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Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, essential health services experienced significant disruptions, impacting preventive and chronic care across the world. Methods: Utilizing the Pandemic Recovery Survey (PRS), conducted online with Facebook's Active User Base across 21 countries between March and May 2023, this cross-sectional study identifies the magnitude of and key factors associated with unmet preventive and chronic care needs during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Approximately 28.2% of respondents reported unmet preventive care needs, and 42.1% experienced unmet chronic care needs, with key determinants including food insecurity (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.81–2.07 for preventive services; aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.68–2.03 for existing conditions) and distrust in health professionals (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.15 for preventive services; aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.41–1.66 for existing conditions). Conclusion: The findings underscore a widespread unmet need for health services, highlighting the impact of social determinants and trust in health professionals on service disruption. The results suggest that pandemic recovery efforts should focus on the most affected groups to bridge health disparities and ensure an equitable recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Considering the global shortage of nurses, leaders in the field must understand the strengths and weaknesses of various nursing specialties in order to retain professionals within the field. Occupational prestige reflects the perceived contribution of an occupation 'to society', and measures its desirability, benefit and values. Understanding how experienced nurses view the prestige of nursing specialties may help to explain why some specialties are more desirable than others. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the prestige of nursing specialties among nurses taking post-graduate in-training courses. Methods: The study questionnaire examined nurses' perceived prestige of nine nursing specialties, the perceived extent of autonomy and authority, the unique knowledge and clinical skills required for each specialty, and participants' demographic and professional characteristics. Results: A total of 101 nurses (90% females, mean age 35.4 ± 9.39 years) completed the questionnaire. Intensive care (4.67 ± 0.59) and neonatal intensive care (4.57 ± 0.74) were perceived as having the highest prestige, whereas physical activity consultation (2.67 ± 0.98) and sleep consultation (2.71 ± 0.92) were perceived as having the lowest prestige. These specialties were also perceived as requiring the most and least unique knowledge and clinical skills, respectively. In contrast, authority and autonomy were ranked highest in breastfeeding consultation (4.50 ± 0.81), followed by intensive care (4.10 ± 0.87), while congestive heart failure received the lowest score (3.48 ± 0.84). Principal component analysis showed that higher prestige is attributed to acute care specialties, while chronic care specialties or ones involving consultation have lower prestige. Conclusions: Nursing specialties with lower scores should be rebranded to encourage nurses to enter these fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The European funded project ADLIFE focuses on the application of digitally enabled integrated care for people with advanced chronic diseases. The implementation of the ADLIFE intervention required a robust practical tool that would be common to all pilot sites while allowing flexibility for local variations as well as the ability to adapt to unanticipated changes and problems. Design/methodology/approach: The ADLIFE project combined the concepts of implementation research and formative evaluation with the standardized operating procedures (SOP) methodology. The ADLIFE project significantly modified the SOP approach and used it as a means to not only to define and organize the tasks that needed to be performed in preparing and implementing the ADLIFE intervention but also to create a deeper understanding of the unique challenges faced in each site, as well as a method for achieving a consensus. Findings: The ADLIFE SOPs were developed by a dedicated working group, and they encompassed the preparatory phase leading up to implementation of the intervention. The SOP was also the basis for monitoring the implementation, and this created a structure for the dynamic ongoing tactical and even strategic changes necessitated by local diversity as well as many unanticipated changes. Originality/value: The SOP methodology was useful in supporting the development of the ADLIFE SOP, which was a consensus-based approach to guide for managing the implementation process, both at project and local levels. It has supported continuous improvement and learning throughout the project. Both the process and the SOP produced by the process can be readily adapted and used in other similar projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital weight-loss services (DWLSs) combining pharmacotherapy and health coaching have the potential to make a major contribution to the global struggle against obesity. However, the degree to which DWLSs compromise patient safety through the dispensation of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications is unknown. This study retrospectively analysed the rate at which patients reported GLP-1 RA dispensing errors from patient-selected and partner pharmacies of Australia's largest DWLS provider over a six-month period. The analysis found that 99 (0.35%) of the 28,165 dispensed semaglutide orders contained an error. Incorrect dose (58.6%) and unreasonable medication expiry window (21.2%) were the two most common error types. Most errors (84.9%) were deemed to have been of medium urgency, with 11.1% being considered high-urgency errors. Incorrect doses (45.5%) and supplies of the wrong medication (36.3%) comprised most errors reported in high-urgency cases. Female patients reported more dispensing errors than male patients (0.41% vs. 0.12%, p < 0.001). Similarly, reported dispensing error rates were highest among patients aged 18 to 29 years (0.6%) and 30 to 39 years (0.5%). This research provides preliminary evidence that GLP-1 RA dispensing errors within comprehensive Australian DWLSs are relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Considering the global shortage of nurses, leaders in the field must understand the strengths and weaknesses of various nursing specialties in order to retain professionals within the field. Occupational prestige reflects the perceived contribution of an occupation ‘to society’, and measures its desirability, benefit and values. Understanding how experienced nurses view the prestige of nursing specialties may help to explain why some specialties are more desirable than others. