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Duevel JA, Baumgartner A, Grosser J, Kreimeier S, Elkenkamp S, Greiner W. A Case Management Approach in Stroke Care: A Mixed-Methods Acceptance Analysis From the Perspective of the Medical Profession. Prof Case Manag 2024; 29:158-170. [PMID: 38015804 DOI: 10.1097/ncm.0000000000000701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF STUDY In terms of continuous and coordinated health care, cross-sectoral care structures are crucial. However, the German health care system is characterized by fragmentation of medical services and responsibilities. This fragmentation leads to multiple interfaces frequently causing loss of information, effectiveness, and quality. The concept of case management has the potential to improve cooperation between sectors and health care providers. Hence, a case management intervention for patients with stroke was evaluated with an acceptance analysis on the physicians' willingness to cooperate with stroke managers and their assessment of the potential of case management for the health care of patients with stroke. PRIMARY PRACTICE SETTINGS Primary practice settings included physicians working in the hospital, rehabilitation, and outpatient sectors who had actual or potential contact with a stroke case manager within the project region of East Westphalia-Lippe. METHODOLOGY AND SAMPLE The analysis was conducted using a mixed-methods approach. Expert interviews were conducted in 2020. Afterward a questionnaire was developed, which was then distributed to physicians in 2021. Both the interviews and the questionnaire included questions on conceptual knowledge and concrete expectations prior of the project, on experiences during the project and on recommendations and physicians' assessment of future organization in health care to classify and describe the acceptance. RESULTS Nine interviews were conducted and 23 questionnaires were completed. Only slightly more than 50% of the physicians had prior knowledge of the case management approach. Overall, ambiguous results concerning the acceptance of case managers were revealed. Additional personal assistance for patients with stroke was seen as beneficial at the same time critical perspectives regarding further fragmentation of health care and overlapping of competences with existing professional groups or forms of health care were collected. General practitioners in particular were critical of the case management approach. IMPLICATIONS FOR CASE MANAGEMENT PRACTICE From the physicians' point of view, at least two changes are necessary for the project approach to be integrated into standard care. First, the target group should be adapted according to the case management approach. Second, the delegation of tasks and responsibilities to case managers should be revised. The sectoral difference in the acceptance of case managers by physicians indicates that active cooperation and communication in everyday work has direct impact on the acceptance of a new occupational profession. Physician acceptance has a significant impact on the implementation of new treatment modalities and thus influences the overall quality of health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Andrea Duevel
- Juliane Andrea Duevel, MSc, completed her master's degree in public health (Bielefeld University) and since 2018 has been a research associate at the Chair of Health Economics and Health Management at the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Alina Baumgartner, MSc, has a master's degree in public health and is doing her PhD phase at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Public Health, Erlangen
- John Grosser, MSc, has a master's degree in mathematics (Technical University, Dortmund), and another master's degree in Bioethics and Medical Humanities (Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio). He is research associate with Prof. Greiner since October 2020
- Simone Kreimeier, DrPH, has been a research associate in Prof. Greiner's working group at the Bielefeld University since October 2010 and has been a senior research scientist since 2020 (doctoral degree in Public Health)
- Svenja Elkenkamp, MSc, MEd, has a master's degree in mathematics and biology and another master's degree in statistical science (Bielefeld University). She is research associate with Prof. Greiner since March 2018
- Wolfgang Greiner, has been Chair of "Health Economics and Health Care Management" at Bielefeld University since April 2005. He also holds the position of dean of the Faculty of Public Health since 2022
| | - Alina Baumgartner
- Juliane Andrea Duevel, MSc, completed her master's degree in public health (Bielefeld University) and since 2018 has been a research associate at the Chair of Health Economics and Health Management at the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Alina Baumgartner, MSc, has a master's degree in public health and is doing her PhD phase at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Public Health, Erlangen
- John Grosser, MSc, has a master's degree in mathematics (Technical University, Dortmund), and another master's degree in Bioethics and Medical Humanities (Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio). He is research associate with Prof. Greiner since October 2020
- Simone Kreimeier, DrPH, has been a research associate in Prof. Greiner's working group at the Bielefeld University since October 2010 and has been a senior research scientist since 2020 (doctoral degree in Public Health)
- Svenja Elkenkamp, MSc, MEd, has a master's degree in mathematics and biology and another master's degree in statistical science (Bielefeld University). She is research associate with Prof. Greiner since March 2018
- Wolfgang Greiner, has been Chair of "Health Economics and Health Care Management" at Bielefeld University since April 2005. He also holds the position of dean of the Faculty of Public Health since 2022
