Delivering colon cancer survivorship care in primary care; a qualitative study on the experiences of general practitioners

Background With more patients in need of oncological care, there is a growing interest to transfer survivorship care from specialist to general practitioner (GP). The ongoing I CARE study was initiated in 2015 in the Netherlands to compare (usual) surgeon- to GP-led survivorship care, with or without access to a supporting eHealth application (Oncokompas). Methods Semi-structured interviews were held at two separate points in time (i.e. after 1- and 5-years of care) to explore GPs’ experiences with delivering this survivorship care intervention, and study its implementation into daily practice. Purposive sampling was used to recruit 17 GPs. Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) was used as a conceptual framework. Results Overall, delivering survivorship care was not deemed difficult and dealing with cancer repercussions was already considered part of a GPs’ work. Though GPs readily identified advantages for patients, caregivers and society, differences were seen in GPs’ commitment to the intervention and whether it felt right for them to be involved. Patients’ initiative with respect to planning, absence of symptoms and regular check-ups due to other chronic care were considered to facilitate the delivery of care. Prominent barriers included GPs’ lack of experience and routine, but also lack of clarity regarding roles and responsibilities for organising care. Need for a monitoring system was often mentioned to reduce the risk of non-compliance. GPs were reticent about a possible future transfer of survivorship care towards primary care due to increases in workload and financial constraints. GPs were not aware of their patients’ use of eHealth. Conclusions GPs’ opinions and beliefs about a possible future role in colon cancer survivorship care vary. Though GPs recognize potential benefit, there is no consensus about transferring survivorship care to primary care on a permanent basis. Barriers and facilitators to implementation highlight the importance of both personal and system level factors. Conditions are put forth relating to time, reorganisation of infrastructure, extra personnel and financial compensation. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register; NTR4860. Registered on the 2nd of October 2014.

Scale-up of prevention programmes: sustained state-wide use of programme delivery software is explained by normalised self-organised adoption and non-adoption

Background Population-level health promotion is often conceived as a tension between “top-down” and “bottom-up” strategy and action. We report behind-the-scenes insights from Australia’s largest ever investment in the “top-down” approach, the $45m state-wide scale-up of two childhood obesity programmes. We used Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) as a template to interpret the organisational embedding of the purpose-built software designed to facilitate the initiative. The use of the technology was mandatory for evaluation, i.e. for reporting the proportion of schools and childcare centres which complied with recommended health practices (the implementation targets). Additionally, the software was recommended as a device to guide the implementation process. We set out to study its use in practice. Methods Short-term, high-intensity ethnography with all 14 programme delivery teams across New South Wales was conducted, cross-sectionally, 4 years after scale-up began. The four key mechanisms of NPT (coherence/sensemaking, cognitive participation/engagement, collective action and reflexive monitoring) were used to describe the ways the technology had normalised (embedded). Results Some teams and practitioners embraced how the software offered a way of working systematically with sites to encourage uptake of recommended practices, while others rejected it as a form of “mechanisation”. Conscious choices had to be made at an individual and team level about the practice style offered by the technology—thus prompting personal sensemaking, re-organisation of work, awareness of choices by others and reflexivity about professional values. Local organisational arrangements allowed technology users to enter data and assist the work of non-users—collective action that legitimised opposite behaviours. Thus, the technology and the programme delivery style it represented were normalised by pathways of adoption and non-adoption. Normalised use and non-use were accepted and different choices made by local programme managers were respected. State-wide, implementation targets are being reported as met. Conclusion We observed a form of self-organisation where individual practitioners and teams are finding their own place in a new system, consistent with complexity-based understandings of fostering scale-up in health care. Self-organisation could be facilitated with further cross-team interaction to continuously renew and revise sensemaking processes and support diverse adoption choices across different contexts.

Implementation of remote asthma consulting in general practice in response to the COVID19 pandemic: evaluation using extended normalisation process theory

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to the rapid and reactive deployment of remote consulting in UK General Practice. The delivery of acute and chronic asthma care has been affected. Extended Normalisation Process Theory (eNPT) provides a framework for evaluating the implementation of new complex interventions in routine practice, including examination of how context-intervention interactions affect Implementation.AimTo explore the implementation of remote asthma consulting in UK General Practice in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.Design & settingMixed methods evaluation, informed by eNPT.SettingGeneral Practice in Northern Ireland.MethodData was collected from a range of healthcare professionals who provide asthma care using online questionnaires, interviews and multidisciplinary focus groups. Analysis was informed by eNPT.ResultsWe identified ten themes to describe and explain the contribution of General Practice staff to implementation of remote asthma consulting. Staff identified novel alternatives to in-person review. Having a practice champion to drive implementation forward, and engage other Practice staff, was important. Patient, staff and healthcare system contextual factors influencing implementation were identified including access to, understanding of and willingness to use the technology required for remote consulting.ConclusionThe experiences of frontline healthcare professionals in this study indicate that remote asthma consulting has potential benefits in terms of access and effectiveness when implementation integrates seamlessly with face-to-face care for those who want or need it. Work is required at Practice and healthcare system levels to realise this potential, and ensure implementation does not exacerbate existing healthcare inequalities.

