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Urquhart R, Kendell C, Pfaff K, Stajduhar K, Patrick L, Dujela C, Scruton S, Fauteux F, Warner G. How do navigation programs address the needs of those living in the community with advanced, life-limiting Illness? A realist evaluation of programs in Canada. BMC Palliat Care 2023; 22:179. [PMID: 37964238 PMCID: PMC10647106 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-023-01304-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We sought to identify innovative navigation programs across Canadian jurisdictions that target their services to individuals affected by life-limiting illness and their families, and articulate the principal components of these programs that enable them to address the needs of their clients who are living in the community. METHODS This realist evaluation used a two-phased approach. First, we conducted a horizon scan of innovative community-based navigation programs across Canadian jurisdictions to identify innovative community-based navigation programs that aim to address the needs of community-dwelling individuals affected by life-limiting illness. Second, we conducted semi-structured interviews with key informants from each of the selected programs. Informants included individuals responsible for managing and delivering the program and decision-makers with responsibility and/or oversight of the program. Analyses proceeded in an iterative manner, consistent with realist evaluation methods. This included iteratively developing and refining Context-Mechanism-Outcome (CMO) configurations, and developing the final program theory. RESULTS Twenty-seven navigation programs were identified from the horizon scan. Using specific eligibility criteria, 11 programs were selected for subsequent interviews and in-depth examination. Twenty-three participants were interviewed from these programs, which operated in five Canadian provinces. The programs represented a mixture of community (non-profit or volunteer), research-initiated, and health system programs. The final program theory was articulated as: navigation programs can improve client outcomes if they have supported and empowered staff who have the time and flexibility to personalize care to the needs of their clients. CONCLUSIONS The findings highlight key principles (contexts and mechanisms) that enable navigation programs to develop client relationships, personalize care to client needs, and improve client outcomes. These principles include staff (or volunteer) knowledge and experience to coordinate health and social services, having a point of contact after hours, and providing staff (and volunteers) time and flexibility to develop relationships and respond to individualized client needs. These findings may be used by healthcare organizations - outside of navigation programs - to work towards more person-centred care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Urquhart
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Room 413, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Cynthia Kendell
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Kathryn Pfaff
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Kelli Stajduhar
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Linda Patrick
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Carren Dujela
- School of Nursing, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah Scruton
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Room 413, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Faith Fauteux
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Windsor, Windsor, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Warner
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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2
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Mangin D, Lamarche L, Agarwal G, Ali A, Cassels A, Colwill K, Dolovich L, Brown ND, Farrell B, Freeman K, Frizzle K, Garrison SR, Gillett J, Holbrook A, Jurcic-Vrataric J, McCormack J, Parascandalo J, Richardson J, Risdon C, Sherifali D, Siu H, Borhan S, Templeton JA, Thabane L, Trimble J. Team approach to polypharmacy evaluation and reduction: feasibility randomized trial of a structured clinical pathway to reduce polypharmacy. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2023; 9:84. [PMID: 37202822 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-023-01315-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is associated with poorer health outcomes in older adults. Other than the associated multimorbidity, factors contributing to this association could include medication adverse effects and interactions, difficulties in managing complicated medication regimes, and reduced medication adherence. It is unknown how reversible these negative associations may be if polypharmacy is reduced. The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of implementing an operationalized clinical pathway aimed to reduce polypharmacy in primary care and to pilot measurement tools suitable for assessing change in health outcomes in a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT). METHODS We randomized consenting patients ≥ 70 years old on ≥ 5 long-term medications into intervention or control groups. We collected baseline demographic information and research outcome measures at baseline and 6 months. We assessed four categories of feasibility outcomes: process, resource, management, and scientific. The intervention group received TAPER (team approach to polypharmacy evaluation and reduction), a clinical pathway for reducing polypharmacy using "pause and monitor" drug holiday approach. TAPER integrates patients' goals, priorities, and preferences with an evidence-based "machine screen" to identify potentially problematic medications and support a tapering and monitoring process, all supported by a web-based system, TaperMD. Patients met with a clinical pharmacist and then with their family physician to finalize a plan for optimization of medications using TaperMD. The control group received usual care and were offered TAPER after follow-up at 6 months. RESULTS All 9 criteria for feasibility were met across the 4 feasibility outcome domains. Of 85 patients screened for eligibility, 39 eligible patients were recruited and randomized; two were excluded post hoc for not meeting the age requirement. Withdrawals (2) and losses to follow-up (3) were small and evenly distributed between arms. Areas for intervention and research process improvement were identified. In general, outcome measures performed well and appeared suitable for assessing change in a larger RCT. CONCLUSIONS Results from this feasibility study indicate that TAPER as a clinical pathway is feasible to implement in a primary care team setting and in an RCT research framework. Outcome trends suggest effectiveness. A large-scale RCT will be conducted to investigate the effectiveness of TAPER on reducing polypharmacy and improving health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION clinicaltrials.gov NCT02562352 , Registered September 29, 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dee Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada.
- Dept. of General Practice, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Gina Agarwal
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Abbas Ali
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Alan Cassels
- University of Victoria, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kiska Colwill
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
- University of Toronto, 144 College Street, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Naomi Dore Brown
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Barbara Farrell
- Bruyère Research Institute, 43 Bruyère Street, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Karla Freeman
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Kristina Frizzle
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Scott R Garrison
- University of Alberta, 6-60 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - James Gillett
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Anne Holbrook
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Jane Jurcic-Vrataric
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - James McCormack
- University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jenna Parascandalo
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Julie Richardson
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Cathy Risdon
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Diana Sherifali
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Henry Siu
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Sayem Borhan
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Jeffery A Templeton
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Family Medicine, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, McMaster University, 100 Main Street West, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Johanna Trimble
- University of British Columbia, 2405 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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3
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Teggart K, Neil-Sztramko SE, Nadarajah A, Wang A, Moore C, Carter N, Adams J, Jain K, Petrie P, Alshaikhahmed A, Yugendranag S, Ganann R. Effectiveness of system navigation programs linking primary care with community-based health and social services: a systematic review. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:450. [PMID: 37158878 PMCID: PMC10165767 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-09424-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragmented delivery of health and social services can impact access to high-quality, person-centred care. The goal of system navigation is to reduce barriers to healthcare access and improve the quality of care. However, the effectiveness of system navigation remains largely unknown. This systematic review aims to identify the effectiveness of system navigation programs linking primary care with community-based health and social services to improve patient, caregiver, and health system outcomes. METHODS Building on a previous scoping review, PsychInfo, EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Clinical Trials Registry were searched for intervention studies published between January 2013 and August 2020. Eligible studies included system navigation or social prescription programs for adults, based in primary care settings. Two independent reviewers completed study selection, critical appraisal, and data extraction. RESULTS Twenty-one studies were included; studies had generally low to moderate risk of bias. System navigation models were lay person-led (n = 10), health professional-led (n = 4), team-based (n = 6), or self-navigation with lay support as needed (n = 1). Evidence from three studies (low risk of bias) suggests that team-based system navigation may result in slightly more appropriate health service utilization compared to baseline or usual care. Evidence from four studies (moderate risk of bias) suggests that either lay person-led or health professional-led system navigation models may improve patient experiences with quality of care compared to usual care. It is unclear whether system navigation models may improve patient-related outcomes (e.g., health-related quality of life, health behaviours). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of system navigation programs on caregiver, cost-related, or social care outcomes. CONCLUSIONS There is variation in findings across system navigation models linking primary care with community-based health and social services. Team-based system navigation may result in slight improvements in health service utilization. Further research is needed to determine the effects on caregiver and cost-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie Teggart
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Sarah E Neil-Sztramko
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 175 Longwood Rd S, Suite 210a, Hamilton, ON, L8P 0A1, Canada
| | - Abbira Nadarajah
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Amy Wang
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, 5-16 University Terrace, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2T4, Canada
| | - Caroline Moore
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Nancy Carter
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Janet Adams
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Kamal Jain
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Penelope Petrie
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Aref Alshaikhahmed
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Shreya Yugendranag
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Rebecca Ganann
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W, Hamilton, ON, HSC 3N25L8S 4K1, Canada.
