Project description:BackgroundAccreditation is a widespread tool for quality management in health care. However, there is lack of research on the impact of accreditation, particularly in general practice. This study explores how general practitioners and their staff experienced the impact of a mandatory accreditation program in Denmark.MethodsQualitative interviews with general practitioners and staff from 11 clinics. The respondents were interviewed twice: during preparation and after the survey visit. The interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis, and all specific changes and other types of impact were extracted from the transcribed interview data from each clinic.ResultsThe impact of accreditation varied markedly among the clinics as did the participants' overall assessments of accreditation. Concerning specific changes in behavior and physical infrastructure, some clinics had only implemented a few minor changes in response to accreditation, some had made a relatively moderate number of changes, and a few clinics had made relatively many changes including a few pronounced ones. Further, some participants experienced that accreditation had enhanced knowledge sharing or upgraded competencies, and increased job satisfaction. However, the workload related to accreditation was emphasized as a problem by a majority of the professionals and for a few, accreditation had influenced job satisfaction negatively.ConclusionAccreditation may affect general practice clinics in very different ways. In spite of several examples of positive impact, the results suggest that it is difficult to design a mandatory accreditation program for general practice in which most professionals experience that the benefits of accreditation equal the resources used in the process.
Project description:ObjectivesThe implementation of outpatient training in primary care settings is an essential part of residency training for general practitioner (GP) residents. However, limited research exists on their experiences and perceptions of this training. This study aimed to explore the experiences and perceptions of GP residents regarding outpatient training in primary care settings in China and provide insights and recommendations to enhance training quality.DesignA qualitative descriptive study employing in-depth interviews.SettingTwo community healthcare centres (CHCs) that implement outpatient training programmes for GP residents in Zhejiang Province, China.ParticipantsIn total, 20 GP residents affiliated with 14 CHCs and two hospitals across Zhejiang Province and Guizhou Province who had completed outpatient training in either CHC for over 1 month.ResultsOf the 20 participants in this study, 11 (55%) were women, and the mean age was 28 years. GP residents completed the process of consultation, physical examination and therapy independently; subsequently, the community preceptors provided feedback based on their clinical performance and modelled their clinical skills. The benefits perceived by GP residents included improved clinical skills and confidence in practice, and they learned approaches to maintaining good relationships with patients. They preferred dealing with complex cases, discussions with peers and the indirect supervision of community preceptors in the training session. Residents recommended that measures be taken to improve the training quality regarding patient selection and recruitment, clinical skills in the training session, and assessment of clinical performance.ConclusionsThe outpatient training in primary care settings provides constructive opportunities for GP residents to improve their professional competencies. Although the current training sessions and the abilities of community preceptors largely satisfy the needs of GP residents, further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of training and explore approaches to improve its quality.
Project description:BackgroundNew family medicine graduates are a promising group to recruit to underserved rural areas. This study aimed to understand the experiences of this group as they transitioned to practice in rural Ontario.MethodsWe used a hermeneutic phenomenology approach. Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants who graduated from a Canadian family medicine residency program and worked in a rural community in Ontario (Rurality Index for Ontario score ≥ 40) for at least 1 year within the past 5 years. Participants completed an online demographic survey followed by a virtual semistructured interview (May-August 2022). Interviews were video recorded and transcribed. Two researchers reviewed transcripts for codes, and then codes were reviewed in an iterative process to create themes. Transcripts, codes and themes were reviewed by an independent researcher, and final themes were shared with participants to ensure reliability.ResultsWe included 18 family physicians in the study. We identified 8 themes and 18 subthemes. The themes identified as important to the experience of new graduates were as follows: choosing rural practice, preparedness for practice, navigating work-life balance, navigating transition to practice, challenges during transition to practice, successes during transition to practice, locuming and emergency medicine as part of rural generalist practice.InterpretationMost physicians interviewed felt prepared for rural practice and enjoyed their work; however, they faced unique challenges associated with being an early-career physician in rural practice. This study identifies opportunities for improvements, which can guide medical educators, rural communities and their recruiters, new graduates and policy-makers.
