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Yue J, Kazi S, Nguyen T, Chow CK. Comparing secondary prevention for patients with coronary heart disease and stroke attending Australian general practices: a cross-sectional study using nationwide electronic database. BMJ Qual Saf 2024; 33:499-510. [PMID: 37487712 DOI: 10.1136/bmjqs-2022-015699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare secondary prevention care for patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, exploring particularly the influences due to frequency and regularity of primary care visits. SETTING Secondary prevention for patients (≥18 years) in the National Prescription Service administrative electronic health record database collated from 458 Australian general practice sites across all states and territories. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional and panel study. Patient and care-level characteristics were compared for differing CHD/stroke diagnoses. Associations between the type of cardiovascular diagnosis and medication prescription as well as risk factor assessment were examined using multivariable logistic regression. PARTICIPANTS Patients with three or more general practice encounters within 2 years of their latest visit during 2016-2020. OUTCOME MEASURES Proportions and odds ratios (ORs) for (1) prescription of antihypertensives, antilipidaemics and antiplatelets and (2) assessment of blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in patients with stroke only compared against those with CHD only and those with both conditions. RESULTS There were 111 892 patients with CHD only, 27 863 with stroke only and 9791 with both conditions. Relative to patients with CHD, patients with stroke were underprescribed antihypertensives (70.8% vs 82.8%), antilipidaemics (63.1% vs 78.7%) and antiplatelets (42.2% vs 45.7%). With sociodemographic factors, comorbidities and level of care considered as covariates, the odds of non-prescription of any recommended secondary prevention medications were higher in patients with stroke only (adjusted OR 1.37; 95% CI (1.31, 1.44)) compared with patients with CHD only. Patients with stroke only were also more likely to have neither BP nor LDL-C monitored (adjusted OR 1.26; 95% CI (1.18, 1.34)). Frequent and regular general practitioner encounters were independently associated with the prescription of secondary prevention medications (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Secondary prevention management is suboptimal in cardiovascular disease patients and worse post-stroke compared with post-CHD. More frequent and regular primary care encounters were associated with improved secondary prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Yue
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samia Kazi
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tu Nguyen
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clara Kayei Chow
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Trivedi R, Marschner S, Shaw T, Min H, Yue J, Kazi S, Nguyen TN, Laranjo L, Chow CK. Factors influencing blood pressure control in patients with atrial fibrillation and hypertension in Australian primary care. Heart 2023; 110:94-100. [PMID: 37474252 PMCID: PMC10803991 DOI: 10.1136/heartjnl-2023-322602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study explored factors that may influence blood pressure (BP) control in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) with hypertension. METHODS Cross-sectional retrospective analysis of the MedicineInsight database which includes de-identified electronic health records from general practices (GPs) across Australia. BP control was assessed in patients with diagnosed AF and hypertension (controlled BP defined as <140/90 mm Hg). We explored BP control, factors influencing BP control and likelihood of receiving guideline-recommended treatment. RESULTS 34 815 patients with AF and hypertension were included; mean age was 76.9 (10.2 SD) years and 46.2% were female. 38.0% had uncontrolled BP. Women (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.68, 0.76; p<0.001) and adults ≥75 years (OR 0.78; 95% CI 0.70, 0.86; p<0.001) were less likely to have controlled BP. Greater continuity of care (CoC; that is, visits with the same clinician) and having frequent GP visits were associated with higher odds of controlled BP (model 1: CoC, OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.20, 1.40, p<0.001; GP visits, OR 1.71; 95% CI 1.58, 1.85, p<0.001) and a greater likelihood of being prescribed ≥2 types of BP-lowering medicines (model 2: CoC, OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.03, 1.23; p=0.011; GP visits, OR 1.80; 95% CI 1.63, 1.98; p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Uncontrolled BP was more likely in women and adults ≥75 years. Patients who had frequent GP visits with the same clinician were more likely to have BP controlled and receive guideline-recommended antihypertensive treatment. This suggests that targeting these primary care factors could potentially improve BP control and subsequently reduce stroke risk in patients with AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritu Trivedi
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simone Marschner
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tim Shaw
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Haeri Min