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4
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Gaber J, Datta J, Clark R, Lamarche L, Parascandalo F, Di Pelino S, Forsyth P, Oliver D, Mangin D, Price D. Understanding how context and culture in six communities can shape implementation of a complex intervention: a comparative case study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:221. [PMID: 35177040 PMCID: PMC8855589 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07615-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Contextual factors can act as barriers or facilitators to scaling-up health care interventions, but there is limited understanding of how context and local culture can lead to differences in implementation of complex interventions with multiple stakeholder groups. This study aimed to explore and describe the nature of and differences between communities implementing Health TAPESTRY, a complex primary care intervention aiming to keep older adults healthier in their homes for longer, as it was scaled beyond its initial effectiveness trial. Methods We conducted a comparative case study with six communities in Ontario, Canada implementing Health TAPESTRY. We focused on differences between three key elements: interprofessional primary care teams, volunteer program coordination, and the client experience. Sources of data included semi-structured focus groups and interviews. Data were analyzed through the steps of thematic analysis. We then created matrices in NVivo by splitting the qualitative data by community and comparing across the key elements of the Health TAPESTRY intervention. Results Overall 135 people participated (39 clients, 8 clinical managers, 59 health providers, 6 volunteer coordinators, and 23 volunteers). The six communities had differences in size and composition of both their primary care practices and communities, and how the volunteer program and Health TAPESTRY were implemented. Distinctions between communities relating to the work of the interprofessional teams included characteristics of the huddle lead, involvement of physicians and the volunteer coordinator, and clarity of providers’ role with Health TAPESTRY. Key differences between communities relating to volunteer program coordination included the relationship between the volunteers and primary care practices, volunteer coordinator characteristics, volunteer training, and connections with the community. Differences regarding the client experience between communities included differing approaches used in implementation, such as recruitment methods. Conclusions Although all six communities had the same key program elements, implementation differed community-by-community. Key aspects that seemed to lead to differences across categories included the size and spread of communities, size of primary care practices, and linkages between program elements. We suggest future programs engaging stakeholders from the beginning and provide clear roles; target the most appropriate clients; and consider the size of communities and practices in implementation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03397836. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07615-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gaber
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada.
| | - Julie Datta
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Rebecca Clark
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Fiona Parascandalo
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Stephanie Di Pelino
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Pamela Forsyth
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Dee Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - David Price
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
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Hill TG, Langley JE, Kervin EK, Pesut B, Duggleby W, Warner G. An Integrative Review on the Feasibility and Acceptability of Delivering an Online Training and Mentoring Module to Volunteers Working in Community Organizations. Front Digit Health 2021; 3:688982. [PMID: 34723241 PMCID: PMC8551809 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2021.688982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Volunteer programs that support older persons can assist them in accessing healthcare in an efficient and effective manner. Community-based initiatives that train volunteers to support patients with advancing illness is an important advance for public health. As part of implementing an effective community-based volunteer-based program, volunteers need to be sufficiently trained. Online training could be an effective and safe way to provide education for volunteers in both initial training and/or continuing education throughout their involvement as a volunteer. Method: We conducted an integrative review that synthesized literature on online training programs for volunteers who support older adults. The review included both a search of existing research literature in six databases, and an online search of online training programs currently being delivered in Canada. The purpose of this review was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of community-based organizations adopting an online training format for their volunteers. Results: The database search identified 13,626 records, these went through abstract and full text screen resulting in a final 15 records. This was supplemented by 2 records identified from hand searching the references, for a total of 17 articles. In addition to identifying Volunteers Roles and Responsibilities; Elements of Training; and Evaluation of Feasibility and Acceptability; a thematic analysis of the 17 records identified the categories: (1) Feasibility Promoting Factors; (2) Barriers to Feasibility; (3) Acceptability Promoting Factors; and (4) Barriers to Acceptability. Six programs were also identified in the online search of online training programs. These programs informed our understanding of delivery of existing online volunteer training programs. Discussion: Findings suggested that feasibility and acceptability of online training were promoted by (a) topic relevant training for volunteers; (b) high engagement of volunteers to prevent attrition; (c) mentorship or leadership component. Challenges to online training included a high workload; time elapsed between training and its application; and client attitude toward volunteers. Future research on online volunteer training should consider how online delivery can be most effectively paced to support volunteers in completing training and the technical skills needed to complete the training and whether teaching these skills can be integrated into programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor G Hill
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Jodi E Langley
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily K Kervin
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Barbara Pesut
- Nursing, University of British Columbia, Okanagan, BC, Canada
| | | | - Grace Warner
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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6
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Valaitis R, Cleghorn L, Vassilev I, Rogers A, Ploeg J, Kothari A, Risdon C, Gillett J, Guenter D, Dolovich L. A Web-Based Social Network Tool (GENIE) for Supporting Self-management Among High Users of the Health Care System: Feasibility and Usability Study. JMIR Form Res 2021; 5:e25285. [PMID: 34255654 PMCID: PMC8315309 DOI: 10.2196/25285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary care providers are well positioned to foster self-management through linking patients to community-based health and social services (HSSs). This study evaluated a web-based tool—GENIE (Generating Engagement in Network Involvement)—to support the self-management of adults. GENIE empowers patients to leverage their personal social networks and increase their access to HSSs. GENIE maps patients’ personal social networks, elicits preferences, and filters local HSSs from a community service directory based on patient’s interests. Trained volunteers (an extension of the primary care team) conducted home visits and conducted surveys related to life and health goals in the context of the Health TAPESTRY (Teams Advancing Patient Experience: Strengthening Quality) program, in which the GENIE tool was implemented. GENIE reports were uploaded to an electronic medical record for care planning by the team. Objective This study aims to explore patients’, volunteers’, and clinicians’ perceptions of the feasibility, usability, and perceived outcomes of GENIE—a tool for community-dwelling adults who are high users of the health care system. Methods This study involved 2 primary care clinician focus groups and 1 clinician interview (n=15), 1 volunteer focus group (n=3), patient telephone interviews (n=8), field observations that captured goal-action sequences to complete GENIE, and GENIE utilization statistics. The patients were enrolled in a primary care program—Health TAPESTRY—and Ontario’s Health Links Program, which coordinates care for the highest users of the health care system. NVivo 11 (QSR International) was used to support qualitative data analyses related to feasibility and perceived outcomes, and descriptive statistics were used for quantitative data. Results Most participants reported positive overall perceptions of GENIE. However, feasibility testing showed that participants had a partial understanding of the tool; volunteer facilitation was critical to support the implementation of GENIE; clinicians perceived their navigation ability as superior to that of GENIE supported by volunteers; and tool completion took 39 minutes, which made the home visit too long for some. Usability challenges included difficulties completing some sections of the tool related to medical terminology and unclear instructions, limitations in the quality and quantity of HSSs results, and minor technological challenges. Almost all patients identified a community program or activity of interest. Half of the patients (4/8, 50%) followed up on HSSs and added new members to their network, whereas 1 participant lost a member. Clinicians’ strengthened their understanding of patients’ personal social networks and needs, and patients felt less social isolation. Conclusions This study demonstrated the potential of GENIE, when supported by volunteers, to expand patients’ social networks and link them to relevant HSSs. Volunteers require training to implement GENIE for self-management support, which may help overcome the time limitations faced by primary care clinicians. Refining the filtering capability of GENIE to address adults’ needs may improve primary care providers’ confidence in using such tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruta Valaitis
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Laura Cleghorn
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ivaylo Vassilev
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Anne Rogers
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anita Kothari
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Cathy Risdon
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - James Gillett
- Health Aging and Society, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Dale Guenter
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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7
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Valaitis R, Gaber J, Waters H, Lamarche L, Oliver D, Parascandalo F, Schofield R, Dolovich L. Health TAPESTRY: Exploring the Potential of a Nursing Student Placement Within a Primary Care Intervention for Community-Dwelling Older Adults. SAGE Open Nurs 2021; 6:2377960820909672. [PMID: 33415272 PMCID: PMC7774422 DOI: 10.1177/2377960820909672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases in aging places demands on
primary care. Nurses are the major nonphysician primary care
workforce. Baccalaureate nursing programs should expose students to
primary care and older adults to support these demands and help
recruit new graduates to this setting. However, many baccalaureate
nursing programs focus on acute care and placements aimed at older
adults are viewed negatively. To address these curriculum challenges,
third-year Canadian baccalaureate nursing students were placed in an
innovative primary care program—Health TAPESTRY—for community-dwelling
older adults. Health TAPESTRY involves an interprofessional primary
care team, trained lay volunteers conducting home visits, system
navigation, and an online software application. The goal of this study
was to explore third-year baccalaureate nursing students’ perceptions
of this unique clinical primary care placement. This qualitative
descriptive study explored students’ perceptions of this placement’s
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT), and outcomes.
