scholarly journals Strategies supporting sustainable prescribing safety improvement interventions in english primary care: qualitative study

BJGP Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. BJGPO.2021.0109
Author(s):  
Azwa Shamsuddin ◽  
Mark Jeffries ◽  
Aziz Sheikh ◽  
Libby Laing ◽  
Nde-Eshimuni Salema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Documentary Analysis ◽  
Safety Improvement ◽  
Template Analysis

BackgroundWhilst the use of prescribing safety indicators (PSI) can reduce potentially hazardous prescribing, there is a need to identify actionable strategies for the successful implementation and sustainable delivery of PSI-based interventions in general practice.AimTo identify strategies for the successful implementation and sustainable use of PSI-based interventions in routine primary care.Design & settingQualitative study in primary care settings across England.MethodAnchoring on a complex pharmacist-led IT-based intervention (PINCER) and clinical decision support (CDS) for prescribing and medicines management, we conducted a qualitative study using sequential, multiple methods which comprised of documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews and online workshops to identify challenges and possible solutions to the longer-term sustainability of PINCER and CDS. Thematic analysis was used for the documentary analysis and stakeholder workshops, whilst template analysis was used for the semi-structured interviews. Findings across the three methods were synthesised using the RE-AIM framework.ResultsWe analysed 48 documents, undertook 27 interviews and two workshops involving 20 participants. Five main issues were identified, which aligned with the adoption and maintenance dimensions of RE-AIM: fitting into current context (adoption); engaging hearts and minds (maintenance); building resilience (maintenance); achieving engagement with secondary care (maintenance); and emphasising complementarity (maintenance).ConclusionsExtending ownership of prescribing safety beyond primary care-based pharmacists and achieving greater alignment between general practice and hospital prescribing safety initiatives is fundamental to achieve sustained impact of PSI-based interventions in primary care.

scholarly journals Experiences of support from primary care and perceived needs of parents bereaved by suicide: a qualitative study

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (691) ◽  
pp. e102-e110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verity Wainwright ◽  
Lis Cordingley ◽  
Carolyn A Chew-Graham ◽  
Nav Kapur ◽  
Jenny Shaw ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Support Needs ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Perceived Needs ◽  
The North ◽  
Suicide Bereavement ◽  
Additional Support ◽  
The Uk

BackgroundPeople bereaved by suicide are a vulnerable group, also at risk of dying by suicide. The importance of postvention support (intervention after suicide) has recently been highlighted; however, little is known about the support needs of parents bereaved by suicide in the UK, and the role played by general practice.AimTo explore the perspectives, experiences, and support needs of parents bereaved by suicide.Design and settingThis was a qualitative study, with semi-structured interviews conducted between 2012 and 2014 in the north of England and the Midlands, with parents bereaved by their son or daughter’s suicide.MethodInterviews explored parents’ experiences of suicide bereavement following the death of their son or daughter, with a focus on their experiences of support from primary care. Interviews were analysed thematically using constant comparison.ResultsTwenty-three interviews were conducted. Three themes were identified from the data: the importance of not feeling alone; perceived barriers to accessing support; and the need for signposting for additional support. Some parents reported having experienced good support from their general practice; others described a number of barriers to accessing help, including triage processes. Primary care was considered to be an important avenue of support but GPs were often perceived as uncertain how to respond. The need for information, signposting to avenues of support, and the helpfulness of group support were also highlighted.ConclusionParents believed it was important that people working in general practice have an awareness of suicide bereavement and understanding of their needs, including knowledge of where to direct people for further support.

scholarly journals The implementation, use and sustainability of a clinical decision support system for medication optimisation in primary care: A qualitative evaluation

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (5) ◽  
pp. e0250946
Author(s):  
Mark Jeffries ◽  
Nde-Eshimuni Salema ◽  
Libby Laing ◽  
Azwa Shamsuddin ◽  
Aziz Sheikh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Decision Support ◽  
Clinical Decision Support ◽  
Medication Safety ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Population Characteristics ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
General Practices