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the prestige of nursing specialties among nurses taking post-graduate in-training courses. Methods The study questionnaire examined nurses’ perceived prestige of nine nursing specialties, the perceived extent of autonomy and authority, the unique knowledge and clinical skills required for each specialty, and participants' demographic and professional characteristics. Results A total of 101 nurses (90% females, mean age 35.4 ± 9.39 years) completed the questionnaire. Intensive care (4.67 ± 0.59) and neonatal intensive care (4.57 ± 0.74) were perceived as having the highest prestige, whereas physical activity consultation (2.67 ± 0.98) and sleep consultation (2.71 ± 0.92) were perceived as having the lowest prestige. These specialties were also perceived as requiring the most and least unique knowledge and clinical skills, respectively. In contrast, authority and autonomy were ranked highest in breastfeeding consultation (4.50 ± 0.81), followed by intensive care (4.10 ± 0.87), while congestive heart failure received the lowest score (3.48 ± 0.84). Principal component analysis showed that higher prestige is attributed to acute care specialties, while chronic care specialties or ones involving consultation have lower prestige. Conclusions Nursing specialties with lower scores should be rebranded to encourage nurses to enter these fields.

Abstract Background The burden of hypertension among people with HIV is high, particularly in low-and middle-income countries, yet gaps in hypertension screening and care in these settings persist. This study aimed to identify facilitators of and barriers to hypertension screening, treatment, and management among people with HIV in primary care clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa. Additionally, different stakeholder groups were included to identify discordant perceptions. Methods Using a cross-sectional study design, data were collected via interviews (n = 53) with people with HIV and hypertension and clinic managers and focus group discussions (n = 9) with clinic staff. A qualitative framework analysis approach guided by COM-B and the Theoretical Domains Framework were used to identify and compare determinants of hypertension care across stakeholder groups. Results Data from clinic staff and managers generated three themes characterizing facilitators of and barriers to the adoption and implementation of hypertension screening and treatment: 1) clinics have limited structural and operational capacity to support the implementation of integrated care models, 2) education and training on chronic care guidelines is inconsistent and often lacking across clinics, and 3) clinicians have the goal of enhancing chronic care within their clinics but first need to advocate for health system characteristics that will sustainably support integrated care. Patient data generated three themes characterizing existing facilitators of and barriers to clinic attendance and chronic disease self-management: 1) the threat of hypertension-related morbidity and mortality as a motivator for lifestyle change, 2) the emotional toll of clinic’s logistical, staff, and resource challenges, and 3) hypertension self-management as a patchwork of informational and support sources. The main barriers to hypertension screening, treatment, and management were related to environmental resources and context (i.e., lack of enabling resources and siloed flow of clinic operations) and patients’ knowledge and emotions (i.e., lack of awareness about hypertension risk, fear, and frustration). Clinical actors and patients differed in perceived need to prioritize HIV versus hypertension care. Conclusions The convergence of multi-stakeholder data highlight key areas for improvement, where tailored implementation strategies targeting motivations of clinic staff and capacity of patients may address challenges to hypertension screening, treatment, and management recognized across groups.

Abstract Background The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC-)tool is developed to facilitate a personalized approach to care in the patient-healthcare provider (HCP) conversation based on shared decision-making and individualized care plans. An effectiveness study highlighted its effect on the perceived quality of care and patient activation. Successful implementation of novel interventions necessitates an understanding of the user’s actual application, user experiences and an evaluation of implementation outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the ABCC-tool by HCPs in Dutch primary care. Methods This study is the process evaluation of a larger type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial. Semi-structured interviews with HCPs, who were interventionists in the hybrid trial, were held at three and twelve months after they started using the ABCC-tool. The Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to evaluate implementation outcomes. The Implementation domain was further strengthened with an evaluation of implementation fidelity using Carroll’s framework. Inductive coding and thematic analysis were applied to identify relevant participant experiences and implementation outcomes within the RE-AIM framework. Results Seventeen HCPs (1 general practitioner, 16 practice nurses) participated in the study, representing 39% of potentially eligible participants. Most HCPs applied the tool after finishing their own routines instead of how it is intended to be used, namely from the beginning of the consultation. HCPs reached 2–6 patients. The ABCC-tool was initially adopted, but twelve HCPs stopped using the tool due to COVID-19 related cancellation of consultations. High fidelity was found for applying the questionnaire and visualization. Low fidelity was present for applying shared decision-making, formulating care goals and monitoring progress. HCPs indicated that maintaning the ABCC-tool depended on accompanying training and implementation support. Conclusions HCPs applied the ABCC-tool critically different from intended, potentially diminishing its benefits and ease of use. This evaluation stresses the need for a tailored implementation plan that includes more detailed training and guidance on how and when to use the ABCC-tool.