Nursing students participated in focus groups
(n = 14) or an interview (n = 1) and
five completed narrative summaries following visits. Qualitative
content analysis was supported by NVivo 10. Strengths of the clinical
placement included training for the intervention; new insights about
older adults; and experience with home visiting, interprofessional
team functions, and community resources. Weaknesses included limited
exposure to older adult clients, lack of role clarity, lack of
registered nurse role models, and technology challenges. Opportunities
included more exposure to primary care, interprofessional teams, and
community resources. No threats were described. Nursing students’
clinical experiences can be enhanced through engagement in innovative
primary care programs. Adequate exposure to clients, including older
adults; interprofessional teams; mentoring by registered nurses or
advanced practice nurse preceptors; and role clarity for students in
the primary care team should be considered in supporting baccalaureate
nursing students in primary care clinical placements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruta Valaitis
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Gaber
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Waters
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fiona Parascandalo
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth Schofield
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Warner G, Kervin E, Pesut B, Urquhart R, Duggleby W, Hill T. How do inner and outer settings affect implementation of a community-based innovation for older adults with a serious illness: a qualitative study. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:42. [PMID: 33413394 PMCID: PMC7792161 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-06031-6] [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: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Implementing community-based innovations for older adults with serious illness, who are appropriate for a palliative approach to care, requires developing partnerships between health and community. Nav-CARE is an evidence-based innovation wherein trained volunteer navigators advocate, facilitate community connections, coordinate access to resources, and promote active engagement of older adults within their communities. Acknowledging the importance of partnerships between organizations, the aim of our study was to use the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to explore organizational (Inner Setting) and community or health system level (Outer Setting) barriers and facilitators to Nav-CARE implementation. Methods Guided by CFIR, qualitative individual and group interviews were conducted to examine the implementation of Nav-CARE in a Canadian community. Participants were individuals who delivered or managed Nav-CARE research, and stakeholders who provided services in the community. The Framework Method was used to analyse the data. Particular attention was paid to the host organization’s external network and community context. Results Implementation was affected by several inter-related CFIR domains, making it difficult to meaningfully separate key findings by only inner and outer settings. Thus, findings were organized into themes informed by CFIR, that cut across other domains and incorporated inductive findings: intraorganizational perceptions of Nav-CARE; public and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of palliative care; interorganizational partnerships and relationships; community and national-level factors that should have facilitated Nav-CARE implementation; and suggested changes to Nav-CARE. Themes demonstrated barriers to implementing Nav-CARE, such as poor organizational readiness for implementation, and public and health provider perceptions palliative care was synonymous with fast-approaching death. Conclusions Implementation science frameworks and theories commonly focus on assessing implementation of innovations within facilities and changing behaviours of individuals within that organizational structure. Implementation frameworks need to be adapted to better assess Outer Setting factors that affect implementation of community-based programs. Although applying the CFIR helped uncover critical elements in the Inner and Outer Settings that affected implementation of Nav-CARE. Our study suggests that the CFIR could expand the Outer Setting to acknowledge and assess organizational structures and beliefs of individuals within organizations external to the host organization who impact successful implementation of community-based innovations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-020-06031-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Warner
- Associate Professor School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada.
| | - Emily Kervin
- Mount Saint Vincent University, 166 Bedford Highway, Halifax, NS, B3M 2J6, Canada
| | - Barb Pesut
- University of British Columbia Okanagan, 1147 Research Road. Arts 3rd Floor, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Robin Urquhart
- Department of Surgery, Dalhousie University, Rm 8-032, 8th floor, Centennial Building, 1678 South Park St, Halifax, NS, B3H 2Y9, Canada
| | - Wendy Duggleby
- University of Alberta, 3-141 ECHA 11405 87th Ave., Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Taylor Hill
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, 6299 South St, Halifax, NS, B3H 4J1, Canada
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Wali S, Keshavjee K, Nguyen L, Mbuagbaw L, Demers C. Using an Electronic App to Promote Home-Based Self-Care in Older Patients With Heart Failure: Qualitative Study on Patient and Informal Caregiver Challenges. JMIR Cardio 2020; 4:e15885. [PMID: 33164901 PMCID: PMC7657601 DOI: 10.2196/15885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heart failure (HF) affects many older individuals in North America, with recurrent hospitalizations despite postdischarge strategies to prevent readmission. Proper HF self-care can potentially lead to better clinical outcomes, yet many older patients find self-care challenging. Mobile health (mHealth) apps can provide support to patients with respect to HF self-care. However, many mHealth apps are not designed to consider potential patient barriers, such as literacy, numeracy, and cognitive impairment, leading to challenges for older patients. We previously demonstrated that a paper-based standardized diuretic decision support tool (SDDST) with daily weights and adjustment of diuretic dose led to improved self-care. Objective The aim of this study is to better understand the self-care challenges that older patients with HF and their informal care providers (CPs) face on a daily basis, leading to the conversion of the SDDST into a user-centered mHealth app. Methods We recruited 14 patients (male: 8/14, 57%) with a confirmed diagnosis of HF, aged ≥60 years, and 7 CPs from the HF clinic and the cardiology ward at the Hamilton General Hospital. Patients were categorized into 3 groups based on the self-care heart failure index: patients with adequate self-care, patients with inadequate self-care without a CP, or patients with inadequate self-care with a CP. We conducted semistructured interviews with patients and their CPs using persona-scenarios. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed for emerging themes using an inductive approach. Results Six themes were identified: usability of technology, communication, app customization, complexity of self-care, usefulness of HF-related information, and long-term use and cost. Many of the challenges patients and CPs reported involved their unfamiliarity with technology and the lack of incentive for its use. However, participants were supportive and more likely to actively use the HF app when informed of the intervention’s inclusion of volunteer and nurse assistance. Conclusions Patients with varying self-care adequacy levels were willing to use an mHealth app if it was simple in its functionality and user interface. To promote the adoption and usability of these tools, patients confirmed the need for researchers to engage with end users before developing an app. Findings from this study can be used to help inform the design of an mHealth app to ensure that it is adapted for the needs of older individuals with HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahr Wali
- Centre for Global eHealth Innovation, Techna Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Karim Keshavjee
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,InfoClin, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Linda Nguyen
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Catherine Demers
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Pesut B, Duggleby W, Warner G, Bruce P, Ghosh S, Holroyd-Leduc J, Nekolaichuk C, Parmar J. A mixed-method evaluation of a volunteer navigation intervention for older persons living with chronic illness (Nav-CARE): findings from a knowledge translation study. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:159. [PMID: 33059655 PMCID: PMC7565322 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-00666-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Volunteer navigation is an innovative way to help older persons get connected to resources in their community that they may not know about or have difficulty accessing. Nav-CARE is an intervention in which volunteers, who are trained in navigation, provide services for older persons living at home with chronic illness to improve their quality of life. The goal of this study was to evaluate the impact of Nav-CARE on volunteers, older persons, and family participating across eight Canadian sites. Methods Nav-CARE was implemented using a knowledge translation approach in eight sites using a 12- or 18-month intervention period. A mixed method evaluation was used to understand the outcomes upon older person engagement; volunteer self-efficacy; and older person, family, and volunteer quality of life and satisfaction with the intervention. Results Older persons and family were highly satisfied with the intervention, citing benefits of social connection and support, help with negotiating the social aspects of healthcare, access to cost-effective resources, and family respite. They were less satisfied with the practical help available for transportation and errands. Older persons self-reported knowledge of the services available to them and confidence in making decisions about their healthcare showed statistically significant improvements (P < .05) over 12–18 months. Volunteers reported satisfaction with their role, particularly as it related to building relationships over time, and good self-efficacy. Volunteer attrition was a result of not recruiting older persons in a timely manner. There was no statistically significant improvement in quality of life for older persons, family or volunteers from baseline to study completion. Conclusions Findings from this study support a developing body of evidence showing the contributions volunteers make to enhanced older person and family well-being in the context of chronic illness. Statistically significant improvements were documented in aspects of client engagement. However, there were no statistically significant improvements in quality of life scores even though qualitative data illustrated very specific positive outcomes of the intervention. Similar findings in other volunteer-led intervention studies raise the question of whether there is a need for targeted volunteer-sensitive outcome measures. Supplementary information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12904-020-00666-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Pesut
- University of British Columbia Okanagan, 1147 Research Road, Arts 3rd Floor, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada.