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Yue
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Samia Kazi
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tu Ng Nguyen
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Liliana Laranjo
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Clara K Chow
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Cardiology, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Lee H, Park G, Khang AR. Factors Associated with Diabetic Complication Index among Type 2 Diabetes Patients: Focusing on Regular Outpatient Follow-up and HbA1c Variability. Asian Nurs Res (Korean Soc Nurs Sci) 2023; 17:259-268. [PMID: 37952878 DOI: 10.1016/j.anr.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Preventing diabetic complications involves regular outpatient follow-up and maintaining low variability in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels. This study investigated the factors associated with diabetic complications, with a specific focus on the impact of regular outpatient follow-up and HbA1c variability, among patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS The study design was secondary data analysis of electronic medical records from a university hospital in Korea. It included patients aged 40-79 with type 2 diabetes who were prescribed diabetes medication within three months of their first HbA1c test by an endocrinologist and were followed up for at least five years. Follow-up regularity, adjusted standard deviation of HbA1c levels, and diabetic complication indices were collected. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square test, independent t-test, repeated measures analysis of variance, and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS The study included 1566 patients. Lower follow-up regularity was observed in patients of older age, with comorbidities, diabetic complications, insulin treatment, a history of hospitalization, lower baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and total cholesterol (TC), and higher HbA1c variability. Higher HbA1c variability was observed in younger patients without comorbidity but with insulin treatment, a history of hospitalization, higher baseline blood glucose (BG), HbA1c, TC, and triglyceride levels. HbA1c variability had the strongest influence on BG and HbA1c levels at the five-year follow-up. Baseline eGFR and TC were the most influential factors for their respective levels at the five-year follow-up. Follow-up regularity significantly affected BG, HbA1c, eGFR, and TC at five-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS It has been shown that several variables besides regular follow-up and HbA1c variability have an influence. However, these are the two that can be corrected through nursing intervention and are important, so intervention on these is important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haejung Lee
- College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Gaeun Park
- College of Nursing, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea.
| | - Ah Reum Khang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea
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Pereira Gray D, Sidaway-Lee K, Johns C, Rickenbach M, Evans PH. Can general practice still provide meaningful continuity of care? BMJ 2023; 383:e074584. [PMID: 37963633 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-074584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mark Rickenbach
- Park and St Francis Surgery, Chandler's Ford, UK
- University of Winchester, Winchester, UK
| | - Philip H Evans
- St Leonard's Research Practice, Exeter, UK
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Mathew S, Barzi F, Clifford-Motopi A, Brown Nunuccal R, Ward Pitjantjatjara And Nukunu J, Mills R, Turner L, White Palawa And Iningai A, Eaton M, Butler D. Transformation to a patient-centred medical home led and delivered by an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and association with engagement and quality-of-care: quantitative findings from a pilot study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:959. [PMID: 37674143 PMCID: PMC10483750 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09955-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The patient-centred medical home (PCMH) is a model of team-based primary care that is patient-centred, coordinated, accessible, and focused on quality and safety. In response to substantial population growth and increasing demand on existing primary care services, the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH) developed the IUIH System of Care-2 (ISoC2), based on an international Indigenous-led PCMH. ISoC2 was piloted at an urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community-Controlled Health Service in South-East Queensland between 2019-2020, with further adaptations made to ensure its cultural and clinical relevance to local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Little is known on the implementation and impact of PCMH in the Australian Indigenous primary care setting. Changes in implementation process measures and outcomes relating to engagement and quality-of-care are described here. METHODS De-identified routinely collected data extracted from electronic health records for clients regularly attending