Background The quality and safety of prescribing in general practice is important, Clinical decision support (CDS) systems can be used which present alerts to health professionals when prescribing in order to identify patients at risk of potentially hazardous prescribing. It is known that such computerised alerts may improve the safety of prescribing in hospitals but their implementation and sustainable use in general practice is less well understood. We aimed to understand the factors that influenced the successful implementation and sustained use in primary care of a CDS system. Methods Participants were purposively recruited from Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and general practices in the North West and East Midlands regions of England and from the CDS developers. We conducted face-to-face and telephone-based semi-structured qualitative interviews with staff stakeholders. A selection of participants was interviewed longitudinally to explore the further sustainability 1–2 years after implementation of the CDS system. The analysis, informed by Normalisation Process Theory (NPT), was thematic, iterative and conducted alongside data collection. Results Thirty-nine interviews were conducted either individually or in groups, with 33 stakeholders, including 11 follow-up interviews. Eight themes were interpreted in alignment with the four NPT constructs: Coherence (The purpose of the CDS: Enhancing medication safety and improving cost effectiveness; Relationship of users to the technology; Engagement and communication between different stakeholders); Cognitive Participation (Management of the profile of alerts); Collective Action (Prescribing in general practice, patient and population characteristics and engagement with patients; Knowledge);and Reflexive Monitoring (Sustaining the use of the CDS through maintenance and customisation; Learning and behaviour change. Participants saw that the CDS could have a role in enhancing medication safety and in the quality of care. Engagement through communication and support for local primary care providers and management leaders was considered important for successful implementation. Management of prescribing alert profiles for general practices was a dynamic process evolving over time. At regional management levels, work was required to adapt, and modify the system to optimise its use in practice and fulfil local priorities. Contextual factors, including patient and population characteristics, could impact upon the decision-making processes of prescribers influencing the response to alerts. The CDS could operate as a knowledge base allowing prescribers access to evidence-based information that they otherwise would not have. Conclusions This qualitative evaluation utilised NPT to understand the implementation, use and sustainability of a widely deployed CDS system offering prescribing alerts in general practice. The system was understood as having a role in medication safety in providing relevant patient specific information to prescribers in a timely manner. Engagement between stakeholders was considered important for the intervention in ensuring prescribers continued to utilise its functionality. Sustained implementation might be enhanced by careful profile management of the suite of alerts in the system. Our findings suggest that the use and sustainability of the CDS was related to prescribers’ perceptions of the relevance of alerts. Shared understanding of the purpose of the CDS between CCGS and general practices particularly in balancing cost saving and safety messages could be beneficial.

scholarly journals Patient and practitioner views on cancer risk discussions in primary care: a qualitative study

BJGP Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. BJGPO.2021.0108
Author(s):  
David N Blane ◽  
Sara MacDonald ◽  
Catherine A O'Donnell
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Lifestyle Modification ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
It Use ◽  
Practice Nurses ◽  
Primary Care Practitioners ◽  
The Uk

BackgroundIt is estimated that nearly 600,000 cancer cases in the UK could have been avoided in the last five years if people had healthier lifestyles, with the principle modifiable risk factors being smoking, obesity, alcohol consumption and inactivity. There is growing interest in the use of cancer risk information in general practice to encourage lifestyle modification.AimTo explore the views and experiences of patients and practitioners in relation to cancer prevention and cancer risk discussions in general practice.Design & settingQualitative study among patient and practitioners in general practices in Glasgow, UK.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with nine practitioners (5 GPs and four practice nurses, recruited purposively from practices based on list size and deprivation status) and 13 patients (aged 30–60, with two or more specified co-morbidities).ResultsCurrently, cancer risk discussions focus on smoking and cancer, with links between alcohol/obesity and cancer rarely made. There was support for the use of the personalised cancer risk tool as an additional resource in primary care. Practitioners felt practice nurses were best placed to use it. Use in planned appointments (eg, chronic disease reviews) was preferred over opportunistic use. Concerns were expressed, however, about generating anxiety, time constraints, and widening inequalities.ConclusionsHealth behaviour change is complex and the provision of information alone is unlikely to have significant effects. Personalised risk tools may have a role, but important concerns about their use – particularly in areas of socio-economic disadvantage – remain.

scholarly journals Personality disorder co-morbidity in primary care ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapy’ (IAPT) services: a qualitative study exploring patient perspectives on treatment experience

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Gary Lamph ◽  
John Baker ◽  
Tommy Dickinson ◽  
Karina Lovell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
Personality Disorder ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Patient Group ◽  
Stepped Care ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Co Morbidity

Abstract Background: High numbers of people present with common mental health disorders and co-morbid personality disorder traits in primary care ‘Improving Access to Psychological Therapies’ (IAPT) services in England and they receive sub-optimal treatments. No previous studies have explored the treatment experiences or needs of this patient population in England. Aims: This qualitative study explored the treatment experiences of patients (n = 22) with common mental health difficulties and co-morbid personality disorder as indicated by a score of 3 or more on the ‘Standardised Assessment of Personality – Abbreviated Scale’ (SAPAS) in receipt of primary care-based IAPT treatment. Method: A qualitative health research approach was used. Qualitative individual face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted. All interviews were audio recorded, data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a framework analysis approach. Results: Findings revealed a need to adapt away from prescriptive cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) treatment models towards more flexible, personalised and individualised treatment with this patient group. Time to emotionally offload, build a therapeutic relationship and link past experiences to presenting problems were highlighted as important. Conclusions: For the first time, the needs and treatment experiences of this patient group have been explored. This paper provides a unique patient experience insight that should be considered when exploring new approaches to working with and developing effective interventions via a stepped care approach.