| | - Wendy Duggleby
- University of Alberta, 3-141 ECHA 11405 87th ave, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Grace Warner
- School of Occupational Therapy, Dalhousie University, P.O. Box 15000, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Paxton Bruce
- University of British Columbia Okanagan, 1147 Research Road. Arts 3rd Floor, Kelowna, BC, V1V 1V7, Canada
| | - Sunita Ghosh
- University of Alberta/Alberta Health Services, 11560 University Ave, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Cheryl Nekolaichuk
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, c/o Palliative Institute, Health Services Centre, DC-404, 1090 Youville Drive West, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jasneet Parmar
- Specialized Geriatrics Program, Department of Family Medicine University of AB, Medical Lead, Home Living and Transitions, AHS EZ Continuing Care, c/o Grey Nuns Community Hospital, 416 St. Marguerite Health Services Centre, 1090 Youville Drive West, Edmonton, AB, T6L 0A3, Canada
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Mangin D, Lamarche L, Oliver D, Bomze S, Borhan S, Browne T, Carr T, Datta J, Dolovich L, Howard M, Marentette-Brown S, Risdon C, Talat S, Tarride JE, Thabane L, Valaitis R, Price D. Health TAPESTRY Ontario: protocol for a randomized controlled trial to test reproducibility and implementation. Trials 2020; 21:714. [PMID: 32795381 PMCID: PMC7427958 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04600-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health TAPESTRY (Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: STRengthening qualitY) aims to help people stay healthier for longer where they live by providing person-focused care through the integration of four key program components: (1) trained volunteers who visit clients in their homes, (2) an interprofessional primary health care team, (3) use of technology to collect and share information, and (4) improved connections to community health and social services. The initial randomized controlled trial of Health TAPESTRY found promising results in terms of health care use and patient outcomes, indicating a shift from reactive to preventive care. The trial was based on one clinical academic center, thus limiting generalizability. The study objectives are (1) to test reproducibility of the established effectiveness of Health TAPESTRY on physical activity and hospitalizations, (2) to test the feasibility of, and understand the contributing factors to, the implementation of Health TAPESTRY in six diverse communities across Ontario, Canada, and (3) to determine the value for money of implementing Health TAPESTRY. METHODS This planned study is a pragmatic parallel randomized controlled trial with a delayed intervention for control participants at 6 months. This trial will simultaneously assess effectiveness and implementation in a real-world setting (type II hybrid) in six diverse communities across Ontario. Participants 70 years of age and older will be randomized into the Health TAPESTRY intervention or the control group (usual care). Intervention clients will receive an individualized plan of care from an interprofessional care team. The plan will be based on a client's goals and current health risks identified through volunteer visits. The study's outcomes are mapped onto the RE-AIM framework, with levels of physical activity and number of hospitalizations as the co-primary outcomes. The main analysis will be a comparison at 6 months. DISCUSSION It is important to evaluate the effectiveness and implementation of Health TAPESTRY in multiple communities prior to scaling or widespread adoption. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03397836 . Registered on 12 January 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dee Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada.
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 3rd floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Sivan Bomze
- Canadian Red Cross, 5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, ON, L5R 3E9, Canada
| | - Sayem Borhan
- Department of Family Medicine, and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Tracy Browne
- Canadian Red Cross, 1460 Fairburn Street, Sudbury, ON, P3A 1N7, Canada
| | - Tracey Carr
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 6th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Julie Datta
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 6th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Michelle Howard
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | | | - Cathy Risdon
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 6th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Samina Talat
- Canadian Red Cross, 5700 Cancross Court, Mississauga, ON, L5R 3E9, Canada
| | - Jean-Eric Tarride
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Programs for Assessment of Technologies in Health and Center for Health Economics and Policy Analysis, CRL 227, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Programs for Assessment of Technologist in Health, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - Ruta Valaitis
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4L8, Canada
| | - David Price
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 6th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
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12
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Gaber J, Oliver D, Valaitis R, Cleghorn L, Lamarche L, Avilla E, Parascandalo F, Price D, Dolovich L. Experiences of integrating community volunteers as extensions of the primary care team to help support older adults at home: a qualitative study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:92. [PMID: 32416718 PMCID: PMC7231411 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01165-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background Increasing the integration of community volunteers into primary health care delivery has the potential to improve person-focused, coordinated care, yet the use of volunteers in primary care is largely unexplored. Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: Strengthening Quality (Health TAPESTRY) is a multi-component intervention involving trained community volunteers functioning as extensions of primary care teams, supporting care based on older adults’ health goals and needs. This study aimed to gain an understanding of volunteer experiences within the program and client and health care provider perspectives on the volunteer role. Methods This study used a qualitative descriptive approach embedded in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Participants included Health TAPESTRY volunteers, health care providers, volunteer coordinator, and program clients, all connected to two primary care practice sites in a large urban setting in Ontario, Canada. Data collection included semi-structured focus groups and interviews with all participants, and the completion of a measure of attitudes toward older adults and self-efficacy for volunteers. Qualitative data were inductively coded and analyzed using a constant comparative approach. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results Overall, 30 volunteers and 64 other participants (clients, providers, volunteer coordinator) were included. Themes included: 1. Volunteer training: “An investment in volunteers”; 2. Intergenerational volunteer pairing: “The best of both worlds”; 3. Understanding the volunteer role and its scope: “Lay people involved in care”; 4. Volunteers as extensions of primary care teams: “Being the eyes where they live”; 5. The disconnect between volunteers and the clinical team: “Is something being done?”; 6. “Learning… all the time”: Impacts on volunteers; and 7. Clients’ acceptance of volunteers. Conclusions This study showed that it is possible to integrate community volunteers into the primary care setting, adding human connections to deepen the primary care team’s understanding of their patients. Program implementation suggestions that emerged included: using role play in training, making volunteer role boundaries and specifications clear, and making efforts to connect volunteers and the primary care team they are supporting. This exploration of stakeholder voices has the potential to help improve volunteer program uptake and acceptability, as well as volunteer recruitment, retention, and training. Trial registration For RCT: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02283723, November 5, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Gaber
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Ruta Valaitis
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Laura Cleghorn
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Ernie Avilla
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Fiona Parascandalo
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - David Price
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
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Dolovich L, Gaber J, Valaitis R, Ploeg J, Oliver D, Richardson J, Mangin D, Parascandalo F, Agarwal G. Exploration of volunteers as health connectors within a multicomponent primary care-based program supporting self-management of diabetes and hypertension. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2020; 28:734-746. [PMID: 31777125 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Volunteers support health and social care worldwide, yet there is little research on integrating these unpaid community members into primary care. 'Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience, Strengthening Quality through Health Connectors for Diabetes Management' (Health TAPESTRY-HC-DM) integrates volunteer 'health connectors' into a community- and primary care-based program supporting client self-management in Hamilton, Canada. Volunteers supported clients through goal setting, motivation, education and connections to community resources and primary care. This study aimed to create and apply a volunteer program evaluation framework to explore: (a) volunteer training effectiveness (learning online content, in-person training, self-efficacy in role tasks, training overall); (b) feasibility of program implementation (process measures, reflections on client encounters, understanding of volunteer roles/responsibilities, client perspectives on volunteer program); and (c) effects of volunteering on volunteers (health outcomes, self-efficacy, value of volunteering). A concurrent triangulation, mixed-methods design was used. Data were collected in 2016, sources included: volunteer online training quizzes, focus groups, self-efficacy survey, Veterans RAND 12-Item (VR-12) survey, in-person training feedback forms and narratives of client visits; client interviews; and quantitative implementation data. Quantitative data analysis included descriptive statistics, paired samples t tests, and effect size (Cohen's d). Qualitative data used descriptive thematic analysis. Nineteen volunteers and 12 clients participated in this evaluation. Findings demonstrate the volunteer program evaluation framework in action. Online training increased knowledge. In-person training received largely positive evaluations. Self-efficacy was high post-training and higher after volunteering. VR-12 sub-scale means increased descriptively. Volunteers understood themselves as healthcare system connectors, feeling fulfilled with their contributions and learning new skills. They identified barriers including not having the resources and skills of healthcare professionals. Clients found volunteers were a major program strength, appreciating their company and regular goals follow-up. Using a volunteer program evaluation framework generated rich and comprehensive data demonstrating the feasibility of bringing volunteers into primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Gaber
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ruta Valaitis
- Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Richardson
- School of Rehabilitation Science and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Dee Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Fiona Parascandalo
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Gina Agarwal
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Valaitis R, Cleghorn L, Ploeg J, Risdon C, Mangin D, Dolovich L, Agarwal G, Oliver D, Gaber J, Chung H. Disconnected relationships between primary care and community-based health and social services and system navigation for older adults: a qualitative descriptive study. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:69. [PMID: 32326880 PMCID: PMC7181491 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01143-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background There are gaps in knowledge and understanding about the relationships between primary care and community-based health and social services in the context of healthy aging at home and system navigation. This study examined provider perspectives on: a) older adults’ health and social needs; b) barriers to accessing services; c) the nature of relationships between primary care and health and social services; and d) ways to facilitate primary care and health and social services navigation to optimize older adults’ health. Methods Four focus groups were conducted involving providers (n = 21) in: urban primary care clinics and health and social services organizations serving older adults in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Purposive sampling was employed to recruit community health and social services managers, directors or supervisors and primary health care providers in a Family Health Team via email. Results Health and social services needs were exacerbated for community-dwelling older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Strong family/caregiver social support and advocacy was often lacking. Access barriers for older adults included: financial challenges; lack of accessible transportation; wait times and eligibility criteria; and lack of programs to address older adults’ needs. Having multiple providers meant that assessments among providers and older adults resulted in contradictory care pathways. Primary care and health and social services linkages were deficient and complicated by poor communication with patients and health literacy barriers. Primary care had stronger links with other health services than with community-based health and social services; primary care providers were frustrated by the complex nature of health and social services navigation; and care coordination was problematic. Health and social services referred older adults to primary care for medical needs and gathered patient information to gauge program eligibility, but not without challenges. Conclusions Results point to strategies to strengthen primary care and health and social services system navigation for older adults including: using a person-focused approach; employing effective primary care and health and social services communication strategies; applying effective system navigation; building trust between primary care and health and social services providers; advocating for improved program access; and adapting services/programs to address access barriers and meet older adults’ needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruta Valaitis
- Aging Community and Health Research Unit, School of Nursing, McMaster University, HSC 3N25, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S4K1, Canada.
