further research from other professional groups that have new and different perspectives. Addressing a transitional health care system that is in the process of endorsing accreditation, investigating the experience of tertiary cases, and analyzing deviated data may limit the generalization of this study. Global interest in applying public health policy underlines the impact of such process on patients’ outcomes. As QoC accreditation does not automatically produce improved QoL outcomes, the proposed study encourages further investigation of the value of health accreditation on personal and social well-being.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 153-154
Author(s):  
Afeez Hazzan

Abstract Dementia is one of the most rapidly growing diseases in the United States. In 2018, the direct costs to American society of caring for older people with dementia was approximately $277 billion. Primary informal caregivers are mainly responsible for the care of older people with dementia including Alzheimer’s disease. Caregivers perform a myriad of duties ranging from shopping for their loved ones’ groceries, helping with medications, and managing finances. The caregiving role becomes more demanding as the disease progresses over time, and studies have shown that the quality-of-life (QoL) experienced by caregivers of older adults who have dementia is lower than the QoL of caregivers for older people who do not have dementia. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no research conducted to investigate whether lower caregiver QoL affects the level or quality of care that caregivers provide to persons with dementia. In the current study, we interviewed family caregivers living in Rochester, New York to inquire about their quality of life and the care provided to older people living with dementia. Further, caregivers completed the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) as well as a draft questionnaire for measuring the quality of care provided to older people living with dementia. Both quantitative and qualitative findings from this study reveals important relationships between family caregiver QoL and the care provided, including the impact of social support and financial well-being. The study findings could have significant impact, particularly for the provision of much needed support for family caregivers.


Author(s):  
Marilyn Rantz ◽  
G. F. Petroski ◽  
L. L. Popejoy ◽  
A. A. Vogelsmeier ◽  
K. E. Canada ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives To measure the impact of advanced practice nurses (APRNs) on quality measures (QM) scores of nursing homes (NHs) in the CMS funded Missouri Quality Initiative (MOQI) that was designed to reduce avoidable hospitalizations of NH residents, improve quality of care, and reduce overall healthcare spending. Design A four group comparative analysis of longitudinal data from September 2013 thru December 2019. Setting NHs in the interventions of both Phases 1 (2012–2016) and 2 (2016–2020) of MOQI (n=16) in the St. Louis area; matched comparations in the same counties as MOQI NHs (n=27); selected Phase 2 payment intervention NHs in Missouri (n=24); NHs in the remainder of the state (n=406). Participants NHs in Missouri Intervention: Phase 1 of The Missouri Quality Initiative (MOQI), a Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) Innovations Center funded research initiative, was a multifaceted intervention in NHs in the Midwest, which embedded full-time APRNs in participating NHs to reduce hospitalizations and improve care of NH residents. Phase 2 extended the MOQI intervention in the original intervention NHs and added a CMS designed Payment Intervention; Phase 2 added a second group of NHs to receive the Payment. Intervention Only. Measurements Eight QMs selected by CMS for the Initiative were falls, pressure ulcers, urinary tract infections, indwelling catheters, restraint use, activities of daily living, weight loss, and antipsychotic medication use. For each of the monthly QMs (2013 thru 2019) an unobserved components model (UCM) was fitted for comparison of groups. Results The analysis of QMs reveals that that the MOQI Intervention + Payment group (group with the embedded APRNs) outperformed all comparison groups: matched comparison with neither intervention, Payment Intervention only, and remainder of the state. Conclusion These results confirm the QM analyses of Phase 1, that MOQI NHs with full-time APRNs are effective to improve quality of care.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Á Szabó ◽  
Eva Neely ◽  
C Stephens

© The Author(s) 2019. Community grandparenting may promote the well-being of older adults. We examined the impact of non-kin and grandparental childcare on quality of life and loneliness using longitudinal data from 2653 older New Zealanders collected over 2 years. Providing both non-kin and grandparental childcare predicted greater self-realisation for women only and was associated with reduced levels of control and autonomy for men. Non-kin childcare was also associated with reduced social loneliness over time independent of gender. Findings suggest that non-kin grandparenting has psychosocial benefits for older adults. Surrogate grandparenting offers promising avenues for those without grandchildren to experience the benefits of grandparenting.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-24
Author(s):  
Agustinus Hermino