the service were examined to assess pre-post implementation changes relevant to the study. Process measures included enrolment in PCMH team-based care, and outcome measures included engagement with the health service, continuity-of-care and clinical outcomes. RESULTS The number of regular clients within the health service increased from 1,186 pre implementation to 1,606 post implementation; representing a small decrease as a proportion of the services' catchment population (38.5 to 37.6%). In clients assigned to a care team (60% by end 2020), care was more evenly distributed between providers, with an increased proportion of services provided by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker (16-17% versus 10-11%). Post-implementation, 41% of clients had continuity-of-care with their assigned care team, while total, preventive and chronic disease services were comparable pre- and post-implementation. Screening for absolute cardiovascular disease risk improved, although there were no changes in clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS The increase in the number of regular clients assigned to a team and their even distribution of care among care team members provides empirical evidence that the service is transforming to a PCMH. Despite a complex transformation process compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, levels of service delivery and quality remained relatively stable, with some improvements in risk factor screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saira Mathew
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Qld, 4030, Australia
- The University of Queensland, Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, 74 High Street, Toowong, Qld, 4066, Australia
| | - Federica Barzi
- The University of Queensland, Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, 74 High Street, Toowong, Qld, 4066, Australia
| | - Anton Clifford-Motopi
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Qld, 4030, Australia
| | - Renee Brown Nunuccal
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Qld, 4030, Australia
| | | | - Richard Mills
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Qld, 4030, Australia
| | - Lyle Turner
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Qld, 4030, Australia
| | | | - Martie Eaton
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Qld, 4030, Australia
| | - Danielle Butler
- The Institute for Urban Indigenous Health Ltd, 22 Cox Road, Windsor, Qld, 4030, Australia.
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.
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Khazen M, Abu Ahmad W, Spolter F, Golan-Cohen A, Merzon E, Israel A, Vinker S, Rose AJ. Greater temporal regularity of primary care visits was associated with reduced hospitalizations and mortality, even after controlling for continuity of care. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:777. [PMID: 37474968 PMCID: PMC10360299 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09808-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that more temporally regular primary care visits are associated with improved patient outcomes. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of temporal regularity (TR) of primary care with hospitalizations and mortality in patients with chronic illnesses. Also, to identify threshold values for TR for predicting outcomes. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS We used data from the electronic health record of a health maintenance organization in Israel to study primary care visits of 70,095 patients age 40 + with one of three chronic conditions (diabetes mellitus, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). MAIN MEASURES We calculated TR for each patient during a two-year period (2016-2017), and divided patients into quintiles based on TR. Outcomes (hospitalization, death) were observed in 2018-2019. Covariates included the Bice-Boxerman continuity of care score, demographics, and comorbidities. We used multivariable logistic regression to examine TR's association with hospitalization and death, controlling for covariates. KEY RESULTS Compared to patients receiving the most regular care, patients receiving less regular care had increased odds of hospitalization and mortality, with a dose-response curve observed across quintiles (p for linear trend < 0.001). For example, patients with the least regular care had an adjusted odds ratio of 1.40 for all-cause mortality, compared to patients with the most regular care. Analyses stratified by age, sex, ethnic group, area-level SES, and certain comorbid conditions did not show strong differential associations of TR across groups. CONCLUSIONS We found an association between more temporally regular care in antecedent years and reduced hospitalization and mortality of patients with chronic illness in subsequent years, after controlling for covariates. There was no clear threshold value for temporal regularity; rather, more regular primary care appeared to be better across the entire range of the variable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maram Khazen
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem Campus, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Department of Health Systems Management, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley College, Yezreel Valley, Israel.