Abstract While many studies have documented adverse impact of multiple chronic conditions or multimorbidity on COVID-19 outcomes in patients, there is scarcity of report on how physicians managed these patients. We investigated the experiences and challenges of clinicians in managing patients with multimorbidity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Odisha state, India. To understand the factors influencing illness management and the adaptive responses of physicians alongside the evolving pandemic, we followed a longitudinal qualitative study design. Twenty-three physicians comprising general practitioners, specialists, and intensivists, were telephonically interviewed in-depth. Saldana’s longitudinal qualitative data analysis method was employed for data analysis. COVID-19 pandemic initially diverted the attention of health systems, resulting in reduced care. With time, the physicians overcame fear, anxiety, and feelings of vulnerability to COVID-19 and started prioritising patients with multimorbidity for treatment and vaccination. All physicians recommended teleconsultation and digital health records to benefit chronic illness care during future public health crises. The findings underscore the transformative potential of physician resilience and adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing patients with multimorbidity, incorporating teleconsultation, and implementing digital health records in healthcare systems to enhance chronic illness care and preparedness for future public health crises.

Background: The burden of hypertension among people with HIV is high, particularly in low-and middle-income countries, yet gaps in hypertension screening and care in these settings persist. This study aimed to identify facilitators of and barriers to hypertension screening, treatment, and management among people with HIV in primary care clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa. Additionally, different stakeholder groups were included to identify discordant perceptions. Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, data were collected via interviews (n = 53) with people with HIV and hypertension and clinic managers and focus group discussions (n = 9) with clinic staff. A qualitative framework analysis approach guided by COM-B and the Theoretical Domains Framework were used to identify and compare determinants of hypertension care across stakeholder groups. Results: Data from clinic staff and managers generated three themes characterizing facilitators of and barriers to the adoption and implementation of hypertension screening and treatment: 1) clinics have limited structural and operational capacity to support the implementation of integrated care models, 2) education and training on chronic care guidelines is inconsistent and often lacking across clinics, and 3) clinicians have the goal of enhancing chronic care within their clinics but first need to advocate for health system characteristics that will sustainably support integrated care. Patient data generated three themes characterizing existing facilitators of and barriers to clinic attendance and chronic disease self-management: 1) the threat of hypertension-related morbidity and mortality as a motivator for lifestyle change, 2) the emotional toll of clinic's logistical, staff, and resource challenges, and 3) hypertension self-management as a patchwork of informational and support sources. The main barriers to hypertension screening, treatment, and management were related to environmental resources and context (i.e., lack of enabling resources and siloed flow of clinic operations) and patients' knowledge and emotions (i.e., lack of awareness about hypertension risk, fear, and frustration). Clinical actors and patients differed in perceived need to prioritize HIV versus hypertension care. Conclusions: The convergence of multi-stakeholder data highlight key areas for improvement, where tailored implementation strategies targeting motivations of clinic staff and capacity of patients may address challenges to hypertension screening, treatment, and management recognized across groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Assessment of Burden of Chronic Conditions (ABCC-)tool is developed to facilitate a personalized approach to care in the patient-healthcare provider (HCP) conversation based on shared decision-making and individualized care plans. An effectiveness study highlighted its effect on the perceived quality of care and patient activation. Successful implementation of novel interventions necessitates an understanding of the user's actual application, user experiences and an evaluation of implementation outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of the ABCC-tool by HCPs in Dutch primary care. Methods: This study is the process evaluation of a larger type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial. Semi-structured interviews with HCPs, who were interventionists in the hybrid trial, were held at three and twelve months after they started using the ABCC-tool. The Reach-Effectiveness-Adoption-Implementation-Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework was used to evaluate implementation outcomes. The Implementation domain was further strengthened with an evaluation of implementation fidelity using Carroll's framework. Inductive coding and thematic analysis were applied to identify relevant participant experiences and implementation outcomes within the RE-AIM framework. Results: Seventeen HCPs (1 general practitioner, 16 practice nurses) participated in the study, representing 39% of potentially eligible participants. Most HCPs applied the tool after finishing their own routines instead of how it is intended to be used, namely from the beginning of the consultation. HCPs reached 2–6 patients. The ABCC-tool was initially adopted, but twelve HCPs stopped using the tool due to COVID-19 related cancellation of consultations. High fidelity was found for applying the questionnaire and visualization. Low fidelity was present for applying shared decision-making, formulating care goals and monitoring progress. HCPs indicated