scholarly journals Environmental responsibility in hospital care: Findings from a qualitative study

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hanna Kallio ◽  
Anna-Maija Pietilä ◽  
Martin Johnson ◽  
Mari Kangasniemi
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Hospital Care ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Organizational Structures ◽  
Environmental Responsibility ◽  
University Hospitals ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Hospital Organization ◽  
Environmental Support

Objective: To identify the key elements of environmental responsibility in hospital care and the stakeholders involved.Background: Hospital care causes a significant global environmental burden, which threatens human health and wellbeing. Environmental responsibility has been identified as an essential part of patient care with regard to health promotion and wellbeing of humans, but it has often been regarded as a secondary issue in hospitals. In addition, the lack of organizational structures and administrative as well as managerial support inhibit the promotion of environmental responsibility in hospitals.Methods: We used a qualitative study with semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Our data was drawn from the environmental managers of five Finnish university hospitals and documents on their environmental programs.Results: We found that the aim of environmental responsibility in hospital care was to avoid unnecessary emissions, and that it was guided by the authorities and by ethical values. It included targets for sustainable use of material, electricity, water and transport. Environmental responsibility required the involvement of several stakeholders, including administrators, environmental manager, immediate leaders, environmental support people, staff and patients. Implementation of environmental responsibility was promoted by collaboration, education, diverse initiatives to motivate staff, and continuously developing practices.Conclusions: Environmental responsibility extended throughout a hospital organization. Staff was in a key position to implement it, but they needed versatile organizational support, including education, clear procedures, defined roles, and a motivational culture and facilities.Implications for hospital management: This study yields new knowledge that will provide information for the development of organisational structures with respect to environmental responsibility in hospital care.

scholarly journals Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the core functions of primary care: will the cure be worse than the disease? A qualitative interview study in Flemish GPs

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. e039674 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronique Verhoeven ◽  
Giannoula Tsakitzidis ◽  
Hilde Philips ◽  
Paul Van Royen
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Clinical Decision Making ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Framework Analysis ◽  
Profound Impact ◽  
The Core ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study

ObjectivesThe current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the measures taken to control it, have a profound impact on healthcare. This study was set up to gain insights into the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak on the core competencies of general practice, as they are experienced by general practitioners (GPs) on the frontline.Design, setting, participantsWe performed a descriptive study using semistructured interviews with 132 GPs in Flanders, using a topic list based on the WONCA definition of core competencies in general practice. Data were analysed qualitatively using framework analysis.ResultsChanges in practice management and in consultation strategies were quickly adopted. There was a major switch towards telephone triage and consults, for covid-related as well as for non-covid related problems. Patient-centred care is still a major objective. Clinical decision-making is largely focused on respiratory assessment and triage, and GPs feel that acute care is compromised, both by their own changed focus and by the fact that patients consult less frequently for non-covid problems. Chronic care is mostly postponed, and this will have consequences that will extend and become visible after the corona crisis. Through the holistic eyes of primary care, the current outbreak—as well as the measures taken to control it—will have a profound impact on psychological and socioeconomic well-being. This impact is already visible in vulnerable people and will continue to become clear in the medium and long terms. GPs think that they are at high risk of getting infected. Dropping out and being unable to contribute their part or becoming virus transmitters are reported to be greater concerns than getting ill themselves.ConclusionsThe current times have a profound impact on the core competences of primary care. Although the vast increase in patients soliciting medical help and the necessary separate covid and non-covid flows have been dealt with, GPs are worried about the continuity of regular care and the consequences of the anticovid measures. These may become a threat for the general health of the population and for the provision of primary healthcare in the near and distant future.