| | - Laura Cleghorn
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- Aging Community and Health Research Unit, School of Nursing, McMaster University, HSC 3N25, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S4K1, Canada
| | - Cathy Risdon
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Derelie Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Gina Agarwal
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Jessica Gaber
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Harjit Chung
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, HSC 3N25, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, L8S4K1, Canada
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15
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Valaitis R, Cleghorn L, Dolovich L, Agarwal G, Gaber J, Mangin D, Oliver D, Parascandalo F, Ploeg J, Risdon C. Examining Interprofessional teams structures and processes in the implementation of a primary care intervention (Health TAPESTRY) for older adults using normalization process theory. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2020; 21:63. [PMID: 32295524 PMCID: PMC7160930 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-020-01131-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Background Many countries are engaged in primary care reforms to support older adults who are living longer in the community. Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: Strengthening Quality [Health TAPESTRY] is a primary care intervention aimed at supporting older adults that involves trained volunteers, interprofessional teams, technology, and system navigation. This paper examines implementation of Health TAPESTRY in relation to interprofessional teamwork including volunteers. Methods This study applied Normalization Process Theory (NPT) and used a descriptive qualitative approach [1] embedded in a mixed-methods, pragmatic randomized controlled trial. It was situated in two primary care practice sites in a large urban setting in Ontario, Canada. Focus groups and interviews were conducted with primary care providers, clinical managers, administrative assistants, volunteers, and a volunteer coordinator. Data was collected at 4 months (June–July 2015) and 12 months (February–March 2016) after intervention start-up. Patients were interviewed at the end of the six-month intervention. Field notes were taken at weekly huddle meetings. Results Overall, 84 participants were included in 17 focus groups and 13 interviews; 24 field notes were collected. Themes were organized under four NPT constructs of implementation: 1) Coherence- (making sense/understanding of the program’s purpose/value) generating comprehensive assessments of older adults; strengthening health promotion, disease prevention, and self-management; enhancing patient-focused care; strengthening interprofessional care delivery; improving coordination of health and community services. 2) Cognitive Participation- (enrolment/buy-in) tackling new ways of working; attaining role clarity. 3) Collective Action- (enactment/operationalizing) changing team processes; reconfiguring resources. 4) Reflective Monitoring- (appraisal) improving teamwork and collaboration; reconfiguring roles and processes. Conclusions This study contributes key strategies for effective implementation of interventions involving interprofessional primary care teams. Findings indicate that regular communication among all team members, the development of procedures and/or protocols to support team processes, and ongoing review and feedback are critical to implementation of innovations involving primary care teams. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT02283723 November 5, 2014. Prospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruta Valaitis
- Aging Community and Health Research Unit, School of Nursing, McMaster University, HSC 3N25, 1280 Main Street West, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S4K1, Canada.
| | - Laura Cleghorn
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Gina Agarwal
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Jessica Gaber
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Derelie Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Fiona Parascandalo
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- Aging Community and Health Research Unit, School of Nursing, McMaster University, HSC 3N25, 1280 Main Street West, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S4K1, Canada
| | - Cathy Risdon
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, ON, L8P 1H6, Canada
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Agarwal G, Gaber J, Richardson J, Mangin D, Ploeg J, Valaitis R, Reid GJ, Lamarche L, Parascandalo F, Javadi D, O'Reilly D, Dolovich L. Pilot randomized controlled trial of a complex intervention for diabetes self-management supported by volunteers, technology, and interprofessional primary health care teams. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2019; 5:118. [PMID: 31673398 PMCID: PMC6815451 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-019-0504-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Most health care for people with diabetes occurs in family practice, yet balancing the time and resources to help these patients can be difficult. An intervention empowering patients, leveraging community resources, and assisting self-management could benefit patients and providers. Thus, the feasibility and potential for effectiveness of “Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience, Strengthening Quality through Health Connectors for Diabetes Management” (Health TAPESTRY-HC-DM) as an approach supporting diabetes self-management was explored to inform development of a future large-scale trial. Methods Four-month pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT), sequential explanatory qualitative component. Participants—patients of an interprofessional primary care team—were over age 18 years, diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension, and had Internet access and one of the following: uncontrolled HbA1c, recent diabetes diagnosis, end-stage/secondary organ damage, or provider referral. The Health TAPESTRY-HC-DM intervention focused on patient health goals/needs, integrating community volunteers, eHealth technologies, interprofessional primary care teams, and system navigation. Pilot outcomes included process measures (recruitment, retention, program participation), perceived program feasibility, benefits and areas for improvement, and risks or safety issues. The primary trial outcome was self-efficacy for managing diabetes. There were a number of secondary trial outcomes. Results Of 425 eligible patients invited, 50 signed consent (11.8%) and 35 completed the program (15 intervention, 20 control). Volunteers (n = 20) met 28 clients in 234 client encounters (home visits, phone calls, electronic messages); 27 reports were sent to the interprofessional team. At 4 months, controlling for baseline, most outcomes were better in the intervention compared to control group; physical activity notably better. The most common goal domains set were physical activity, diet/nutrition, and social connection. Clients felt the biggest impact was motivation toward goal achievement. They struggled with some of the technologies. Several participants perceived that the program was not a good fit, mostly those that felt they were already well-managing their diabetes. Conclusions Health TAPESTRY-HC-DM was feasible; a large-scale randomized controlled trial seems possible. However, further attention needs to be paid to improving recruitment and retention. The intervention was well received, though was a better fit for some participants than others. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02715791. Registered 22 March 2016—retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Agarwal
- 1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Jessica Gaber
- 1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Julie Richardson
- 2School of Rehabilitation Science, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Dee Mangin
- 1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- 3Department of Health, Aging and Society, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada.,4School of Nursing, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Ruta Valaitis
- 1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada.,4School of Nursing, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Graham J Reid
- 5Departments of Psychology, Family Medicine, & Paediatrics, The University of Western Ontario, Westminster Hall, Room 319E, London, Ontario N6A 3K7 Canada
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- 1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Fiona Parascandalo
- 1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Dena Javadi
- 1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Daria O'Reilly
- 6Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, CRL, 2nd Floor, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- 1Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 5th Floor, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4K1 Canada
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Valaitis R, Longaphy J, Ploeg J, Agarwal G, Oliver D, Nair K, Kastner M, Avilla E, Dolovich L. Health TAPESTRY: co-designing interprofessional primary care programs for older adults using the persona-scenario method. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2019; 20:122. [PMID: 31484493 PMCID: PMC6727539 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-019-1013-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Working with patients and health care providers to co-design health interventions is gaining global prominence. While co-design of interventions is important for all patients, it is particularly important for older adults who often experience multiple and complex chronic conditions. Persona-scenarios have been used by designers of technology applications. The purpose of this paper is to explore how a modified approach to the persona-scenario method was used to co-design a complex primary health care intervention (Health TAPESTRY) by and for older adults and providers and the value added of this approach. Methods The persona-scenario method involved patient and clinician participants from two academically-linked primary care practices. Local prospective volunteers and community service providers (e.g., home care services, support services) were also recruited. Persona-scenario workshops were facilitated by researchers experienced in qualitative methods. Working mostly in homogenous pairs, participants created a fictitious but authentic persona that represented people like themselves. Core components of the Health TAPESTRY intervention were described. Then, participants created a story (scenario) involving their persona and an aspect of the proposed Health TAPESTRY program (e.g., volunteer roles). Two stages of analysis involved descriptive identification of themes, followed by an interpretive phase to extract possible actions and products related to ideas in each theme. Results Fourteen persona-scenario workshops were held involving patients (n = 15), healthcare providers/community care providers (n = 29), community service providers (n = 12), and volunteers (n = 14). Fifty themes emerged under four Health TAPESTRY components and a fifth category - patient. Eight cross cutting themes highlighted areas integral to the intervention. In total, 414 actions were identified and 406 products were extracted under the themes, of which 44.8% of the products (n = 182) were novel. The remaining 224 had been considered by the research team. Conclusions The persona-scenario method drew out feasible novel ideas from stakeholders, which expanded on the research team’s original ideas and highlighted interactions among components and stakeholder groups. Many ideas were integrated into the Health TAPESTRY program’s design and implementation. Persona-scenario method added significant value worthy of the added time it required. This method presents a promising alternative to active engagement of multiple stakeholders in the co-design of complex interventions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12875-019-1013-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruta Valaitis
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, HSC 3N25,1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Jennifer Longaphy
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, HSC 3N25,1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Gina Agarwal
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Kalpana Nair
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
| | - Monika Kastner
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Ernie Avilla
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology & Allergy, HSC 3V47, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, David Braley Health Sciences Centre, 100 Main Street West, 5th floor, Hamilton, Ontario, L8P 1H6, Canada
