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Davies F, Edwards M, Price D, Anderson P, Carson-Stevens A, Choudhry M, Cooke M, Dale J, Donaldson L, Evans BA, Harrington B, Harris S, Hepburn J, Hibbert P, Hughes T, Hussain F, Islam S, Pockett R, Porter A, Siriwardena AN, Snooks H, Watkins A, Edwards A, Cooper A. Evaluation of different models of general practitioners working in or alongside emergency departments: a mixed-methods realist evaluation. HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE DELIVERY RESEARCH 2024; 12:1-152. [PMID: 38687611 DOI: 10.3310/jwqz5348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Emergency healthcare services are under intense pressure to meet increasing patient demands. Many patients presenting to emergency departments could be managed by general practitioners in general practitioner-emergency department service models. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness, safety, patient experience and system implications of the different general practitioner-emergency department models. Design Mixed-methods realist evaluation. Methods Phase 1 (2017-8), to understand current practice: rapid realist literature review, national survey and follow-up key informant interviews, national stakeholder event and safety data analysis. Phase 2 (2018-21), to collect and analyse qualitative (observations, interviews) and quantitative data (time series analysis); cost-consequences analysis of routine data; and case site data for 'marker condition' analysis from a purposive sample of 13 case sites in England and Wales. Phase 3 (2021-2), to conduct mixed-methods analysis for programme theory and toolkit development. Results General practitioners commonly work in emergency departments, but delivery models vary widely in terms of the scope of the general practitioner role and the scale of the general practitioner service. We developed a taxonomy to describe general practitioner-emergency department service models (Integrated with the emergency department service, Parallel within the emergency department, Outside the emergency department on the hospital site) and present a programme theory as principal output of the study to describe how these service models were observed to operate. Routine data were of variable quality, limiting our analysis. Time series analysis demonstrated trends across intervention sites for: increased time spent in the emergency department; increased emergency department attendances and reattendances; and mixed results for hospital admissions. Evidence on patient experience was limited but broadly supportive; we identified department-level processes to optimise the safety of general practitioner-emergency department models. Limitations The quality, heterogeneity and extent of routine emergency department data collection during the study period limited the conclusions. Recruitment was limited by criteria for case sites (time series requirements) and individual patients (with 'marker conditions'). Pandemic and other pressures limited data collection for marker condition analysis. Data collected and analysed were pre pandemic; new approaches such as 'telephone first' and their relevance to our findings remains unexplored. Conclusion Findings suggest that general practitioner-emergency department service models do not meet the aim of reducing the overall emergency department waiting times and improving patient flow with limited evidence of cost savings. Qualitative data indicated that general practitioners were often valued as members of the wider emergency department team. We have developed a toolkit, based on our findings, to provide guidance for implementing and delivering general practitioner-emergency department services. Future work The emergency care data set has since been introduced across England to help standardise data collection to facilitate further research. We would advocate the systematic capture of patient experience measures and patient-reported outcome measures as part of routine care. More could be done to support the development of the general practitioner in emergency department role, including a core set of competencies and governance structure, to reflect the different general practitioner-emergency department models and to evaluate the effectiveness and cost effectiveness to guide future policy. Study registration This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42017069741. Funding This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: 15/145/04) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 10. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Davies
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michelle Edwards
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Delyth Price
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Pippa Anderson
- Bangor Institute for Health and Medical Research, Bangor University, Wales, UK
| | | | - Mazhar Choudhry
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Matthew Cooke
- Professor of Clinical Systems Design, Warwick Medical School, Warwick, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Professor of Clinical Systems Design, Warwick Medical School, Warwick, UK
| | | | - Bridie Angela Evans
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Shaun Harris
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Julie Hepburn
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | | | - Faris Hussain
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Saiful Islam