| | - Wiessam Abu Ahmad
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Faige Spolter
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Avivit Golan-Cohen
- Leumit Health Services, Research Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Eugene Merzon
- Leumit Health Services, Research Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Ariel Israel
- Leumit Health Services, Research Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shlomo Vinker
- Leumit Health Services, Research Institute, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Adam J Rose
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein Kerem Campus, Jerusalem, Israel
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Te Winkel MT, Damoiseaux-Volman BA, Abu-Hanna A, Lissenberg-Witte BI, van Marum RJ, Schers HJ, Slottje P, Uijen AA, Bont J, Maarsingh OR. Personal Continuity and Appropriate Prescribing in Primary Care. Ann Fam Med 2023; 21:305-312. [PMID: 37487715 PMCID: PMC10365882 DOI: 10.1370/afm.2994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Personal continuity between patient and physician is a core value of primary care. Although previous studies suggest that personal continuity is associated with fewer potentially inappropriate prescriptions, evidence on continuity and prescribing in primary care is scarce. We aimed to determine the association between personal continuity and potentially inappropriate prescriptions, which encompasses potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs), by family physicians among older patients. METHODS We conducted an observational cohort study using routine care data from patients enlisted in 48 Dutch family practices from 2013 to 2018. All 25,854 patients aged 65 years and older having at least 5 contacts with their practice in 6 years were included. We calculated personal continuity using 3 established measures: the usual provider of care measure, the Bice-Boxerman Index, and the Herfindahl Index. We used the Screening Tool of Older Person's Prescriptions (STOPP) and the Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment (START) specific to the Netherlands version 2 criteria to calculate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescriptions. To assess associations, we conducted multilevel negative binomial regression analyses, with and without adjustment for number of chronic conditions, age, and sex. RESULTS The patients' mean (SD) values for the usual provider of care measure, the Bice-Boxerman Continuity of Care Index, and the Herfindahl Index were 0.70 (0.19), 0.55 (0.24), and 0.59 (0.22), respectively. In our population, 72.2% and 74.3% of patients had at least 1 PIM and PPO, respectively; 30.9% and 34.2% had at least 3 PIMs and PPOs, respectively. All 3 measures of personal continuity were positively and significantly associated with fewer potentially inappropriate prescriptions. CONCLUSIONS A higher level of personal continuity is associated with more appropriate prescribing. Increasing personal continuity may improve the quality of prescriptions and reduce harmful consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marije T Te Winkel
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit A Damoiseaux-Volman
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ameen Abu-Hanna
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of Medical Informatics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rob J van Marum
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Medicine for Older People, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk J Schers
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pauline Slottje
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annemarie A Uijen
- Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jettie Bont
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Otto R Maarsingh
- Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of General Practice, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Edney LC, Roseleur J, Bright T, Watson DI, Arnolda G, Braithwaite J, Delaney GP, Liauw W, Mitchell R, Karnon J. DAta Linkage to Enhance Cancer Care (DaLECC): Protocol of a Large Australian Data Linkage Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5987. [PMID: 37297591 PMCID: PMC10252629 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20115987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, accounting for 250 Disability-Adjusted Life Years and 10 million deaths in 2019. Minimising unwarranted variation and ensuring appropriate cost-effective treatment across primary and tertiary care to improve health outcomes is a key health priority. There are few studies that have used linked data to explore healthcare utilisation prior to diagnosis in addition to post-diagnosis patterns of care. This protocol outlines the aims of the DaLECC project and key methodological features of the linked dataset. The primary aim of this project is to explore predictors of variations in pre- and post-cancer diagnosis care, and to explore the economic and health impact of any variation. The cohort of patients includes all South Australian residents diagnosed with cancer between 2011 and 2020, who were recorded on the South Australian Cancer Registry. These cancer registry records are being linked with state and national healthcare databases to capture health service utilisation and costs for a minimum of one-year prior to diagnosis and to a maximum of 10 years post-diagnosis. Healthcare utilisation includes state databases for inpatient separations and emergency department presentations and national databases for Medicare services and pharmaceuticals. Our results will identify barriers to timely receipt of care, estimate the impact of variations in the use of health care, and provide evidence to support interventions to improve health outcomes to inform national and local decisions to enhance the access and uptake of health care services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C. Edney
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Jackie Roseleur
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Tim Bright
- Oesophagogastric Surgery Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - David I. Watson
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- Oesophagogastric Surgery Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Gaston Arnolda