| | - John Grosser
- Juliane Andrea Duevel, MSc, completed her master's degree in public health (Bielefeld University) and since 2018 has been a research associate at the Chair of Health Economics and Health Management at the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Alina Baumgartner, MSc, has a master's degree in public health and is doing her PhD phase at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Public Health, Erlangen
- John Grosser, MSc, has a master's degree in mathematics (Technical University, Dortmund), and another master's degree in Bioethics and Medical Humanities (Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio). He is research associate with Prof. Greiner since October 2020
- Simone Kreimeier, DrPH, has been a research associate in Prof. Greiner's working group at the Bielefeld University since October 2010 and has been a senior research scientist since 2020 (doctoral degree in Public Health)
- Svenja Elkenkamp, MSc, MEd, has a master's degree in mathematics and biology and another master's degree in statistical science (Bielefeld University). She is research associate with Prof. Greiner since March 2018
- Wolfgang Greiner, has been Chair of "Health Economics and Health Care Management" at Bielefeld University since April 2005. He also holds the position of dean of the Faculty of Public Health since 2022
| | - Simone Kreimeier
- Juliane Andrea Duevel, MSc, completed her master's degree in public health (Bielefeld University) and since 2018 has been a research associate at the Chair of Health Economics and Health Management at the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Alina Baumgartner, MSc, has a master's degree in public health and is doing her PhD phase at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Public Health, Erlangen
- John Grosser, MSc, has a master's degree in mathematics (Technical University, Dortmund), and another master's degree in Bioethics and Medical Humanities (Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio). He is research associate with Prof. Greiner since October 2020
- Simone Kreimeier, DrPH, has been a research associate in Prof. Greiner's working group at the Bielefeld University since October 2010 and has been a senior research scientist since 2020 (doctoral degree in Public Health)
- Svenja Elkenkamp, MSc, MEd, has a master's degree in mathematics and biology and another master's degree in statistical science (Bielefeld University). She is research associate with Prof. Greiner since March 2018
- Wolfgang Greiner, has been Chair of "Health Economics and Health Care Management" at Bielefeld University since April 2005. He also holds the position of dean of the Faculty of Public Health since 2022
| | - Svenja Elkenkamp
- Juliane Andrea Duevel, MSc, completed her master's degree in public health (Bielefeld University) and since 2018 has been a research associate at the Chair of Health Economics and Health Management at the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Alina Baumgartner, MSc, has a master's degree in public health and is doing her PhD phase at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Public Health, Erlangen
- John Grosser, MSc, has a master's degree in mathematics (Technical University, Dortmund), and another master's degree in Bioethics and Medical Humanities (Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio). He is research associate with Prof. Greiner since October 2020
- Simone Kreimeier, DrPH, has been a research associate in Prof. Greiner's working group at the Bielefeld University since October 2010 and has been a senior research scientist since 2020 (doctoral degree in Public Health)
- Svenja Elkenkamp, MSc, MEd, has a master's degree in mathematics and biology and another master's degree in statistical science (Bielefeld University). She is research associate with Prof. Greiner since March 2018
- Wolfgang Greiner, has been Chair of "Health Economics and Health Care Management" at Bielefeld University since April 2005. He also holds the position of dean of the Faculty of Public Health since 2022
| | - Wolfgang Greiner
- Juliane Andrea Duevel, MSc, completed her master's degree in public health (Bielefeld University) and since 2018 has been a research associate at the Chair of Health Economics and Health Management at the Faculty of Health Sciences
- Alina Baumgartner, MSc, has a master's degree in public health and is doing her PhD phase at the Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Technology Assessment and Public Health, Erlangen
- John Grosser, MSc, has a master's degree in mathematics (Technical University, Dortmund), and another master's degree in Bioethics and Medical Humanities (Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio). He is research associate with Prof. Greiner since October 2020
- Simone Kreimeier, DrPH, has been a research associate in Prof. Greiner's working group at the Bielefeld University since October 2010 and has been a senior research scientist since 2020 (doctoral degree in Public Health)
- Svenja Elkenkamp, MSc, MEd, has a master's degree in mathematics and biology and another master's degree in statistical science (Bielefeld University). She is research associate with Prof. Greiner since March 2018
- Wolfgang Greiner, has been Chair of "Health Economics and Health Care Management" at Bielefeld University since April 2005. He also holds the position of dean of the Faculty of Public Health since 2022