Burden of cancer trial participation: A qualitative sub-study of the INTERIM feasibility RCT

Objective A qualitative sub-study was carried out within a larger phase II feasibility trial, to identify and describe the burden experienced by advanced melanoma patients participating in a clinical trial and the factors affecting their capacity to cope with the burden. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fourteen patients with advanced melanoma recruited from National Health Service hospitals in the United Kingdom. Qualitative analysis was undertaken using a framework analysis approach. Normalisation process theory was applied to the concept of research participation burden in order to interpret and categorise findings. Results Burdens of participation were identified as arising from making sense of the trial and treatment; arranging transport, appointment and prescriptions; enacting management strategies and enduring side effects; reflecting on trial documents and treatment efficacy, and emotional and mental effects of randomisation and treatment side effects. Factors reported as influencing capacity include personal attributes and skills, physical and cognitive abilities and support network. Discussion This is the first study to highlight the substantial burden faced by patients with advanced melanoma in a clinical trial and factors that may lessen or worsen the burden. Consideration of identified burdens during trial design and execution will reduce the burden experienced by research participants.

What can be learnt from a qualitative evaluation of implementing a rapid sexual health testing, diagnosis and treatment service?

ObjectivesTo investigate experiences of implementing a new rapid sexual health testing, diagnosis and treatment service.DesignA theory-based qualitative evaluation with a focused ethnographic approach using non-participant observations and interviews with patient and clinic staff. Normalisation process theory was used to structure interview questions and thematic analysis.SettingA sexual health centre in Bristol, UK.Participants26 patients and 21 staff involved in the rapid sexually transmitted infection (STI) service were interviewed. Purposive sampling was aimed for a range of views and experiences and sociodemographics and STI results for patients, job grades and roles for staff. 40 hours of observations were conducted.ResultsImplementation of the new service required co-ordinated changes in practice across multiple staff teams. Patients also needed to make changes to how they accessed the service. Multiple small ‘pilots’ of process changes were necessary to find workable options. For example, the service was introduced in phases beginning with male patients. This responsive operating mode created challenges for delivering comprehensive training and communication in advance to all staff. However, staff worked together to adjust and improve the new service, and morale was buoyed through observing positive impacts on patient care. Patients valued faster results and avoiding unnecessary treatment. Patients reported that they were willing to drop-off self-samples and return for a follow-up appointment, enabling infection-specific treatment in accordance with test results, thus improving antimicrobial stewardship.ConclusionsThe new service was acceptable to staff and patients. Implementation of service changes to improve access and delivery of care in the context of stretched resources can pose challenges for staff at all levels. Early evaluation of pilots of process changes played an important role in the success of the service by rapidly feeding back issues for adjustment. Visibility to staff of positive impacts on patient care is important in maintaining morale.

Nurse-led normalised advance care planning service in hospital and community health settings: a qualitative study

Background Advance Care Planning (ACP) by Registered Nurses (RNs) has been emerging. However, there is limited understanding about what RNs experience as they incorporate ACP into their practice. This study aimed to elicit the experiences of ACP RNs with the implementation of a normalised ACP (NACP) service in hospital and community care settings. Methods A qualitative descriptive study invited four ACP RNs who delivered a nurse-led NACP for a 6 months duration at two hospital and two community health care settings in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. The experiences of the ACP RNs were captured through a semi-structured interview and weekly debriefing meetings. The interview recordings were transcribed verbatim and the minutes of weekly debriefing meetings were utilized. Data were analysed by two independent researchers using thematic analysis with the Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) as a methodological framework. Findings The ACP RNs were females with a mean age of 43 years old. Their nursing experiences ranged 2 to 25 years but they had minimal experiences with ACP and had not attended any education about ACP previously. The following four themes were identified in the experiences of the ACP RNs; 1) Embracing NACP service; 2) Enablers and barriers related to patients and health professionals; 3) Enablers and barriers related to ACP RNs; and 4) What it means to be an ACP RN. Conclusion The introduction of a NACP service into existing clinical systems is complex. The study demonstrated the capacity of RNs to engage in ACP processes, and their willingness to deliver an NACP service with a raft of locally specific enablers and barriers. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (Trial ID: ACTRN12618001627246). The URL of the trial registry record

What work is required to implement and sustain the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP)? A qualitative study of NSQIP implementation in Alberta, Canada