Project description:BACKGROUND:Primary care is facing a multimorbid, ageing population and a lack of general practitioners (GPs), especially in rural areas. In many countries, advanced practice nurses (APNs) may be a potential solution for these challenges. Switzerland, however, is in the early stages of APN role development with a handful of pilot projects that are unresearched. Our aim was to explore the experiences of APNs and GPs involved in introducing the APN role to Swiss primary care. METHODS:We organised two focus group discussions with APNs (n = 9) engaged in primary care across German-speaking Switzerland and individual interviews with APNs (n = 2) and GPs (n = 4) from two pilot projects in remote areas. Data analysis followed an exploratory hybrid approach of thematic analysis and was guided by the PEPPA Plus framework. RESULTS:The analysis resulted in five main themes: The participants considered themselves pioneers developing a new model in primary care, seeking to shape and improve future health care ((1) pioneering spirit). Both nurses and doctors agreed on the additional value of the APN role, a role seen as having more time for and a different approach to patient care, bringing higher quality of care and flexibility to the practice ((2) added value from the APN role). Participants also emphasized the importance of asking for advice when unsure about diagnostic steps or appropriate treatment ((3) awareness of limited knowledge and skills). The main barriers identified included the impression that Swiss doctors have little knowledge about nurses in advanced roles ((4) GP's lack of knowledge regarding the APN role), and that further regulations will be important to foster role clarity and accountability ((5) political and legal obstacles in introducing the APN role). CONCLUSIONS:The early phase of introducing APNs to Swiss primary care is characterised by heterogeneous, small-scale projects of pioneering GPs and APNs recognising the added value and limits of APNs despite a lack of governance and knowledge regarding the APN role among GPs. Experiences gained from ongoing projects provide elements of good practice for political discussions and regulations.
Project description:IntroductionCritical gaps exist in the understanding of the continuum of multiple sclerosis (MS) progression, particularly with regard to the patient experience prior to and during the transition from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary-progressive MS (SPMS) stages. To date, there are no clear diagnostic criteria in the determination of the clinical transition. We report here the use of patient experience data to support the development of a qualitative conceptual model of MS that describes the patient journey of transition from active-relapsing disease to progressive MS.MethodsThe study used a single-encounter, multicenter, qualitative observational study design that included a targeted literature review and individual, in-depth interviews with adult patients with a clinically confirmed diagnosis of SPMS and their adult care partners. Descriptions of symptoms and impacts of RRMS and SPMS were extracted from the literature review and used to support development of the interview guide and conceptual model.ResultsParticipants described a slow progression in terms of change in symptoms over time, including both the development of new symptoms and the worsening of existing symptoms.ConclusionsThe conceptual model of the transitionary period from RRMS to SPMS expands the current understanding of the progression of MS from the patient and care partner perspectives.
Project description:IntroductionPeer-supported Open Dialogue (POD) is a novel approach to mental health care that is currently being practiced and researched in the United Kingdom. For POD to be successfully implemented, effective training must be provided to make sure trainees are prepared to deliver the approach as intended. Therefore, a specific instrument that can assess the development and competence of POD trainees, as well as the effectiveness of POD training is crucial. Therefore, the current study aimed to establish an inventory named the Peer-supported Open Dialogue Attitude and Competence Inventory (PODACI), measuring the changes in attributes and attitudes of trainees before and after training.Methods and resultsTo generate the inventory, a four-round modified Delphi approach was used. We first identified the dimensions that are essential and specific to POD through an extensive literature review and individual interviews with practitioners (n = 8). After generating the items, we further refined the items through two rounds of questionnaires, asking practitioners to rate the relevance of each item from 1 (not essential) to 4 (highly essential; n = 21 and n = 10), and finalized the inventory via a focus group interview with POD trainers (n = 4). In total, 76 items were included in the PODACI. A good consensus on the items was reached: the median score of the items was all above 3.00 (essential) and achieved an agreement level greater than 85%. The Kendall coordination coefficient W was 0.36 and 0.28 in the two questionnaires employed, indicating a fair level of agreement between participants.DiscussionThe PODACI provides a way to measure attitudinal and competency factors related to the treatment integrity of POD as well as the efficacy of the training courses being offered. This highly enriched instrument opens up a wide range of possibilities for POD research and application, facilitating the development of Open Dialogue services. The next step is to assess the psychometric properties of the inventory.
Project description:OBJECTIVE:To examine the perceived effect of teaching clinical skills and associated teacher training programmes on general practitioners' morale and clinical practice. DESIGN:Qualitative semistructured interview study. SETTING:General practices throughout north London. SUBJECTS:30 general practitioners who taught clinical skills were asked about the effect of teaching and teacher training on their morale, confidence in clinical and teaching skills, and clinical practice. RESULTS:The main theme was a positive effect on morale. Within teacher training this was attributed to developing peer and professional support; improved teaching skills; and revision of clinical knowledge and skills. Within teaching this was attributed to a broadening of horizons; contact with enthusiastic students; increased time with patients; improved clinical practice; improved teaching skills; and an improved image of the practice. Problems with teaching were due to external factors such as lack of time and space and anxieties about adequacy of clinical cover while teaching. CONCLUSION:Teaching clinical skills can have a positive effect on the morale of general practitioner teachers as a result of contact with students and peers, as long as logistic and funding issues are adequately dealt with.
