Community case managers' challenges collaborating with primary care when managing complex patients in the community: A qualitative study in Singapore

Treatment delay within the patient journey of people with Korsakoff's syndrome: A retrospective qualitative multiple-case study in the Netherlands

Treatment delay is the best explanation for the development of Korsakoff's syndrome. This study aimed to improve the patient pathway to reduce treatment delay and/or increase proper care on time for people with Korsakoff's syndrome by generating knowledge about the patient journey from the first moment that professional care was deemed necessary until the time of admission into a specialised residential facility for long-term care and treatment. This retrospective exploratory multiple-case study used an individual semi-structured interview approach in 14 cases, with a total of 56 respondents. Process mapping was used to understand the chronological patient journey and the multiple-case description was analysed by using the same question as used by the individual case studies: 'What risk factors do the respondents discuss that can explain treatment delay?'. The exploration of the data revealed three reoccurring cross-case risk factors to explain treatment delay or delay in receiving proper care on time. Our respondents discussed: the lack of knowledge of KS, the fragmentation of care/waiting lists and the lack of specialistic home care. We recommend the development of knowledge programmes about Korsakoff's syndrome for family carers, GP's, healthcare professionals in general hospitals and home care workers, which could play an essential role in reducing treatment delays for patients with KS. There is also a need to find ways to organise coordinated care for patients with KS. Further research into the role of Korsakoff case managers is recommended.

Collaboration between general practitioners and social workers: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

Aim of the study is to present an overview of collaboration structures and processes between general practitioners and social workers, the target groups addressed as well the quality of available scientific literature.

DESIGN

A scoping review following the guidelines of the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews).

INCLUDED SOURCES AND ARTICLES

According to a pre-published protocol, three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, DZI SoLit) were searched using the participant-concept-context framework. The searches were performed on 21 January 2021 and on 10 August 2021. Literature written in English and German since the year 2000 was included. Two independent researchers screened all abstracts for collaboration between general practitioners and social workers. Articles selected were analysed regarding structures, processes, outcomes, effectiveness and patient target groups.

RESULTS

A total of 72 articles from 17 countries were identified. Collaborative structures and their routine differ markedly between healthcare systems: 36 publications present collaboration structures and 33 articles allow an insight into the processual routines. For all quantitative studies, a level of evidence was assigned. Various measurements are used to determine the effectiveness of collaborations, for example, hospital admissions and professionals' job satisfaction. Case management as person-centred care for defined patient groups is a central aspect of all identified collaborations between general practitioners and social workers.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review showed evidence for benefits on behalf of patients, professionals and healthcare systems by collaborations between general practitioners and social workers, yet more rigorous research is needed to better understand the impact of these collaborations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

www.osf.io/w673q.