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Geoffrey P. Delaney
- Liverpool Cancer Therapy Centre, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
| | - Winston Liauw
- St. George Cancer Care Centre, St. George Hospital, Kogarah, NSW 2217, Australia
- St. George Hospital Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2217, Australia
| | - Rebecca Mitchell
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Jonathan Karnon
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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Li Z, Xuan M, Gao Y, He R, Qian D, Hung P. Trends in the availability of community-based home visiting services for oldest-old in China, 2005-2018. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070121. [PMID: 37019484 PMCID: PMC10083737 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to examine trends in neighbourhood availability of community-based home visiting services (CHVS) (ie, coverage by local primary healthcare providers) over time and disparities in service availability according to individual characteristics using nationwide data of oldest-old individuals (age >80) in China. DESIGN Repeated, cross-sectional study. SETTING This study derived nationally representative data from the 2005-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey. PARTICIPANTS A final analytical sample of 38 032 oldest-old individuals. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES Availability of CHVS was defined as having home visiting services in one's neighbourhood. Cochran-Armitage tests were used to test linear trends in the proportions of oldest-old with service availability. Weighted logistic regression models were used to examine variations in service availability across individual characteristics. RESULTS Of 38 032 oldest-old individuals, availability of CHVS decreased from 9.7% in 2005 to 7.8% in 2008/2009, followed by continual increases to 33.7% in 2017/2018. These changes were similar between rural and urban oldest-old. After accounting for individual characteristics, in 2017/2018, compared with their counterparts, urban residents who had white-collar jobs before retirement and those residing in Western and Northeast China were less likely to have service availability. Oldest-old with disabilities, those living alone and those with low incomes did not report having greater availability of CHVS in either 2005 or 2017/2018. CONCLUSIONS Despite the increasing service availability over the past 13 years, persistent geographical disparities in the availability of CHVS remain. As of 2017/2018, only one in three oldest-old in China reported having service availability, which raises concerns regarding continuity of care across different settings of services for those most in need, especially those living alone or with disabilities. National policies and targeting efforts are necessary to improve the availability of CHVS and reduce inequity in service availability for optimal long-term care to the oldest-old population in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Li
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mingsong Xuan
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yukuan Gao
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruibo He
- School of Finance and Public Administration, Hubei University of Economics, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dongfu Qian
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peiyin Hung
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Li Z, Fu Y, Wang C, Sun H, Hung P. Trends in the availability of community-based psychological counselling services for oldest-old in China, 2005 to 2018. J Affect Disord 2023; 331:405-412. [PMID: 36940823 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community-based psychological counselling services (CPCS) is crucial for the oldest-old who often faces challenges or are reluctant to seek care at the healthcare settings. This study aims to examine trends in availability of CPCS over time and rural-urban disparities in service availability among nationwide oldest-old in China. METHODS Multiple cross-sectional data were derived from the 2005-2018 Chinese Longitudinal Health Longevity Survey. Service availability was reported by each oldest-old participant or their next-of-kins as having CPCS in one's neighborhood. We used Cochran-Armitage tests to estimate service availability trends and applied sample-weighted logistic regression models to examine its rural-urban disparities. RESULTS Of 38,032 oldest-old, CPCS availability decreased from 6.7 % in 2005 to 4.8 % in 2008/2009, followed by continual increases to 13.6 % in 2017/2018. In 2017/2018, rural oldest-old's neighborhoods had no greater service availability. Oldest-old residing in the Central (6.7 %), Western (13.4 %) and Northeast China (8.1 %) were less likely to report having services locally than their Eastern counterparts (17.8 %). Oldest-old having any disability or living in the nursing homes reported having greater service availability than those without disability or living at home. LIMITATION Service availability might have disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Despite the increasing service availability, as of 2017/2018, only 13.6 % oldest-old in China had reported CPCS availability. It raises concerns on the disproportionate access to and continuity of mental health care, especially for those living the Central, Western China and those living at home. Policy efforts are needed to incentivize service expansion and eliminate disparities in the service availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Li
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Healthy Jiangsu Development, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - You Fu
- Department of Review and Investigation, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chengzhong Wang
- Department of Research Management, Xuzhoushi Center of Disease Control and Prevention, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Key Lab of Health Technology Assessment, National Health Commission, School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Health Technology Assessment Research, Shanghai Health Development Research Center, Shanghai Medical Information Center, Shanghai, China.