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Rhys Pockett
- Swansea Centre for Health Economics, School of Health and Social Care, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alison Porter
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | - Helen Snooks
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Alan Watkins
- PRIME Centre Wales, Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Adrian Edwards
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Alison Cooper
- PRIME Centre Wales, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Dick S, MacRae C, McFaul C, Wilson P, Turner SW. Interventions in primary and community care to reduce urgent paediatric hospital admissions: systematic review. Arch Dis Child 2023; 108:486-491. [PMID: 36804396 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2022-324986] [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: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a rise in urgent paediatric hospital admissions and interventions to address this are required. OBJECTIVE To systemically review the literature describing community (or non-hospital)-based interventions designed to reduce emergency department (ED) visits or urgent hospital admissions. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, Embase, OVIS SP, PsycINFO, Science Citation Index Expanded/ISI Web of Science (1981-present), the Cochrane Library database and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and before-and-after studies. PARTICIPANTS Individuals aged <16 years. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS Papers were independently reviewed by two researchers. Data extraction and the Critical Appraisals Skills Programme checklist was completed (for risk of bias assessment). RESULTS Seven studies were identified. Three studies were RCTs, three were a comparison between non-randomised groups and one was a before-and-after study. Interventions were reconfiguration of staff roles (two papers), telemedicine (three papers), pathways of urgent care (one paper) and point-of-care testing (one paper). Reconfiguration of staff roles resulted in reduction in ED visits in one study (with a commensurate increase in general practitioner visits) but increased hospital admissions from ED in a second. Telemedicine was associated with a reduction in children's admissions in one study and reduced ED admissions in two further studies. Interventions with pathways of care and point-of-care testing did not impact either ED visits or urgent admissions. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS New out-of-hospital models of urgent care for children need to be introduced and evaluated without delay. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42021274374.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smita Dick
- Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Clare MacRae
- Usher Institute of Population Health Sciences and Informatics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Claire McFaul
- Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Philip Wilson
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Stephen W Turner
- Department of Child Health, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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McFadzean IJ, Edwards M, Davies F, Cooper A, Price D, Carson-Stevens A, Dale J, Hughes T, Porter A, Harrington B, Evans B, Siriwardena N, Anderson P, Edwards A. Realist analysis of whether emergency departments with primary care services generate 'provider-induced demand'. BMC Emerg Med 2022; 22:155. [PMID: 36068508 PMCID: PMC9450363 DOI: 10.1186/s12873-022-00709-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is not known whether emergency departments (EDs) with primary care services influence demand for non-urgent care (‘provider-induced demand’). We proposed that distinct primary care services in EDs encourages primary care demand, whereas primary care integrated within EDs may be less likely to cause additional demand. We aimed to explore this and explain contexts (C), mechanisms (M) and outcomes (O) influencing demand. Methods We used realist evaluation methodology and observed ED service delivery. Twenty-four patients and 106 staff members (including Clinical Directors and General Practitioners) were interviewed at 13 EDs in England and Wales (240 hours of observations across 30 days). Field notes from observations and interviews were analysed by creating ‘CMO’ configurations to develop and refine theories relating to drivers of demand. Results EDs with distinct primary care services were perceived to attract demand for primary care because services were visible, known or enabled direct access to health care services. Other influencing factors included patients’ experiences of accessing primary care, community care capacity, service design and population characteristics. Conclusions Patient, local-system and wider-system factors can contribute to additional demand at EDs that include primary care services. Our findings can inform service providers and policymakers in developing strategies to limit the effect of potential influences on additional demand when demand exceeds capacity. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-022-00709-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- I J McFadzean
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales.
| | - M Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales.