Building quality chronic illness care: implementation of a web-based care plan

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 173
Author(s):  
Shiva Vasi ◽  
Jenny Advocat ◽  
Akuh Adaji ◽  
Grant Russell
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Disease Management ◽  
Chronic Disease Management ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Structured Approach

Structured, multidisciplinary approaches to chronic disease management (CDM) in primary care, supported by eHealth tools, show improved clinical outcomes, yet the uptake of eHealth tools remains low. The adoption of cdmNet, an eHealth tool for chronic disease management, in general practice settings, was explored. This was a qualitative case study in three general practice clinics in Melbourne, Australia. Methods included non-participant observation, reflexive note taking and semi-structured interviews with GPs, non-GP clinical staff, administrative staff and patients with chronic conditions. Data were analysed iteratively and results were reviewed at regular team meetings. Findings highlighted the significance of clinical and organisational routines in determining practice readiness for embedding innovations. In particular, clinical routines that supported a structured approach to CDM involving team-based care, allocation of resources, training and leadership were fundamental to facilitating the adoption of the eHealth tool. Non-GP roles were found to be key in developing routines that facilitated the adoption of cdmNet within a structured approach to CDM. Practice managers, administrators and clinicians should first focus on routinising processes in primary care practices that support structured and team-based processes for CDM because without these processes, new technologies will not be embedded.

scholarly journals Exploring the clinical context of adopting an instrumented insole: a qualitative study of clinicians’ preferences in England

BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. e023656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise Lin ◽  
Enrica Papi ◽  
Alison H McGregor
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Information Exchange ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Clinical Implementation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Data Output ◽  
Specific Device ◽  
Barriers To Use

ObjectivesThis study explores clinicians’ views of the clinical uptake of a smart pressure-sensing insole, named Flexifoot, to enhance the care and management of patients with osteoarthritis (OA). Clinicians are key users of wearable technologies, and can provide appropriate feedback for a specific device for successful clinical implementation.DesignQualitative study with in-depth, semi-structured interviews, analysed using inductive analysis to generate key themes.SettingConducted in a University setting.Participants30 clinicians were interviewed (11 physiotherapists, 11 orthopaedic surgeons, 5 general practitioners, 3 podiatrists).ResultsAll clinicians regarded Flexifoot to be useful for the care and management of patients in adjunction to current methods. Responses revealed four main themes: use, data presentation, barriers to use and future development. Flexifoot data were recognised as capable of enhancing information exchange between clinicians and patients, and also between clinicians themselves. Participants supported the use of feedback for rehabilitation, screening and evaluation of treatment progress/success purposes. Flexifoot use by patients was encouraged as a self-management tool that may motivate them by setting attainment goals. The data interface should be secure, concise and visually appealing. The measured parameters of Flexifoot, its duration of wear and frequency of data output would all depend on the rationale for its use. The clinicians and patients must collaborate to optimise the use of Flexifoot for long-term monitoring of disease for patient care in clinical practice. Many identified potential other uses for Flexifoot.ConclusionsClinicians thought that Flexifoot may complement and improve current methods of long-term patient management for OA or other conditions in clinical settings. Flexifoot was recognised to be useful for objective measures and should be tailored carefully for each person and condition to maximise compliance. Adopting the device, and other similar technologies, requires reducing the main barriers to use (time, cost, patient compliance) before its successful implementation.

Student paramedics' views on placements in general practice as part of a degree

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 519-525
Author(s):  
Alyesha Proctor
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
General Practice ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Alternative Care ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Uk ◽  
University Degree

Background: Frontline paramedics are increasingly attending to non-emergency problems and calls that could be managed by a primary care provider. Alongside this, there is a growing pressure to manage patients at home or use an alternative care pathway and reduce hospital conveyance. Student paramedic training, including both placement and taught elements at university, should therefore reflect this. However, placement opportunities for student paramedics in primary care settings is variable across the UK. Aim: To explore student paramedics' views on incorporating a placement within general practice as part of their degree and its effects on their learning and development as an autonomous paramedic. Method: A small pedagogic study as part of a postgraduate certificate in academic practice for higher education, involving a case study, qualitative approach using face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, was carried out. Findings: Student paramedics feel that incorporating a placement in general practice as part of their degree will significantly help in their learning and development as autonomous paramedics. Specifically, they feel it: will help them understand the role of the GP and what the GP expects of them; will help them to focus their assessments and improve confidence in decisions not to convey patients; may lead to better knowledge of alternative care pathways; and, finally, may provide an insight into the role of the paramedic in general practice as a future career opportunity. There are a few reservations about whether students would be able to use the skills and knowledge gained in this setting, as they feel they do not have access to the tools or the authority in a frontline ambulance service. Students would prefer to have a placement in a GP surgery in the final year of their university degree. Conclusion: Placement within a GP surgery for student paramedics should be included as part of a paramedic science degree as a priority. This is necessary, particularly given the changing role of the contemporary paramedic who attends to non-emergency problems.

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