| | - Peiyin Hung
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States; Rural and Minority Health Research Center, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, United States.
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Arnold C, Hennrich P, Wensing M. Patient-reported continuity of care and the association with patient experience of cardiovascular prevention: an observational study in Germany. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:176. [PMID: 35850657 PMCID: PMC9289649 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01788-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Cardiovascular diseases are often accompanied by comorbidities, which require good coordination of care. Especially in fragmented healthcare systems, it is important to apply strategies such as case management to achieve high continuity of care. The aim of this study was to document continuity of care from the patients’ perspective in ambulatory cardiovascular care in Germany and to explore the associations with patient-reported experience of cardiovascular prevention. Methods This cross-sectional observational study was performed in primary care practices in Germany. The study included patients with three recorded chronic diseases, including coronary heart disease. Continuity of care was measured with the Nijmegen Continuity Questionnaire, which addresses personal/relational and team/cross-boundary continuity. From aspects of medical care and health-related lifestyle counselling a patient-reported experience of cardiovascular prevention index was formed with a range of 0–7. The association between continuity of care within the family practice and patient-reported experience of cardiovascular prevention was examined, using a linear multilevel regression model that adjusted for sociodemographics, structured care programme and numbers of contacts with the family practice. Results Four hundred thirty-five patients from 26 family practices participated. In a comparison between general practitioners (GPs) and cardiologists, higher values for relational continuity of care were given for GPs. Team/cross-boundary continuity for ‘within the family practice’ had a mean of 4.0 (standard deviation 0.7) and continuity between GPs and cardiologists a mean of 3.8 (standard deviation 0.7). Higher personal continuity of care for GPs was positively associated with patient-reported experience (b = 0.75, 95% CI 0.45–1.05, P < 0.001). Conclusions Overall, there was high patient-reported continuity, which positively influenced the experience of cardiovascular prevention. Nevertheless, there is potential for improvement of personal continuity of the cardiologists and team/cross-boundary continuity between GPs and cardiologists. Structured care programs may be able to support this. Trial registration We registered the study prospectively on 7 November 2019 at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS) under ID no. DRKS00019219. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-022-01788-7.
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Howard M, Hafid A, Webber C, Isenberg SR, Gayowsky A, Jones A, Scott M, Hsu AT, Conen K, Downar J, Manuel D, Tanuseputro P. Continuity of physician care over the last year of life for different cause-of-death categories: a retrospective population-based study. CMAJ Open 2022; 10:E971-E980. [PMID: 36347560 PMCID: PMC9648626 DOI: 10.9778/cmajo.20210294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mix of care provided by family physicians, specialists and palliative care physicians can vary by the illnesses leading to death, which may result in disruptions of continuity of care at the end of life. We measured continuity of outpatient physician care in the last year of life across differing causes of death and assessed factors associated with higher continuity. METHODS We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of adults who died in Ontario between 2013 and 2018, using linked provincial health administrative data. We calculated 3 measures of continuity (usual provider, Bice-Boxerman and sequential continuity), which range from 0 to 1, from outpatient physician visits over the last year of life for terminal illness, organ failure, frailty, sudden death and other causes of death. We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate associations between characteristics and a continuity score of 0.5 or greater. RESULTS Among the 417 628 decedents, we found that mean usual provider, Bice-Boxerman and sequential continuity indices were 0.37, 0.30 and 0.37, respectively, with continuity being the lowest for those with terminal illness (0.27, 0.23 and 0.33, respectively). Higher number of comorbidities, higher neighbourhood income quintile and all non-sudden death categories were associated with lower continuity. INTERPRETATION We found that continuity of physician care in the last year of life was low, especially in those with cancer. Further research is needed to validate measures of continuity against end-of-life health care outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Howard
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont.