| | - F Davies
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - A Cooper
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - D Price
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - A Carson-Stevens
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - J Dale
- Unit of Academic Primary Care, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Warwick, UK
| | - T Hughes
- John Radcliff Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - A Porter
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | - B Harrington
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
| | - B Evans
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | - N Siriwardena
- School of Health and Social Care, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK
| | - P Anderson
- Swansea University Medical School, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales
| | - A Edwards
- PRIME Centre Wales, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales
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Cost effects of nurse led triage at an emergency department with the advice to consult the adjacent general practice cooperative for low-risk patients, a cluster randomised trial. Health Policy 2022; 126:980-987. [DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2022.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Morreel S, Verhoeven V, Philips H, Meysman J, Homburg I, De Graeve D, Monsieurs KG. Differences in emergency nurse triage between a simulated setting and the real world, post hoc analysis of a cluster randomised trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059173. [PMID: 35777880 PMCID: PMC9252194 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the TRIAGE trial, a cluster randomised trial about diverting emergency department (ED) patients to a general practice cooperative (GPC) using a new extension to the Manchester Triage System, the difference in the proportion of patients assigned to the GPC was striking: 13.3% in the intervention group (patients were encouraged to comply to an ED or GPC assignment, real-world setting) and 24.7% in the control group (the assignment was not communicated, all remained at the ED, simulated setting). In this secondary analysis, we assess the differences in the use of the triage tool between intervention and control group and differences in costs and hospitalisations for patients assigned to the GPC. SETTING ED of a general hospital and the adjacent GPC. PARTICIPANTS 8038 patients (6294 intervention and 1744 control).Primary and secondary outcome measures proportion of patients with triage parameters (reason for encounter, discriminator and urgency category) leading to an assignment to the ED, proportion of patients for which the computer-generated GPC assignment was overruled, motivations for choosing certain parameters, costs (invoices) and hospitalisations. RESULTS An additional 3.1% (p<0.01) of the patients in the intervention group were classified as urgent. Discriminators leading to the ED were registered for an additional 16.2% (p<0.01), mainly because of a perceived need for imaging. Nurses equally chose flow charts leading to the ED (p=0.41) and equally overruled the protocol (p=0.91). In the intervention group, the mean cost for patients assigned to the GPC was €23 (p<0.01) lower and less patients with an assignment to the GPC were hospitalised (1.0% vs 1.6%, p<0.01). CONCLUSION Nurses used a triage tool more risk averse when it was used to divert patients to primary care as compared with a theoretical assignment to primary care. Outcomes from a simulated setting should not be extrapolated to real patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03793972.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Morreel
- Department of Family and Population Health, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Veronique Verhoeven
- Department of Family and Population Health, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Hilde Philips
- Department of Family and Population Health, University of Antwerp Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Jasmine Meysman
- Department of Economics, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Ines Homburg
- Department of Economics, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Diana De Graeve
- Department of Economics, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - K G Monsieurs
- Emergency Department, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen, Edegem, Belgium
- ASTARC, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
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Gilbert A, Brasseur E, Petit M, Donneau AF, D’Orio V, Ghuysen A. Advanced triage to redirect non-urgent Emergency Department visits to alternative care centers: the PERSEE algorithm. Acta Clin Belg 2022; 77:571-578. [PMID: 33856271 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2021.1914948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Primary care treatable visits in the Emergency Department (ED) are part of the different factors leading to the overcrowding. Their triage and diversion to alternative care centers could potentially help manage the increasing inflow provided the establishment of an advanced triage to ensure patients' safety. We aim to suggest a new triage tool, PERSEE, and prove its feasibility, safety and performance. METHODS All self-referrals presented to the ED were triaged with the PERSEE algorithm: first, patients were classified with a five-level ED acuity scale and then evaluated by algorithms to determine their appropriate category (ED or Primary Care). Patients were eligible for a redirection if they were triaged by the acuity scale as level 3 or lower, considered as ambulatory patients and finally categorized as primary care patients. We defined appropriate redirections as patients requiring less than three emergency resources, no emergency-specific treatment and no hospitalization. RESULTS During the study, 1999 patients were admitted to the ED. Among those, 1333 patients were self-referred (66.9%) of whom 1167 patients were triaged as level 3 or below (58.6%) and 775 patients triaged as ambulatory (39.0%). Among the 775 patients, 200 patients were categorized as primary care treatable (10.0%) and thereby, as potentially eligible for a redirection. We noticed an error rate of 7%, sensitivity of 24.06% and specificity of 97.6%. The redirection rate reached 15% of the self-referrals. CONCLUSION These results indicate that PERSEE triage could lead to a safe redirection and could be an efficient tool to reduce ED crowding provided several adjustments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Gilbert