Project description:ObjectiveIn Germany, the rotation into the general practitioner's practice (GPP) as part of postgraduate medical training in general practice traditionally takes place at the end of the training period. The aim of this study was to explore possible subsequent effects of beginning training in the GPP from the perspective of general practitioners (GPs) and GP trainees.MethodsNationwide, GPs and GP trainees were recruited who started specialization in GP in the GPP. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted between June and October 2022 using a self-developed interview-guide. The results were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis.ResultsN=15 interviews were conducted, averaging 54 minutes (32-75 minutes) each (9 federal states, 4 GPs, 11 GP trainees). From the participants' perspective, advantages included close supervision, flat hierarchies, more time for preparation and follow-up, self-directed learning as well as higher basic salary and regular working hours. Positive effects mentioned were reinforcement in career choice, early understanding of workflow in GPP, early development of a GP attitude and strengthening of professional self-confidence. Disadvantages included initial uncertainty at the beginning of the profession and limited opportunities for peer exchange. In conclusion, all participants would recommend beginning specialization with a rotation in the GPP.DiscussionStarting in GGP allows GP trainees to learn about GP in a self-directed, research-oriented manner and based on consultations which enables early professional identity formation. GP trainees should avoid lack of collegial support by participating in a postgraduate training program. In a second step, GP trainers perspectives need to be assessed.ConclusionBeginning GP postgraduate training with a rotation in GP is advantageous and should be structurally promoted.
Project description:ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore patients' experiences and perceptions of touch, as practised by their general practitioner during their medical appointment.DesignQualitative study using grounded theory method, based on individual interviews. Data collection and analysis occurred iteratively; themes were identified using constant comparison.SettingRecruitment among general practitioners' private practices and health centres in Ile-de-France.ParticipantsTwenty-one patients aged 19-88 years old, interviewed between June 2018 and May 2019.ResultsPhysical examination was described as a ritual enabling the establishment of patients' and doctors' roles, the verification of the doctor's skills and the construction of a caring experience. Touch was also a media for the doctor to exercise power that the patient authorised. Finally, it had relational and emotional value.Discussion and conclusionPhysical examination is so internalised by the patients that it becomes unquestionable. It may be inappropriate when this touch does not belong to physical examination or on the contrary represents a proof of the doctor's humanity. The patient is not necessarily aware of the relational dimension that underpins touching and, in particular, clinical examination. This raises the question of why should doctor use it and how they can communicate about it, so that it may become an active tool in favour of trust and the construction of the relationship.
Project description:BackgroundAttempting to improve emergency care (EC) advanced clinical practitioner (ACP) training, Health Education England (HEE) South West (SW) implemented a pilot, whereby emergency departments (ED) were provided with enhanced funding and support to help ED consultants deliver teaching and supervision to EC ACPs to ensure more timely completion of EC ACP training compared with previous cohorts training in the region.We explored the experiences of trainee EC ACPs and consultant EC ACP leads working in EDs, which had implemented the new regional pilot.MethodsWe used a qualitative design to conduct semi-structured interviews with trainee EC ACPs and consultant EC ACP leads across five EDs that had implemented the HEE SW pilot. Interview data were analysed thematically.ResultsTwenty-five people were interviewed. We identified four themes: (1) the master's in advanced practice could be better aligned with the Royal College of Emergency Medicine credentialling e-portfolio; (2) EC ACP training needs some flexibility to reflect the individual-'one size does not fit all'; (3) supervision and teaching were recognised as important but requires significant staff capacity that is impacted by external pressures and (4) unclear role expectations and responsibilities hinder role transition and impact role identity.It was notable that EC ACPs primarily spoke about the development of their clinical skills both academically and within the workplace, despite there being other skills mentioned in the multiprofessional framework for advanced practice (leadership and management, education and research).ConclusionA clear supervision structure with protected time allocated for teaching and assessment of clinical skills within the ED is essential to facilitate trainee EC ACP progression. However, increasing demands on EDs make this a challenging goal to achieve. Role identity issues continue to persist despite the introduction of new guidance designed to provide more clarity around the ACP role.