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Ploeg J, Valaitis RK, Cleghorn L, Yous ML, Gaber J, Agarwal G, Kastner M, Mangin D, Oliver D, Parascandalo F, Risdon C, Dolovich L. Perceptions of older adults in Ontario, Canada on the implementation and impact of a primary care programme, Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: Strengthening Quality (Health TAPESTRY): a descriptive qualitative study. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e026257. [PMID: 31201187 PMCID: PMC6575818 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-026257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to explore the perceptions of older adults on the implementation and impact of Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: Strengthening Quality (Health TAPESTRY), a multicomponent primary care programme that seeks to improve care coordination for individuals through health-related goal-setting supported by trained lay volunteers who are an extension of an interprofessional team, and the use of technology to support communication among the team. DESIGN This study used a qualitative descriptive design. SETTING The setting for this study was two primary care practice sites located in a large urban area in Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS The sample consisted of community-dwelling older adults aged 70 years and older. Participants were recruited from a convenience sample obtained from 360 clients who participated in the 12-month Health TAPESTRY randomised controlled trial. METHODS Semistructured interviews were conducted with 32 older adults either face-to-face or by telephone. Interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a constant comparative approach to develop themes. RESULTS Older adults' perceptions about the Health TAPESTRY programme included (1) the lack of a clear purpose and understanding of how information was shared among providers, (2) mixed positive and negative perceptions of goal-setting and provider follow-up after inhome visits by volunteers, (3) positive impacts such as satisfaction with the primary care team, and (4) the potential for the programme to become a regular programme and applied to other communities and groups. CONCLUSIONS Older adults living in the community may benefit from greater primary care support provided through enhanced team-based approaches. Programmes such as Health TAPESTRY facilitate opportunities for older adults to work with primary care providers to meet their self-identified needs. By exploring perceptions of clients, primary care programmes can be further refined and expanded for various populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Ploeg
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Laura Cleghorn
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marie-Lee Yous
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Gaber
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gina Agarwal
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Monika Kastner
- Research and Innovation, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dee Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fiona Parascandalo
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cathy Risdon
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University/McMaster Innovation Park, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Dolovich L, Oliver D, Lamarche L, Thabane L, Valaitis R, Agarwal G, Carr T, Foster G, Griffith L, Javadi D, Kastner M, Mangin D, Papaioannou A, Ploeg J, Raina P, Richardson J, Risdon C, Santaguida P, Straus S, Price D. Combining volunteers and primary care teamwork to support health goals and needs of older adults: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. CMAJ 2019; 191:E491-E500. [PMID: 31061074 PMCID: PMC6509035 DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.181173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Health TAPESTRY (Health Teams Advancing Patient Experience: STRengthening QualitY) intervention was designed to improve primary care teamwork and promote optimal aging. We evaluated the effectiveness of Health TAPESTRY in attaining goals of older adults (e.g., physical activity, productivity, social connection, medical status) and other outcomes. METHODS We conducted a pragmatic randomized controlled trial between January and October 2015 in a primary care practice in Hamilton, Ontario. Older adults were randomized (1:1) to Health TAPESTRY (n = 158) or control (n = 154). Trained community volunteers gathered information on people's goals, needs and risks in their homes, using electronic forms. Interprofessional primary care teams reviewed summaries and addressed issues. Participants reported goal attainment (primary outcome), self-efficacy, quality of life, optimal aging, social support, empowerment, physical activity, falls, and access to and comprehensiveness of the health system. We determined use of health care resources through chart audit. RESULTS There were no differences between groups in goal attainment or many other patient-reported outcome and experience assessments at 6 months. More primary care visits took place in the intervention versus control group over 6 months (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 4.93 ± 3.86 v. 3.50 ± 3.53; difference of 1.52 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.84 to 2.19]). The odds of having 1 or more hospital admission were lower for the intervention group (odds ratio [OR] 0.44 [95% CI 0.20 to 0.95]). INTERPRETATION Health TAPESTRY did not improve the primary outcome of goal attainment but showed signals of shifting care from reactive to active preventive care. Further evaluation will help in understanding effective components, costs and consequences of the intervention. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, no. NCT02283723.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Dolovich
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont.
| | - Doug Oliver
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Lehana Thabane
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Ruta Valaitis
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Gina Agarwal
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Tracey Carr
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Gary Foster
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Lauren Griffith
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Dena Javadi
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Monika Kastner
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Dee Mangin
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Alexandra Papaioannou
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Jenny Ploeg
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Parminder Raina
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Julie Richardson
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Cathy Risdon
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Pasqualina Santaguida
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - Sharon Straus
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
| | - David Price
- Departments of Family Medicine (Dolovich, Oliver, Lamarche, Agarwal, Carr, Javadi, Mangin, Risdon, Price), Medicine (Papaioannou), and Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact (Thabane, Foster, Griffith, Raina, Santaguida, Papaioannou), McMaster Institute for Research on Aging (Raina), Schools of Rehabilitation Science (Richardson) and of Nursing (Valaitis, Ploeg), McMaster University; Hamilton Health Sciences (Price), Hamilton, Ont.; Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy (Dolovich); University of Toronto; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation (Kastner), Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto; Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital (Straus), Toronto, Ont
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Smith
- Department of General Practice, HRB Centre for Primary Care Research, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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Mangin D, Parascandalo J, Khudoyarova O, Agarwal G, Bismah V, Orr S. Multimorbidity, eHealth and implications for equity: a cross-sectional survey of patient perspectives on eHealth. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e023731. [PMID: 30760515 PMCID: PMC6377536 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-023731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is increasing awareness of the burden of medical care experienced by those with multimorbidity. There is also increasing interest and activity in engaging patients with chronic disease in technology-based health-related activities ('eHealth') in family practice. Little is known about patients' access to, and interest in eHealth, in particular those with a higher burden of care associated with multimorbidity. We examined access and attitudes towards eHealth among patients attending family medicine clinics with a focus on older adults and those with polypharmacy as a marker for multimorbidity. DESIGN Cross-sectional survey of consecutive adult patients attending consultations with family physicians in the McMaster University Sentinel and Information Collaboration practice-based research network. We used univariate and multivariate analyses for quantitative data, and thematic analysis for free text responses. SETTING Primary care clinics. PARTICIPANTS 693 patients participated (response rate 70%). INCLUSION CRITERIA Attending primary care clinic. EXCLUSIONS Too ill to complete survey, cannot speak English. RESULTS The majority of participants reported access to the internet at home, although this decreased with age. Participants 70 years and older were less comfortable using the internet compared with participants under 70. Univariate analyses showed age, multimorbidity, home internet access, comfort using the internet, privacy concerns and self-rated health all predicted significantly less interest in eHealth. In the multivariate analysis, home internet access and multimorbidity were significant predictors of disinterest in eHealth. Privacy and loss of relational connection were themes in the qualitative analysis. CONCLUSION There is a significant negative association between multimorbidity and interest in eHealth. This is independent of age, computer use and comfort with using the internet. These findings have important implications, particularly the potential to further increase health inequity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dee Mangin
- Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Gina Agarwal
- Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Sherrie Orr
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Javadi D, Lamarche L, Avilla E, Siddiqui R, Gaber J, Bhamani M, Oliver D, Cleghorn L, Mangin D, Dolovich L. Feasibility study of goal setting discussions between older adults and volunteers facilitated by an eHealth application: development of the Health TAPESTRY approach. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2018; 4:184. [PMID: 30564435 PMCID: PMC6292127 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-018-0377-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In keeping with the changing needs of the Canadian population, primary care systems need to become more person-focused in providing quality care to older adults. As part of Health TAPESTRY, a complex intervention to strengthen primary care for older adults, a goal setting exercise was developed and tested in an initial feasibility study, intended to foster collaboration between patients and providers. METHODS Participants-clinic clients-were recruited from the McMaster Family Health Team in Hamilton, Ontario. Five participants took part in the goal setting feasibility study phase I, which tested the functionality of a technology-enabled goal setting exercise between older adults and volunteers. Based on observations and feedback from volunteers, interprofessional team members, and older adults, the exercise was refined to include a guided survey and goals report. The goal setting survey is a list of probing questions designed based on SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely) goal setting strategies and goal attainment scaling (GAS). This was used in phase II, carried out with 16 participants, where the feasibility of goal setting and goal attainment with support from volunteers and interprofessional teams was tested. Volunteers carried out the goal setting survey via a tablet computer, a report of client goals was generated and sent to interprofessional teams, and client goals were discussed during clinic huddles. At 6 months of follow-up, clients self-evaluated their progress using GAS. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The goal setting exercise in phase I took an average of 24:45 (SD 11:42) minutes and yielded a diverse set of life and health goals. Goals identified by older adults were primarily focused on the maintenance of a certain level of activity or health state. Phase I work resulted in important changes to the goal setting process (e.g., asking about goal setting later in conversation, changing wording of questions) and development of a summary report of goals sent to the interprofessional team. In phase II, 44 goals were set by 16 participants during an average 7:23 (SD 4:26) minute discussion. Of these goals, 43.9% were characterized as health goals while 63.4% were characterized as life goals. Under the umbrella of Life goals, productivity featured most prominently at 22.9% of all goals. Goal attainment was not measured in phase I. In phase II, clients had an average weighted goal attainment score of 51.5. Considering client preferences for one goal over another, 68.8% of clients, on average, at least partially achieved the goals they had set. CONCLUSION Goal setting as part of the Health TAPESTRY approach was feasible and provided interprofessional teams with client narratives that helped improve care management for older adults. The overall intervention-including the refined goal setting component-is being scaled and evaluated in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dena Javadi