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Center, Liège, Belgium
| | - Edmond Brasseur
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Center, Liège, Belgium
| | - Mérédith Petit
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Center, Liège, Belgium
| | - Anne Françoise Donneau
- Biostatistics Unit, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- Public Health Department, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Vincent D’Orio
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Center, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Ghuysen
- Emergency Department, University Hospital Center, Liège, Belgium
- Public Health Department, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Brasseur E, Gilbert A, Servotte JC, Donneau AF, D’Orio V, Ghuysen A. Emergency department crowding: why do patients walk-in? Acta Clin Belg 2021; 76:217-223. [PMID: 31886742 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2019.1710040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: For years, general practitioners (GP) shortage and patients' increasing demand for acute care have been associated with Emergency Department (ED) crowding. Indeed, EDs admissions for non-emergency care seem to constantly increase. Surprisingly, the rationale for patients own decision to directly reach EDs over primary care have been poorly investigated to date.Methods: We conducted a study on patients admitted in two University EDs during nine consecutive days. Patients were asked to answer a survey about their frames for coming and if they were self-referred, referred by a GP, a specialist or after calling the Emergency Number.Results: During the study period, 68.0% of patients were self-referred, 17.0% referred by their GP, 8.5% by a specialist and 7% after an emergency call. 51.0% of the self-referrals thought EDs were the appropriate location to deal with their health problem and 24.0% because of a better accessibility. We noticed that 15.0% of the incomings looked for specialized care and 4.22% reported that the stress had motivated them. Of note, 4.6% of the patients were attracted by the hospital reputation. Financial concerns represented less than 1.0% of the motives invocated.Conclusion: We found that patients' self-perceived severity of illness is the predominant frame to each the ED when they face needs for acute care. EDs' accessibility as compared with other facilities also seems to encourage patients to come to the ED. Other factors such as the hospital reputation or patients' stress tend to influence ED attendance but to a much lesser extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmond Brasseur
- Emergency Department, Liege University Hospital Centre, Liège, Belgium
| | - Allison Gilbert
- Emergency Department, Liege University Hospital Centre, Liège, Belgium
| | | | | | - Vincent D’Orio
- Emergency Department, Liege University Hospital Centre, Liège, Belgium
- Medicine Faculty, University of Liege, Liège, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Ghuysen
- Emergency Department, Liege University Hospital Centre, Liège, Belgium
- Departement of Public Health, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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Schoenmakers B, Van Criekinge J, Boeve T, Wilms J, Van Der Mullen C, Sabbe M. Co-location of out of hours primary care and emergency department in Belgium: patients' and physicians' view. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:282. [PMID: 33771152 PMCID: PMC7995743 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-06281-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Belgium, General Practitioner Cooperatives (GPC) aim to improve working conditions for unplanned care and to reduce the number of low acuity emergency visits. Although this system is well organized, the number of low acuity visits does not decrease. Methods We explored the view of patients and physicians on the co-location of a GPC and an emergency service for unplanned care. The study was carried out in a cross section design in primary and emergency care services and included patients and physicians. Main outcome measure was the view of patients and physician on co-location of a GPC and an emergency service. Results 404 patients and 488 physicians participated. 334 (82.7%) of all patients favoured a co-location. The major advantages were fast service (104, 25.7) and adequate referral (54, 13.4%). 237 (74%) of the GPs and 38 (95%) of the emergency physicians were in favour of a co-location. The major advantage was a more adequate referral of patients. 254 (79%) of the GPs and 23 (83%) of the emergency physicians believed that a co-location would lower the workload and waiting time and increase care quality (resp. 251 (78%), 224 (70%) and 37 (93%), 34 (85%). Conclusions To close the expectation gap between GP’s, emergency physicians and to reach for high care quality, information campaigns and development of workflows are indispensable for a successful implementation of a co-location of primary and emergency care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgitte Schoenmakers
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Jasper Van Criekinge
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Timon Boeve
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jonas Wilms
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Chris Van Der Mullen
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Sabbe
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33 box 7001, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