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Wolf F, Krause M, Meißner F, Rost L, Bleidorn J, Dierks MT, Kuschick D, Kuempel L, Toutaoui K, Riens B, Schmidt K, Heintze C, Döpfmer S. [Attitudes of general practitioners and medical practice assistants towards the delegation of medical services: Results of a survey in Berlin, Brandenburg and Thuringia]. DAS GESUNDHEITSWESEN 2023; 85:1115-1123. [PMID: 38081173 PMCID: PMC10713333 DOI: 10.1055/a-2158-8982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The delegation of tasks and responsibilities from general practitioners (GPs) to medical practice assistants (MPAs) can contribute to ensuring primary care in Germany. The aim of the study was to collect and analyze attitudes and procedures of GPs and MPAs regarding the delegation of physician-related tasks and activities. METHODOLOGY A self-designed, piloted questionnaire was sent to all GPs listed within the regional Associations of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KV) in Thuringia, Berlin, and Brandenburg (n=5,516) and their MPAs. Participants were asked to indicate which physician-related activities were already delegated and on which occasions further delegations could be considered. RESULTS 890 GPs (response rate: 16.1%) and 566 MPAs participated in the written survey. The participants were predominantly female and most of them worked in urban areas. Numerous activities, such as medical history taking, triage, Disease Management Program (DMP) controls, vaccinations and home visits, have already been delegated. The willingness to delegate further tasks (e. g., follow-up prescriptions and referrals, independent takeover of simple consultations, assessing the necessity of physician consultation) was high. CONCLUSION The survey showed a high level of willingness of both occupational groups to delegate physician-related activities to MFAs. An expansion seems possible under certain conditions. Many activities have already been delegated to MPAs in primary care practices. Our survey provides suggestions regarding further tasks suitable for delegation, some of which go beyond the delegation agreement valid in Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Wolf
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum
Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Markus Krause
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum
Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Franziska Meißner
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum
Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Liliana Rost
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum
Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Jutta Bleidorn
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum
Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Marius Tibor Dierks
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Doreen Kuschick
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa Kuempel
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kahina Toutaoui
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burgi Riens
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Konrad Schmidt
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsklinikum
Jena, Jena, Germany
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Heintze
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne Döpfmer
- Institut für Allgemeinmedizin, Charité
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Jedro C, Holmberg C, Tille F, Widmann J, Schneider A, Stumm J, Döpfmer S, Kuhlmey A, Schnitzer S. The Acceptability of Task-Shifting from Doctors to Allied Health Professionals. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2021; 117:583-590. [PMID: 33161942 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2020.0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 09/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The shifting of medical tasks (MT) to Qualified Medical Practice Assistants (MPA) is an option that can be pursued to ensure adequate health care in Germany despite the increasing scarcity of physicians. The goal of this study was to determine the acceptability of medical task-shifting to MPA among the general population. METHODS In a nationwide, representative telephone survey, 6105 persons aged 18 or older were asked whether they would be willing to receive care from a specially trained MPA at a physician's office. Their responses were tested for correlations with sociodemographic characteristics by means of bivariate (chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test) and multivariable statistics (logistic regression). RESULTS Of the respondents, 67.2% expressed willingness to accept the shifting of MT to an MPA for the treatment of a minor illness, and 51.8% for a chronic illness. Rejection of task-shifting was associated with old age, residence in western Germany, and citizenship of a country other than Germany. For example, non-Germans rejected task-shifting more commonly than Germans, for both minor illnesses (odds ratio [OR] 2.96; 95% confidence interval [2.28; 3.85]) and chronic illnesses (OR 1.61; [1.24; 2.10]). CONCLUSION Further studies are needed to investigate the motives for rejection of medical task-shifting to MPA in order to assess the likelihood of successful nationwide introduction of a uniform delegation model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charline Jedro
- Institute of Medical Sociology and Rehabilitation Science, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Institute of Social Medicine and Epidemiology, Brandenburg- Universitätsmedizin Theodor Fontane, Brandenburg an der Havel; National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (KBV), Berlin; Molecular Epidemiology Research Lab, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin; Institute of Biometry, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Institute of General Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin