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Ernie Avilla
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Raied Siddiqui
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Jessica Gaber
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Mehreen Bhamani
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 3rd Floor, 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Laura Cleghorn
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Dee Mangin
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- McMaster University, DFM DBHSC, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
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23
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Santaguida P, Dolovich L, Oliver D, Lamarche L, Gilsing A, Griffith LE, Richardson J, Mangin D, Kastner M, Raina P. Protocol for a Delphi consensus exercise to identify a core set of criteria for selecting health related outcome measures (HROM) to be used in primary health care. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2018; 19:152. [PMID: 30185172 PMCID: PMC6123958 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-018-0831-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Promoting the collection and use of health related outcome measures (HROM) in daily practice has long been a goal for improving and assessing the effectiveness of care provided to patients. However, there has been a lack of consensus on what criteria to use to select outcomes or instruments, particularly in the context of primary health care settings where patients present with multiple concurrent health conditions and interventions are whole-health and person-focused. The purpose of this proposed study is to undertake a formal consensus exercise to establish criteria for selecting HROM (including patient-reported (PRO or PROM), observer-reported (ObsR)), clinician-reported (ClinRO) and performance related outcomes (PerfO) for use in shared decision-making, or in assessing, screening or monitoring health status in primary health care settings. METHODS A Delphi consensus online survey will be developed. Criteria for the Delphi panel participants to consider were selected from a targeted literature search. These initial criteria (n = 35) were grouped into four categories within which items will be presented in the Delphi survey, with the option to suggest additional items. Panel members invited to participate will include primary health care practitioners and administrators, policy-makers, researchers, and experts in HROM development; patients will be excluded. Standard Delphi methodology will be employed with an expectation of at least 3 rounds to achieve consensus (75% agreement). As the final list of criteria for selecting HROM emerges, panel members will be asked to provide opinions about potential weighting of items. The Delphi survey was approved by the Ethics Committee in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. DISCUSSION Previous literature establishing criteria for selecting HROM were developed with a focus on patient reported outcomes, psychological/ behavioural outcomes or outcomes for minimum core outcome sets in clinical trials. Although helpful, these criteria may not be applicable and feasible for application in a primary health care context where patients with multi-morbidity and complex interventions are typical and the constraints of providing health services differ from those in research studies. The findings from this Delphi consensus study will address a gap for establishing consensus on criteria for selecting HROM for use across primary health care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasqualina Santaguida
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, HSC 3N50-G, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario L8S 4L7 Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, DBHSC, McMaster University, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6 Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3M2 Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, DBHSC, McMaster University, 3rd Floor, 100 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- Department of Family Medicine, DBHSC, McMaster University, 5th Floor 100 Main St West, Hamilton, ON L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Anne Gilsing
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 175 Longwood Rd. S. Suite 207A, Hamilton, ON L8P 0A1 Canada
| | - Lauren E. Griffith
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 175 Longwood Rd. S. Suite 309A, Hamilton, ON L8P 0A1 Canada
| | - Julie Richardson
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main St. W. IAHS 443, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7A Canada
| | - Dee Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, DBHSC, McMaster University, 5th Floor, 100 Main St West, Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H6 Canada
| | - Monika Kastner
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, ON M5T 3M6 Canada
| | - Parminder Raina
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, 175 Longwood Rd. S. Suite 309A, Hamilton, ON L8P 0A1 Canada
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Steele Gray C, Barnsley J, Gagnon D, Belzile L, Kenealy T, Shaw J, Sheridan N, Wankah Nji P, Wodchis WP. Using information communication technology in models of integrated community-based primary health care: learning from the iCOACH case studies. Implement Sci 2018; 13:87. [PMID: 29940992 PMCID: PMC6019521 DOI: 10.1186/s13012-018-0780-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Information communication technology (ICT) is a critical enabler of integrated models of community-based primary health care; however, little is known about how existing technologies have been used to support new models of integrated care. To address this gap, we draw on data from an international study of integrated models, exploring how ICT is used to support activities of integrated care and the organizational and environmental barriers and enablers to its adoption. METHODS We take an embedded comparative multiple-case study approach using data from a study of implementation of nine models of integrated community-based primary health care, the Implementing Integrated Care for Older Adults with Complex Health Needs (iCOACH) study. Six cases from Canada, three each in Ontario and Quebec, and three in New Zealand, were studied. As part of the case studies, interviews were conducted with managers and front-line health care providers from February 2015 to March 2017. A qualitative descriptive approach was used to code data from 137 interviews and generate word tables to guide analysis. RESULTS Despite different models and contexts, we found strikingly similar accounts of the types of activities supported through ICT systems in each of the cases. ICT systems were used most frequently to support activities like care coordination by inter-professional teams through information sharing. However, providers were limited in their ability to efficiently share patient data due to data access issues across organizational and professional boundaries and due to system functionality limitations, such as a lack of interoperability. CONCLUSIONS Even in innovative models of care, managers and providers in our cases mainly use technology to enable traditional ways of working. Technology limitations prevent more innovative uses of technology that could support disruption necessary to improve care delivery. We argue the barriers to more innovative use of technology are linked to three factors: (1) information access barriers, (2) limited functionality of available technology, and (3) organizational and provider inertia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Steele Gray
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, 1 Bridgepoint Drive, Toronto, M4M 2B5, Canada.
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St., Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M6, Canada.
| | - Jan Barnsley
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St., Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Dominique Gagnon
- Unité d'enseignement et de recherche en sciences du développement humain et social, Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Val-d'Or, Canada
| | - Louise Belzile
- Gerontology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Tim Kenealy
- South Auckland Clinical School, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - James Shaw
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St., Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M6, Canada
- Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Nicolette Sheridan
- Centre for Nursing and Health Research, School of Nursing, College of Health Te Kura Hauora Tengata, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Paul Wankah Nji
- Sciences de la Santé, Centre de Recherche-Hôpital Charles LeMoyne, Université de Sherbrooke-Campus Longueuil, Longueuil, Canada
| | - Walter P Wodchis
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, 155 College St., Toronto, Ontario, M5T 3M6, Canada
- Implementation and Evaluation Science, Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, Mississauga, Canada
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Park G, Johnston G, Urquhart R, Walsh G, McCallum M. Comparing enrolees with non-enrolees of cancer-patient navigation at end of life. Curr Oncol 2018; 25:e184-e192. [PMID: 29962844 PMCID: PMC6023567 DOI: 10.3747/co.25.3902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-patient navigators who are oncology nurses support and connect patients to resources throughout the cancer care trajectory, including end of life. Although qualitative and cohort studies of navigated patients have been reported, no population-based studies were found. The present population-based study compared demographic, disease, and outcome characteristics for decedents who had been diagnosed with cancer by whether they did or did not see a navigator. Methods This retrospective study used patient-based administrative data in Nova Scotia (cancer registry, death certificates, navigation visits) to generate descriptive statistics. The study population included all adults diagnosed with cancer who died during 2011-2014 of a cancer or non-cancer cause of death. Results Of the 7694 study decedents, 74.9% had died of cancer. Of those individuals, 40% had seen a navigator at some point in their disease trajectory. The comparable percentage for those who did not die of cancer was 11.9%. Decedents at the oldest ages had the lowest navigation rates. Navigation rates, time from diagnosis to death, and time from last navigation visit to death varied by disease site. Conclusions This population-based study of cancer-patient navigation enrolees compared with non-enrolees is the first of its kind. Most findings were consistent with expectations. However, we do not know whether the rates of navigation are consistent with the navigation needs of the population diagnosed with cancer. Because more people are living longer with cancer and because the population is aging, ongoing surveillance of who requires and who is using navigation services is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G.M. Johnston
- School of Health Administration, Dalhousie University; and
- Cancer Care Program, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS
| | | | - G. Walsh
- Cancer Care Program, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS
| | - M. McCallum
- Cancer Care Program, Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS