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Smits M, Colliers A, Jansen T, Remmen R, Bartholomeeusen S, Verheij R. Examining differences in out-of-hours primary care use in Belgium and the Netherlands: a cross-sectional study. Eur J Public Health 2020; 29:1018-1024. [PMID: 31086964 PMCID: PMC6896980 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckz083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The organizational model of out-of-hours primary care is likely to affect healthcare use. We aimed to examine differences in the use of general practitioner cooperatives for out-of-hours care in the Netherlands and Belgium (Flanders) and explore if these are related to organizational differences. Methods A cross-sectional observational study using routine electronic health record data of the year 2016 from 77 general practitioner cooperatives in the Netherlands and 5 general practitioner cooperatives in Belgium (Flanders). Patient age, gender and health problem were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results The number of consultations per 1000 residents was 2.3 times higher in the Netherlands than in Belgium. Excluding telephone consultations, which are not possible in Belgium, the number of consultations was 1.4 times higher. In Belgium, the top 10 of health problems was mainly related to infections, while in the Netherlands there were a larger variety of health problems. In addition, the health problem codes in the Dutch top 10 were more often symptoms, while the codes in the Belgian top 10 were more often diagnoses. In both countries, a relatively large percentage of GPC patients were young children and female patients. Conclusion Differences in the use of general practitioner cooperatives seem to be related to the gatekeeping role of general practitioners in the Netherlands and to organizational differences such as telephone triage, medical advice by telephone, financial thresholds and number of years of experience with the system. The information can benefit policy decisions about the organization of out-of-hours primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marleen Smits
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Scientific Center for Quality of Healthcare (IQ Healthcare), Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annelies Colliers
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Tessa Jansen
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roy Remmen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Stephaan Bartholomeeusen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Centre for General Practice, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Robert Verheij
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
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The impact of improved access to after-hours primary care on emergency department and primary care utilization: A systematic review. Health Policy 2020; 124:812-818. [PMID: 32513447 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2020.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Access to after-hours primary care is problematic in many developed countries, leading patients to instead visit the emergency department for non-urgent conditions. However, emergency department utilization for conditions treatable in primary care settings may contribute to emergency department overcrowding and increased health system costs. This systematic review examines the impact of various initiatives by developed countries to improve access to after-hours primary care on emergency department and primary care utilization. We performed a systematic review on the impact of improved access to after-hours primary and searched CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Scopus. We identified 20 studies that examined the impact of improved access to after-hours primary care on ED utilization and 6 studies that examined the impact on primary care utilization. Improved access to after-hours primary care was associated with increased primary care utilization, but had a mixed effect on emergency department utilization, with limited evidence of a reduction in non-urgent and semi-urgent emergency department visits. Although our review suggests that improved access to after-hours primary care may limit emergency department utilization by shifting patient care from the emergency department back to primary care, rigorous research in a given institutional context is required before introducing any initiative to improve access to after-hours primary care.
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Morreel S, Philips H, Colliers A, Verhoeven V. Performance of a new guideline for telephone triage in out-of-hours services in Belgium: A pilot study using simulated patients. Health Serv Manage Res 2020; 33:166-171. [PMID: 32362149 DOI: 10.1177/0951484820921809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients in Belgium needing out-of-hours care have two options: the emergency department or the general practitioner on call often organised in a general practitioner cooperative. Currently, there is no triage system in Belgium so patients do not know where to go. METHODS Our primary objective was to examine the ability of a newly developed telephone guideline, called 1733, to adequately estimate the urgency of health problems presented by simulated patients. Ten clinical vignettes were presented to 12 operators in a simulated phone call. The operators had to assign a protocol, urgency level and resource to dispatch (ambulance, general practitioner house visit, etc.) to each case. RESULTS A total of 120 phone calls were analysed. The operators chose the right protocol in 69% and the correct urgency level in 35% of the cases. The proportion of under- and over-triage was 26% and 39%, respectively. There was important variation in between the operators. The sensitivity for detecting highly urgent cases was 0.42, the specificity 0.92. CONCLUSION Using the new Belgian 1733 guideline for telephone triage, operators mostly chose the appropriate protocol but only chose the correct urgency in one out of three cases. In this phase of development, the studied telephone guideline is not ready for implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Morreel
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Hilde Philips
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Annelies Colliers
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
| | - Veronique Verhoeven
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium
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Philips H, Verhoeven V, Morreel S, Colliers A, Remmen R, Coenen S, Van Royen P. Information campaigns and trained triagists may support patients in making an appropriate choice between GP and emergency department. Eur J Gen Pract 2019; 25:243-244. [PMID: 31663392 PMCID: PMC6853219 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2019.1675630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hilde Philips