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Beyer A, Rehner L, Hoffmann W, van den Berg N. Task-Sharing Between Pediatricians and Non-Physician Healthcare Professionals in Outpatient Child Health Care in Germany: Assessment of Need and Acceptance for Concept Development. INQUIRY: The Journal of Health Care Organization, Provision, and Financing 2020; 57:46958020969299. [PMID: 33135519 PMCID: PMC7649880 DOI: 10.1177/0046958020969299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Although pediatricians in Germany work as general practitioners for children, they are planned and trained as medical specialists. In consequence, distances between practices and residences of patients can be very large. The implementation of task-sharing models is a promising option to sustain pediatric outpatient care in rural regions. In this study we assessed the need for and acceptance of delegation of tasks in outpatient pediatric healthcare to non-physician healthcare professionals and developed a task-sharing concept. A standardized questionnaire was developed and addressed a wide range of healthcare professionals. On the basis of the results of the questionnaire and a subsequent workshop involving representatives of the various fields of pediatric care a delegation-concept was developed. A total of 206 questionnaires were answered (response rate: 17%). About 70% of the respondents (n = 145) agreed with the delegation of counseling on prevention, 66% (n = 135) with the delegation of tasks in the transition process into adult medicine. All proposed tasks were conceivable for at least a third of the respondents. Mostly, pediatricians could envision delegation more than the non-physician health care professionals. A three-dimension-delegation-concept was developed: which tasks can be delegated to whom in which setting. Basically, if nurses or medical practice assistants are adequately qualified, all tasks can be delegated to both. The delegation was approved by most of the respondents. Implementation of task-sharing provides a new option to support pediatricians and create better access to outpatient pediatric health care in rural regions. The next step should be the implementation of the delegation concept in pilot projects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelika Beyer
- University Hospital of Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
| | - Laura Rehner
- University Hospital of Greifswald, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany
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Kuhn B, Kleij KS, Liersch S, Steinhäuser J, Amelung V. Which strategies might improve local primary healthcare in Germany? An explorative study from a local government point of view. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2017; 18:105. [PMID: 29262798 PMCID: PMC5738820 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-017-0696-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Facing rising inequities and poorer accessibility of physicians in rural areas, new healthcare delivery structures are being considered to support local healthcare in German communities. To better understand perspectives on and attitudes towards different supplementary models, we examined attitudes among local politicians in the German federal state of Lower Saxony towards the suitability of supplementary care models. Methods As part of a cross-sectional study, we surveyed local politicians in Lower Saxony at the local authority and district levels (n = 449) by mail questionnaire. We asked for an assessment of four potential supplementary healthcare models at the local level: the use of trained medical assistants, patients’ buses, mobile physicians’ offices, and telemedicine. Results The response rate was 71.0% for mayors (n = 292) and 81.6% (n = 31) for county administrators. In summary, 72.4% of respondents supported the use of trained medical assistants, 48.9% voted for patients’ buses, 22.0% for mobile physicians’ offices, and 13.9% for telemedicine. Except for telemedicine, the politicians’ approval of the supplementary models in rural areas was higher than in urban areas. The assessment regarding the suitability of each model was not significantly connected with indicators of a positively or negatively assessed local healthcare situation. The analyses showed that the use of trained medical assistants was associated with the positive effects of division of labor and potential to relieve physicians. In contrast, there was skepticism about technical support via telemedicine, mostly due to concerns about its unsuitability for elderly people and the potential lower quality of healthcare delivery. Conclusion Local politicians widely accept the use of trained medical assistants, whereas the applicability of technical solutions such as telemedicine is perceived with skepticism. Therefore, the knowledge gap between evidence for and prejudices against telemedicine needs to be addressed more effectively. Reasons for the assessments of the presented models are more likely traceable to personal views than to assessments of the actual estimated local primary care situation. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12875-017-0696-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertolt Kuhn
- Medical School Hannover, Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, OE 5410, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Kim-Sarah Kleij
- Medical School Hannover, Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, OE 5410, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Liersch
- Medical School Hannover, Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, OE 5410, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jost Steinhäuser
- University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Institute of Family Medicine, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Volker Amelung
- Medical School Hannover, Institute for Epidemiology, Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, OE 5410, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625, Hannover, Germany
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