| | - Abe Hafid
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - Colleen Webber
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - Sarina R Isenberg
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - Ana Gayowsky
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - Aaron Jones
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - Mary Scott
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - Amy T Hsu
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - Katrin Conen
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - James Downar
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - Doug Manuel
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
| | - Peter Tanuseputro
- Departments of Family Medicine (Howard, Hafid), Medicine (Conen), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Jones), McMaster University; ICES McMaster (Gayowsky); Hamilton, Ont.; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Webber, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Bruyère Research Institute (Webber, Isenberg, Scott, Hsu, Manuel, Tanuseputro); Division of Palliative Care (Downar), and Departments of Medicine (Isenberg) and Family Medicine (Manuel), University of Ottawa; ICES uOttawa (Manuel, Tanuseputro), Ottawa, Ont
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The Association Between Continuity of Care With a Primary Care Physician and Duration of Work Disability for Low Back Pain. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e606-e612. [DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Tammes P, Payne RA, Salisbury C. Association between continuity of primary care and both prescribing and adherence of common cardiovascular medications: a cohort study among patients in England. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e063282. [PMID: 36100300 PMCID: PMC9472141 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether better continuity of care is associated with increased prescribing of clinically relevant medication and improved medication adherence. SETTING Random sample of 300 000 patients aged 30+ in 2017 within 83 English general practitioner (GP) practices from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. DESIGN Patients were assigned to a randomly selected index date in 2017 on which medication use and continuity of care were determined. Adjusted associations between continuity of care and the prescribing and adherence of five cardiovascular medication groups were examined using logistic regression. PARTICIPANTS Continuity of Care Index was calculated for 173 993 patients with 4+ GP consultations 2 years prior to their index date and divided into five categories: absence of continuity, below-average continuity, average, above-average continuity and perfect continuity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES (A) Prescription for statins (primary or secondary prevention separately), anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents and antihypertensives covering the patient's index date. (B) Adherence (>80%) estimated using medication possession ratio. RESULTS There was strong evidence (p<0.01) that prescription of all five cardiovascular medication groups increased with greater continuity of care. Patients with absence of continuity were less likely to be prescribed cardiovascular medications than patients with above-average continuity (statins primary prevention OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.59 to 0.85; statins secondary prevention 0.77, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.03; antiplatelets 0.55, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.92; antihypertensives 0.51, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.65). Furthermore, patients with perfect continuity were more likely to be prescribed cardiovascular medications than those with above-average continuity (statins primary prevention OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.49; statins secondary prevention 1.37, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.71; antiplatelets 1.37, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.74; antihypertensives 1.10, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.23). Continuity was generally not associated with medication adherence, except for adherence to statins for secondary prevention (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.60 to 0.94 for average compared with above-average continuity). CONCLUSION Better continuity of care is associated with improved prescribing of medication to patients at higher risk of cardiovascular disease but does not appear to be related to patient's medication adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Tammes
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Rupert A Payne
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris Salisbury