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Gouverneur Kinsbergen Centrum, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Veronique Verhoeven
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Gouverneur Kinsbergen Centrum, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Stefan Morreel
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Gouverneur Kinsbergen Centrum, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Annelies Colliers
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Gouverneur Kinsbergen Centrum, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Roy Remmen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Gouverneur Kinsbergen Centrum, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Gouverneur Kinsbergen Centrum, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Paul Van Royen
- Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA), Gouverneur Kinsbergen Centrum, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
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Cooper A, Davies F, Edwards M, Anderson P, Carson-Stevens A, Cooke MW, Donaldson L, Dale J, Evans BA, Hibbert PD, Hughes TC, Porter A, Rainer T, Siriwardena A, Snooks H, Edwards A. The impact of general practitioners working in or alongside emergency departments: a rapid realist review. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e024501. [PMID: 30975667 PMCID: PMC6500276 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Worldwide, emergency healthcare systems are under intense pressure from ever-increasing demand and evidence is urgently needed to understand how this can be safely managed. An estimated 10%-43% of emergency department patients could be treated by primary care services. In England, this has led to a policy proposal and £100 million of funding (US$130 million), for emergency departments to stream appropriate patients to a co-located primary care facility so they are 'free to care for the sickest patients'. However, the research evidence to support this initiative is weak. DESIGN Rapid realist literature review. SETTING Emergency departments. INCLUSION CRITERIA Articles describing general practitioners working in or alongside emergency departments. AIM To develop context-specific theories that explain how and why general practitioners working in or alongside emergency departments affect: patient flow; patient experience; patient safety and the wider healthcare system. RESULTS Ninety-six articles contributed data to theory development sourced from earlier systematic reviews, updated database searches (Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane DSR & CRCT, DARE, HTA Database, BSC, PsycINFO and SCOPUS) and citation tracking. We developed theories to explain: how staff interpret the streaming system; different roles general practitioners adopt in the emergency department setting (traditional, extended, gatekeeper or emergency clinician) and how these factors influence patient (experience and safety) and organisational (demand and cost-effectiveness) outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Multiple factors influence the effectiveness of emergency department streaming to general practitioners; caution is needed in embedding the policy until further research and evaluation are available. Service models that encourage the traditional general practitioner approach may have shorter process times for non-urgent patients; however, there is little evidence that this frees up emergency department staff to care for the sickest patients. Distinct primary care services offering increased patient choice may result in provider-induced demand. Economic evaluation and safety requires further research. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42017069741.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Cooper
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Freya Davies
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Michelle Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Pippa Anderson
- Centre for Health Economics, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | | | | - Liam Donaldson
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Jeremy Dale
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | | | - Peter D Hibbert
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- University of South Australia Division of Health Sciences, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Thomas C Hughes
- Emergency Department, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Alison Porter
- College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Tim Rainer
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | | | - Helen Snooks
- College of Medicine, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Adrian Edwards
- Division of Population Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Krug B, Colliers A, Matthys J, Anthierens S, Philips H, Damen J, Coenen S, Remmen R. Video-recording consultations for educational purposes in out-of-hours primary care: patients and physicians are willing to participate. Acta Clin Belg 2019; 74:65-69. [PMID: 29609529 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2018.1459231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Video-recordings of consultations are used by general practitioner (GP) trainees to enable reflection on aspects of knowledge, skills and attitudes. Typically, these recordings are made during office hours in general practice, but little is known about using video-recording during out of hours (OOH) care, which is an important and distinct part of a GP's work. To be able to record consultations during OOH care (i.e. at the emergency department (ED) and at the General Practitioner Cooperative (GPC)), patients must be willing to cooperate and give informed consent. Therefore, it was of interest to investigate potential barriers in these OOH settings. Methods A questionnaire on demographics and attitudes regarding consent was administered to patients and physicians at the ED and at the GPC in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium. Results A total of 346 questionnaires were completed, 23 by physicians and 323 by patients. A majority of the patients (225/286 (79%)) would consent to video-recording the consultation, without physical examination. Almost all physicians (21/23) would agree to participate. Overall, 85% (260/323) of the patients agree when only the doctor was being recorded. Patients were neutral in recording in 79% (88/224) at the GPC and 57% (56/99) at the ED. Shyness or embarrassment was present in 32% (71/224), and 28% (28/99) at the GPC and ED, respectively. We did not find any significant differences in giving consent or feelings between patients at the GPC and ED. Conclusion A vast majority of both patients and physicians would consent to video-recording their consultation in OOH primary care settings (GPC and ED), with possible concerns about privacy, shame and discomfort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bertwin Krug