Latar belakang: Seiring dengan perkembangan jaman, dalam beberapa tahun terakhir ini banyak perhatian yang difokuskan pada eksplorasi dampak penyakit fisik dan mental pada kualitas hidup seseorang baik secara individu maupun masyarakat secara keseluruhan. Sifat subyektif dari 'kualitas hidup' individu, merupakan konsep yang dinamis untuk diukur dan didefinisikan, tetapi bahwa secara umum dapat dipandang sebagai konsep multidimensi yang menekankan pada persepsi diri dari keadaan pikiran seseorang saat iniTujuan: penulisan ini bertujuan untuk memberikan pemahaman tentang peran masyarakat dalam memahani pentingnya kesehatan di era global ditinjau dari perspektif akademis. Pada sektor kesehatan pemahaman kesehatan menjadi sangat pentingnya karena akan menunjukkan pada kualitas hidup seseorang, tetapi hal ini tidak cukup secara individu karena diperlukan pemahaman secara menyeluruh terhadap masyarakat tentang makna kesehatan dan perawatan kesehatan.Metode: penulisan ilmiah ini adalah dengan melakukan analisa akademis dari dari berbagai sumber rujukan relevan sehingga menemukan makna teoritis baru dalam rangka menjawab tantangan yang terjadi di masyarakat.Hasil: Berdasarkan berbagai sumber rujukan yang ada, dapat disimpulkan bahwa kesehatan merupakan gaya hidup yang bertujuan untuk mencapai kesejahteraan fisik, emosional, intelektual, spiritual, dan lingkungan. Penggunaan langkah-langkah kesehatan dapat meningkatkan stamina, energi, dan harga diri, kemudian meningkatkan kualitas hidup. Dengan demikian maka konsep kesehatan memungkinkan adanya variabilitas individu. Kesehatan dapat dianggap sebagai keseimbangan aspek fisik, emosional, psikologis, sosial dan spiritual dari kehidupan seseorang. Kata kunci: masyarakat, perawatan kesehatan, kualitas hidup Society Community and Health Care in Improving Quality of LifeAbstract Background: Along with the development of the era, in recent years there has been a lot of attention focused on exploring the impact of physical and mental illness on the quality of life of a person both individually and as a whole. The subjective nature of an individual's 'quality of life' is a dynamic concept to measure and define, but that in general can be seen as a multidimensional concept that emphasizes self-perception of one's current state of mindAim: purpose of this study is to provide an understanding the role of community in understanding the importance of health in the global era from an academic perspective. In the health sector understanding of health is very important because it will show the quality of life of a person, but this is not enough individually because a comprehensive understanding of the meaning of health and health care is needed. Method: The method of scientific writing is to carry out academic analysis from various relevant reference sources, and find new theoretical meanings in order to answer the challenges that occur in society. Keyword: Community, Society,Health Care, Quality oflife Resullt : Based on various academic reference, it can be concluded that health is a lifestyle that aims to achieve physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, and environmental well-being. The use of health measures can increase stamina, energy, and self-esteem, then improve the quality of life. Thus the concept of health allows for individual variability. Health can be considered as a balance of physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of one's life. Keywords: community, health care, quality of life 


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bénédicte Razafinjato ◽  
Luc Rakotonirina ◽  
Jafeta Benony Andriantahina ◽  
Laura F. Cordier ◽  
Randrianambinina Andriamihaja ◽  
...  

AbstractDespite the widespread global adoption of community health (CH) systems, there are evidence gaps in how to best deliver community-based care aligned with global best practice in remote settings where access to health care is limited and community health workers (CHWs) may be the only available providers. PIVOT partnered with the Ministry of Public Health to pilot a new two-pronged approach for care delivery in rural Madagascar: one CHW provided care at a stationary CH site while 2-5 additional CHWs provided care via proactive household visits. The pilot included professionalization of the CHW workforce (i.e. recruitment, training, financial incentive) and twice monthly supervision of CHWs. We evaluated the impact of the CH pilot on utilization and quality of integrated community case management (iCCM) in the first six months of implementation (October 2019-March 2020).We compared utilization and proxy measures of quality of care (defined as adherence to the iCCM protocol for diagnosis, classification of disease severity, treatment) in the intervention commune and five comparison communes, using a quasi-experimental study design and relying on routinely collected programmatic data. Average per capita monthly under-five visits were 0.28 in the intervention commune and 0.22 in the comparison communes. In the intervention commune, 40.0% of visits were completed at the household via proactive care. CHWs completed all steps of the iCCM protocol in 77.8% of observed visits in the intervention commune (vs 49.5% in the comparison communes, p-value=<0.001). A two-pronged approach to CH delivery and professionalization of the CHW workforce increased utilization and demonstrated satisfactory quality of care. National stakeholders and program managers should evaluate program re-design at a local level prior to national or district-wide scale-up.