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Oliver D, Dolovich L, Lamarche L, Gaber J, Avilla E, Bhamani M, Price D. A Volunteer Program to Connect Primary Care and the Home to Support the Health of Older Adults: A Community Case Study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018. [PMID: 29536010 PMCID: PMC5834508 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary care providers are critical in providing and optimizing health care to an aging population. This paper describes the volunteer component of a program (Health TAPESTRY) which aims to encourage the delivery of effective primary health care in novel and proactive ways. As part of the program, volunteers visited older adults in their homes and entered information regarding health risks, needs, and goals into an electronic application on a tablet computer. A total of 657 home visits were conducted by 98 volunteers, with 22.45% of volunteers completing at least 20 home visits over the course of the program. Information was summarized in a report and electronically sent to the health care team via clients' electronic medical records. The report was reviewed by the interprofessional team who then plan ongoing care. Volunteer recruitment, screening, training, retention, and roles are described. This paper highlights the potential role of a volunteer in a unique connection between primary care providers and older adult patients in their homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Larkin Lamarche
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica Gaber
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ernie Avilla
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Mehreen Bhamani
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - David Price
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Abstract
Worsening quality indicators of health care shake public trust. Although safety and quality of care in hospitals can be improved, healthcare quality remains conceptually and operationally vague. Therefore, the aim of this analysis is to clarify the concept of healthcare quality. Walker and Avant's method of concept analysis, the most commonly used in nursing literature, provided the framework. We searched general and medical dictionaries, public domain websites, and 5 academic literature databases. Search terms included health care and quality, as well as healthcare and quality. Peer-reviewed articles and government publications published in English from 2004 to 2016 were included. Exclusion criteria were related concepts, discussions about the need for quality care, gray literature, and conference proceedings. Similar attributes were grouped into themes during analysis. Forty-two relevant articles were analyzed after excluding duplicates and those that did not meet eligibility. Following thematic analysis, 4 defining attributes were identified: (1) effective, (2) safe, (3) culture of excellence, and (4) desired outcomes. Based on these attributes, the definition of healthcare quality is the assessment and provision of effective and safe care, reflected in a culture of excellence, resulting in the attainment of optimal or desired health. This analysis proposes a conceptualization of healthcare quality that defines its implied foundational components and has potential to improve the provision of quality care. Theoretical and practice implications presented promote a fuller, more consistent understanding of the components that are necessary to improve the provision of healthcare and steady public trust.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mary W Stewart
- Professor of Nursing, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS
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Kastner M, Sayal R, Oliver D, Straus SE, Dolovich L. Sustainability and scalability of a volunteer-based primary care intervention (Health TAPESTRY): a mixed-methods analysis. BMC Health Serv Res 2017; 17:514. [PMID: 28764687 PMCID: PMC5540508 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-017-2468-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic diseases are a significant public health concern, particularly in older adults. To address the delivery of health care services to optimally meet the needs of older adults with multiple chronic diseases, Health TAPESTRY (Teams Advancing Patient Experience: Strengthening Quality) uses a novel approach that involves patient home visits by trained volunteers to collect and transmit relevant health information using e-health technology to inform appropriate care from an inter-professional healthcare team. Health TAPESTRY was implemented, pilot tested, and evaluated in a randomized controlled trial (analysis underway). Knowledge translation (KT) interventions such as Health TAPESTRY should involve an investigation of their sustainability and scalability determinants to inform further implementation. However, this is seldom considered in research or considered early enough, so the objectives of this study were to assess the sustainability and scalability potential of Health TAPESTRY from the perspective of the team who developed and pilot-tested it. Methods Our objectives were addressed using a sequential mixed-methods approach involving the administration of a validated, sustainability survey developed by the National Health Service (NHS) to all members of the Health TAPESTRY team who were actively involved in the development, implementation and pilot evaluation of the intervention (Phase 1: n = 38). Mean sustainability scores were calculated to identify the best potential for improvement across sustainability factors. Phase 2 was a qualitative study of interviews with purposively selected Health TAPESTRY team members to gain a more in-depth understanding of the factors that influence the sustainability and scalability Health TAPESTRY. Two independent reviewers coded transcribed interviews and completed a multi-step thematic analysis. Outcomes were participant perceptions of the determinants influencing the sustainability and scalability of Health TAPESTRY. Results Twenty Health TAPESTRY team members (53% response rate) completed the NHS sustainability survey. The overall mean sustainability score was 64.6 (range 22.8–96.8). Important opportunities for improving sustainability were better staff involvement and training, clinical leadership engagement, and infrastructure for sustainability. Interviews with 25 participants (response rate 60%) showed that factors influencing the sustainability and scalability of Health TAPESTRY emerged across two dimensions: I) Health TAPESTRY operations (development and implementation activities undertaken by the central team); and II) the Health TAPESTRY intervention (factors specific to the intervention and its elements). Resource capacity appears to be an important factor to consider for Health TAPESTRY operations as it was identified across both sustainability and scalability factors; and perceived lack of interprofessional team and volunteer resource capacity and the need for stakeholder buy-in are important considerations for the Health TAPESTRY intervention. We used these findings to create actionable recommendations to initiate dialogue among Health TAPESTRY team members to improve the intervention. Conclusions Our study identified sustainability and scalability determinants of the Health TAPESTRY intervention that can be used to optimize its potential for impact. Next steps will involve using findings to inform a guide to facilitate sustainability and scalability of Health TAPESTRY in other jurisdictions considering its adoption. Our findings build on the limited current knowledge of sustainability, and advances KT science related to the sustainability and scalability of KT interventions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-017-2468-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Kastner
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Radha Sayal
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Doug Oliver
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sharon E Straus
- Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lisa Dolovich
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Ploeg J, Matthew-Maich N, Fraser K, Dufour S, McAiney C, Kaasalainen S, Markle-Reid M, Upshur R, Cleghorn L, Emili A. Managing multiple chronic conditions in the community: a Canadian qualitative study of the experiences of older adults, family caregivers and healthcare providers. BMC Geriatr 2017; 17:40. [PMID: 28143412 PMCID: PMC5282921 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-017-0431-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (MCC) among older persons is increasing worldwide and is associated with poor health status and high rates of healthcare utilization and costs. Current health and social services are not addressing the complex needs of this group or their family caregivers. A better understanding of the experience of MCC from multiple perspectives is needed to improve the approach to care for this vulnerable group. However, the experience of MCC has not been explored with a broad sample of community-living older adults, family caregivers and healthcare providers. The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of managing MCC in the community from the perspectives of older adults with MCC, family caregivers and healthcare providers working in a variety of settings. METHODS Using Thorne's interpretive description approach, semi-structured interviews (n = 130) were conducted in two Canadian provinces with 41 community-living older adults (aged 65 years and older) with three or more chronic conditions, 47 family caregivers (aged 18 years and older), and 42 healthcare providers working in various community settings. Healthcare providers represented various disciplines and settings. Interview transcripts were analyzed using Thorne's interpretive description approach. RESULTS Participants described the experience of managing MCC as: (a) overwhelming, draining and complicated, (b) organizing pills and appointments, (c) being split into pieces, (d) doing what the doctor says, (e) relying on family and friends, and (f) having difficulty getting outside help. These themes resonated with the emotional impact of MCC for all three groups of participants and the heavy reliance on family caregivers to support care in the home. CONCLUSIONS The experience of managing MCC in the community was one of high complexity, where there was a large gap between the needs of older adults and caregivers and the ability of health and social care systems to meet those needs. Healthcare for MCC was experienced as piecemeal and fragmented with little focus on the person and family as a whole. These findings provide a foundation for the design of care processes to more optimally address the needs-service gap that is integral to the experience of managing MCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Ploeg
- Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSc3N25C, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
- Department of Health, Aging and Society, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSc3N25C, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Nancy Matthew-Maich
- Health Science Research and Innovation, School of Nursing, Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology, 1400 Main Street West, IAHS - 354, Hamilton, ON L8S 1C7 Canada
| | - Kimberly Fraser
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, 5-185 Edmonton Clinic Health Academy, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9 Canada
| | - Sinéad Dufour
- School of Rehabilitation Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1400 Main Street West, IAHS Rm 403, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Carrie McAiney
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, West 5th Campus, 100 West 5th Street, Room G102, Hamilton, ON L8N 3K7 Canada
| | - Sharon Kaasalainen
- School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Maureen Markle-Reid
- Aging, Community and Health Research Unit, School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSc3N25C, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
- Aging, Chronic Disease and Health Promotion Interventions, 1280 Main Street West, HSc3N25B, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, HSc3N25B, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1 Canada
| | - Ross Upshur
- Department of Family and Community Medicine and Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, M.33 1 Bridgepoint Drive, Toronto, ON M4M 2B5 Canada
- Bridgepoint Collaboratory for Research and Innovation, Sinai Health System, AM.33 1 Bridgepoint Drive, Toronto, ON M4M 2B5 Canada
| | - Laura Cleghorn
- School of Nursing and Department of Family Medicine, Health TAPESTRY, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, David Braley Health Science Centre, 5th Floor, Hamilton, ON L9S 4K1 Canada
| | - Anna Emili
- McMaster University, Main West Medical Group, 1685 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 1G5 Canada
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