ObjectivesHospitals introducing the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) face implementation challenges. To understand the work of embedding NSQIP into routine practice, we explored interactions between contextual factors and the work among implementation teams at the individual, team and organisational level to illuminate how to support and sustain NSQIP implementation.DesignQualitative interpretative study using thematic analysis.SettingFive contextually diverse hospital sites in Alberta, Canada, for in-depth interviewing and four additional hospitals for observation of NSQIP meetings.Participants9 Surgeon and Anaesthesiologist Champions; 6 Surgical Clinical Reviewers; 4 Directors and 1 Surgical Site Manager; 3 Operating Room Managers; 3 Quality Improvement Consultants; 1 Surgeon and 1 Provincial NSQIP Lead.MethodsTo capture context, process and the dynamic interplay between the two, we integrated the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) to guide data collection and analysis. 28 individual semi-structured interviews with key informants and observations with field notes of 10 NSQIP meetings were conducted. Data were coded deductively and inductively and analysed thematically.ResultsKey findings informed by CFIR describe the impact of Provincial Collaboratives, leadership support and resources to support NSQIP work. Key findings illuminated by NPT highlight how teams overcame mistrust in NSQIP through relationship building, creating formative spaces to inform collective understandings of NSQIP and inviting feedback from professional groups to cocreate quality improvement solutions. This approach led to increased engagement with NSQIP data and encouraged shifts in conversations within and between nursing and physician groups from problems to solutions based.ConclusionsThe work the teams did to implement and sustain NSQIP highlights the need for time and resources to develop shared understandings of work processes, reorganise themselves to work together and understand how to help others in the surgical community interpret and value using NSQIP to improve care.

Implementing emergency admission risk prediction in general practice: a qualitative study

Background: Using computer software in general practice to predict patient risk of emergency hospital admission has been widely advocated despite limited evidence about effects. In a trial evaluating introduction of a predictive risk stratification model (PRISM), we reported statistically significant increases in emergency hospital admissions and use of other NHS services without evidence of benefits to patients or the NHS. Aim: to explore experiences of incorporating PRISM into routine practice. Design and setting: semi-structured interviews with 22 general practitioners and practice managers in 18 practices in South Wales. Methods: Interviews at two timepoints: 3-6 months after gaining PRISM access; study end, approximately 18 months later. We analysed data thematically using Normalisation Process Theory. Results: Respondents reported the decision to use PRISM was based mainly on fulfilling reporting requirements for Quality and Outcome Framework (QOF) incentives. Most applied it to a very small number of patients for a short period. Using PRISM entailed technical tasks, information sharing within practice meetings and small-scale changes to patient care. Use was inhibited by PRISM not being integrated with practice systems. Most doubted any large scale impact, but cited examples of impact on individual patient care. They reported increased awareness of patients in high-risk groups. Conclusions: Qualitative results suggest mixed views of predictive risk stratification in general practice and raised awareness of highest-risk patient groups, potentially affecting unplanned hospital attendance and admissions. To inform future policy, decision-makers need more information about implementation and effects of emergency admissions risk stratification tools in primary and community settings.

Lessons Learnt Implementing a Cardiovascular Disease Quality Improvement Intervention in Australian Primary Care: A Mixed Method Evaluation

Background There are discrepancies between evidence-based guidelines for screening and management of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and implementation in Australian general practice. Quality-improvement (QI) initiatives aim to reduce these gaps. This study evaluated a QI intervention (QPulse) that focussed on CVD assessment and management. MethodsThis mixed-methods study explored the implementation of guidelines and adoption of QI processes in 34 general practices. CVD screening and management were measured pre- and post-intervention. Qualitative analyses examined participants’ Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) goals and in-depth interviews with practice stakeholders focussed on barriers and enablers to implementation and were analysed thematically using Normalisation Process Theory (NPT). ResultsPre- and post-intervention data were available from 15 practices (n=19562 and n=20249, respectively) and in-depth interviews from seven practices. At baseline, 45.0% of patients had their BMI measured and 15.6% had their waist circumference recorded in the past 2 years and blood pressure, lipids and smoking status were measured in 72.5%, 61.5% and 65.3% of patients, respectively. Most high-risk patients (57.5%) were not prescribed risk-reducing medications. After the intervention there were no changes in the documentation and prevalence of risk factors, attainment of BP and lipid targets or prescription of CVD risk-reducing medications. However, there was variation in performance across practices with some showing isolated improvements, such as recording waist circumference (0.7-32.2% pre-intervention to 18.5%-69.8% post-intervention), BMI and smoking assessment. Challenges to implementation included: lack of time, need for technical support, a perceived lack of value for quality improvement work, difficulty disseminating knowledge across the practice team, tensions between the team and clinical staff and a part-time workforce. ConclusionThe implementation barriers associated with this QI program was considerable in Australian GP practices. Findings highlighted they were not able to effectively operationalise the intervention due to numerous factors, ranging from lack of internal capacity and leadership to competing demands and insufficient external support. Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Reference Number (ACTRN12615000108516), registered 06/02/2015. Trial protocol can be accessed at: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12615000108516