Diagnosis ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Traber Davis Giardina ◽  
Urmimala Sarkar ◽  
Gato Gourley ◽  
Varsha Modi ◽  
Ashley N.D. Meyer ◽  
...  

AbstractDiagnostic errors pose a significant threat to patient safety but little is known about public perceptions of diagnostic errors. A study published inWe searched the World Wide Web for any news article reporting findings from the study. We then gathered all the online comments made in response to the news articles to evaluate public reaction to the newly reported diagnostic error frequency (n=241). Two coders conducted content analyses of the comments and an experienced qualitative researcher resolved differences.Overall, there were few comments made regarding the frequency of diagnostic errors. However, in response to the media coverage, 44 commenters shared personal experiences of diagnostic errors. Additionally, commentary centered on diagnosis-related quality of care as affected by two emergent categories: (1) US health care providers (n=79; 63 commenters) and (2) US health care reform-related policies, most commonly the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and insurance/reimbursement issues (n=62; 47 commenters).The public appears to have substantial concerns about the impact of the ACA and other reform initiatives on the diagnosis-related quality of care. However, policy discussions on diagnostic errors are largely absent from the current national conversation on improving quality and safety. Because outpatient diagnostic errors have emerged as a major safety concern, researchers and policymakers should consider evaluating the effects of policy and practice changes on diagnostic accuracy.


2007 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 300-314 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chuan-Fen Liu ◽  
Michael K. Chapko ◽  
Mark W. Perkins ◽  
John Fortney ◽  
Matthew L. Maciejewski

1998 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-79 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Hebert

Health care organizations are under increasing pressure to become more efficient while at the same time maintaining or improving the quality of care. Information technology (IT), with its potential to increase efficiency, accuracy and accessibility of information, has been expected to play an important role in supporting these changes. We report the impact of patient care information systems on health care professionals in five community hospitals. The study framework incorporated both quality of care in Donabedian's elements of structure–process–outcome and Grusec's three levels of IT impact: direct substitution, proceduralization and new capabilities. The study results suggest that, for specific tasks, IT increased efficiency and productivity—a single employee was able to complete more tasks. However, this produced other consequences not predicted. Participants noted this change did not ‘free up time’ to spend with patients, but meant there were potentially more opportunities to provide services and more tasks to complete. Other effects included: reduced job satisfaction as more time was spent on the computer; less frequent interactions with patients and for shorter duration; and an increasingly ‘visible’ accountability as performance was easily monitored. There were also changes in roles and responsibilities as the computer enabled tasks to be carried out from a number of locations and by a variety of personnel. When innovations are introduced into organizations there are both expected and unexpected consequences. Increased awareness of the interactive relationship between computer users and the technology helps organizations better understand why results do, or do not, occur. One must look beyond just simply increasing productivity by replacing manual tasks with automated ones, to examining how the changes influence the nature of work and relationships within the organization.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amirkiarash Kiani

The goal of this research was to investigate the possibility of using Agent-based Modelling, a novel approach in computerized simulation, to assess the effects of staff ratio on recovery time and to develop an empirical research plan based on an inpatient unit. By creating a virtual unit, the researcher was able to develop an adjustable model to test several scenarios based on empirical evidence; to comprehend the impact of changes to staff ratio and patient acuity on nurses’ workload and quality of care to patients. This investigation found that acuity indices of patients have no significant effect on available recovery time or the number of unperformed activities. On the contrary, nurse/patient ratio has substantial effects on both available recovery time and the number of unperformed activities; which asserts the significant effect of insufficient nurse staffing on the well-being of nurses as well as quality of care to patients.


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