- Centre for Academic Primary Care (CAPC), Bristol Medical School: Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Measuring continuity of care in general practice: a comparison of two methods using routinely collected data. Br J Gen Pract 2022; 72:e773-e779. [PMID: 35995578 PMCID: PMC9423043 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp.2022.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite well-documented clinical benefits of longitudinal doctor–patient continuity in primary care, continuity rates have declined. Assessment by practices or health commissioners is rarely undertaken. Aim Using the Usual Provider of Care (UPC) score this study set out to measure continuity across 126 practices in the mobile, multi-ethnic population of East London, comparing these scores with the General Practice Patient Survey (GPPS) responses to questions on GP continuity. Design and setting A retrospective, cross-sectional study in all 126 practices in three East London boroughs. Method The study population included patients who consulted three or more times between January 2017 and December 2018. Anonymised demographic and consultation data from the electronic health record were linked to results from Question 10 (‘seeing the doctor you prefer’) of the 2019 GPPS. Results The mean UPC score for all 126 practices was 0.52 (range 0.32 to 0.93). There was a strong correlation between practice UPC scores measured in the 2 years to December 2018 and responses to the 2019 GPPS Question 10, Pearson’s r correlation coefficient, 0.62. Smaller practices had higher scores. Multilevel analysis showed higher continuity for patients ≥65 years compared with children and younger adults (β coefficient 0.082, 95% confidence interval = 0.080 to 0.084) and for females compared with males. Conclusion It is possible to measure continuity across all practices in a local health economy. Regular review of practice continuity rates can be used to support efforts to increase continuity within practice teams. In turn this is likely to have a positive effect on clinical outcomes and on satisfaction for both patients and doctors.
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Gray DP, Sidaway-Lee K, Evans P. Continuity of GP care: using personal lists in general practice. Br J Gen Pract 2022; 72:208-209. [PMID: 35483941 PMCID: PMC11189035 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp22x719237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Denis Pereira Gray
- St Leonard's Practice, Exeter; Emeritus Professor, University of Exeter, Exeter
| | | | - Philip Evans
- St Leonard's Practice; Associate Professor of General Practice and Primary care, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter
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Youens D, Robinson S, Doust J, Harris MN, Moorin R. Associations between regular GP contact, diabetes monitoring and glucose control: an observational study using general practice data. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e051796. [PMID: 34758997 PMCID: PMC8587472 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-051796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Continuity and regularity of general practitioner (GP) contacts are associated with reduced hospitalisation in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). We assessed associations of these GP contact patterns with intermediate outcomes reflecting patient monitoring and health. DESIGN Observational longitudinal cohort study using general practice data 2011-2017. SETTING 193 Australian general practices in Western Australia and New South Wales participating in the MedicineInsight programme run by NPS MedicineWise. PARTICIPANTS 22 791 patients aged 18 and above with T2DM. INTERVENTIONS Regularity was assessed based on variation in the number of days between GP visits, with more regular contacts assumed to indicate planned, proactive care. Informational continuity (claims for care planning incentives) and relational continuity (usual provider of care index) were assessed separately. OUTCOME MEASURES Process of care indicators were glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) test underuse (8 months without test), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) underuse (14 months) and HbA1c overuse (two tests within 80 days). The clinical indicator was T2DM control (HbA1c 6.5% (47.5 mmol/mol)-7.5% (58.5 mmol/mol)). RESULTS The quintile with most regular contact had reduced odds of HbA1c and eGFR underuse (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.81 and OR 0.78, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.86, respectively), but increased odds of HbA1c overuse (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.38). Informational continuity was associated with reduced odds of HbA1c underuse (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.56), reduced eGFR underuse (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.67) and higher odds of HbA1c overuse (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.34 to 1.64). Neither had significant associations with HbA1c level. Results for relational continuity differed. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence that regularity and continuity influence processes of care in the management of patients with diabetes, though this did not result in the recording of HbA1c within target range. Research should capture these intermediate outcomes to better understand how GP contact patterns may influence health rather than solely assessing associations with hospitalisation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Youens
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Suzanne Robinson
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Jenny Doust
- Centre for Longitudinal and Life Course Research, School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Mark N Harris
- School of Accounting, Economics & Finance, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Rachael Moorin
- School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Population & Global Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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