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Annelies Colliers
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Matthys
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Healthcare, University of Ghent – UZ Gent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sibyl Anthierens
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Philips
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jorn Damen
- Emergency Department, AZ Nikolaas, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Epidemiology and Social Medicine (ESOC), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vaccine & Infectious Disease Institute (VAXINFECTIO), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Roy Remmen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Interdisciplinary Care (ELIZA) – Centre for General Practice (CHA), University of Antwerp – Campus Drie Eiken, Antwerp, Belgium
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Gonçalves‐Bradley D, Khangura JK, Flodgren G, Perera R, Rowe BH, Shepperd S. Primary care professionals providing non-urgent care in hospital emergency departments. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 2:CD002097. [PMID: 29438575 PMCID: PMC6491134 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd002097.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many countries emergency departments (EDs) are facing an increase in demand for services, long waits, and severe crowding. One response to mitigate overcrowding has been to provide primary care services alongside or within hospital EDs for patients with non-urgent problems. However, it is unknown how this impacts the quality of patient care and the utilisation of hospital resources, or if it is cost-effective. This is the first update of the original Cochrane Review published in 2012. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of locating primary care professionals in hospital EDs to provide care for patients with non-urgent health problems, compared with care provided by regularly scheduled emergency physicians (EPs). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (the Cochrane Library; 2017, Issue 4), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and King's Fund, from inception until 10 May 2017. We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the WHO ICTRP for registered clinical trials, and screened reference lists of included papers and relevant systematic reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised trials, non-randomised trials, controlled before-after studies, and interrupted time series studies that evaluated the effectiveness of introducing primary care professionals to hospital EDs attending to patients with non-urgent conditions, as compared to the care provided by regularly scheduled EPs. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We identified four trials (one randomised trial and three non-randomised trials), one of which is newly identified in this update, involving a total of 11,463 patients, 16 general practitioners (GPs), 9 emergency nurse practitioners (NPs), and 69 EPs. These studies evaluated the effects of introducing GPs or emergency NPs to provide care to patients with non-urgent problems in the ED, as compared to EPs for outcomes such as resource use. The studies were conducted in Ireland, the UK, and Australia, and had an overall high or unclear risk of bias. The outcomes investigated were similar across studies, and there was considerable variation in the triage system used, the level of expertise and experience of the medical practitioners, and type of hospital (urban teaching, suburban community hospital). Main sources of funding were national or regional health authorities and a medical research funding body.There was high heterogeneity across studies, which precluded pooling data. It is uncertain whether the intervention reduces time from arrival to clinical assessment and treatment or total length of ED stay (1 study; 260 participants), admissions to hospital, diagnostic tests, treatments given, or consultations or referrals to hospital-based specialist (3 studies; 11,203 participants), as well as costs (2 studies; 9325 participants), as we assessed the evidence as being of very low-certainty for all outcomes.No data were reported on adverse events (such as ED returns and mortality). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We assessed the evidence from the four included studies as of very low-certainty overall, as the results are inconsistent and safety has not been examined. The evidence is insufficient to draw conclusions for practice or policy regarding the effectiveness and safety of care provided to non-urgent patients by GPs and NPs versus EPs in the ED to mitigate problems of overcrowding, wait times, and patient flow.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaspreet K Khangura
- University of AlbertaDepartment of Emergency Medicine790 University Terrace Building8303 ‐ 112 StreetEdmontonAlbertaCanadaT6G 2T4
| | - Gerd Flodgren
- Norwegian Institute of Public HealthDivision of Health ServicesMarcus Thranes gate 6OsloNorway0403
| | - Rafael Perera
- University of OxfordNuffield Department of Primary Care Health SciencesRadcliffe Observatory QuarterWoodstock RoadOxfordUKOX2 6GG
| | - Brian H Rowe
- University of AlbertaDepartment of Emergency Medicine790 University Terrace Building8303 ‐ 112 StreetEdmontonAlbertaCanadaT6G 2T4
| | - Sasha Shepperd
- University of OxfordNuffield Department of Population HealthOxfordUK
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