that maintaning the ABCC-tool depended on accompanying training and implementation support. Conclusions: HCPs applied the ABCC-tool critically different from intended, potentially diminishing its benefits and ease of use. This evaluation stresses the need for a tailored implementation plan that includes more detailed training and guidance on how and when to use the ABCC-tool. Contributions to the literature: Fidelity is an important mediator of an intervention's perceived benefit and implementation success. This evaluation stresses the need for clear training and guidance on using the ABCC-tool. This type 1 effectiveness-implementation hybrid trial confirms the essential role of a thorough implementation plan when implementing the ABCC-tool in Dutch primary care. Implementation plans should include tailored strategies based on contextual influences and local needs of implementers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many studies have documented adverse impact of multiple chronic conditions or multimorbidity on COVID-19 outcomes in patients, there is scarcity of report on how physicians managed these patients. We investigated the experiences and challenges of clinicians in managing patients with multimorbidity throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in Odisha state, India. To understand the factors influencing illness management and the adaptive responses of physicians alongside the evolving pandemic, we followed a longitudinal qualitative study design. Twenty-three physicians comprising general practitioners, specialists, and intensivists, were telephonically interviewed in-depth. Saldana's longitudinal qualitative data analysis method was employed for data analysis. COVID-19 pandemic initially diverted the attention of health systems, resulting in reduced care. With time, the physicians overcame fear, anxiety, and feelings of vulnerability to COVID-19 and started prioritising patients with multimorbidity for treatment and vaccination. All physicians recommended teleconsultation and digital health records to benefit chronic illness care during future public health crises. The findings underscore the transformative potential of physician resilience and adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing patients with multimorbidity, incorporating teleconsultation, and implementing digital health records in healthcare systems to enhance chronic illness care and preparedness for future public health crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Aging populations are driving a shift in emphasis toward enhancing chronic disease care, reflected in Catalonia's regional plan which prioritizes standardized nursing care plans in primary care settings. To achieve this, the ARES-AP program was established with a focus on harmonizing standards and supporting routine nursing clinical decision-making. This study evaluates nurses' perceptions of ARES-AP's standardized care plans for chronic diseases. Methods: A mixed-methods approach based on an ad hoc questionnaire (n = 141) and a focus group (n = 14) was used. Quantitative data were statistically analysed, setting significance at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were explored via content analysis. Results: ARES-AP training was assessed positively. The resources for motivational interviewing and care plans for the most prevalent chronic diseases were rated very positively. This study identified key factors influencing program implementation, including facilitators such as structured information and nursing autonomy, barriers such as resistance to change, motivators such as managerial support, and suggested improvements such as technological improvements and time management strategies. Conclusions: This study identifies areas for improvement in implementing standardized nursing care plans, including additional time, motivation, enhanced IT infrastructure, and collaboration among primary care professionals. It enhances understanding of these plans in primary care, especially in managing chronic diseases in aging populations. Further research should assess the program's long-term impact on chronic patients. This study was not registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ObjectivesDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, essential health services experienced significant disruptions, impacting preventive and chronic care across the world.MethodsUtilizing the Pandemic Recovery Survey (PRS), conducted online with Facebook’s Active User Base across 21 countries between March and May 2023, this cross-sectional study identifies the magnitude of and key factors associated with unmet preventive and chronic care needs during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsApproximately 28.2% of respondents reported unmet preventive care needs, and 42.1% experienced unmet chronic care needs, with key determinants including food insecurity (aOR 1.94, 95% CI 1.81–2.07 for preventive services; aOR 1.85, 95% CI 1.68–2.03 for existing conditions) and distrust in health professionals (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.15 for preventive services; aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.41–1.66 for existing conditions).ConclusionThe findings underscore a widespread unmet need for health services, highlighting the impact of social determinants and trust in health professionals on service disruption. The results suggest that pandemic recovery efforts should focus on the most affected groups to bridge health disparities and ensure an equitable recovery.

Abstract Background The PaRIS survey, an initiative of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aims to assess health systems performance in delivering primary care by measuring the care experiences and outcomes of people over 45 who used primary care services in the past six months. In addition, linked data from primary care practices are collected to analyse how the organisation of primary care practices and their care processes impact care experiences and outcomes. This article describes the development and validation of the primary care practice questionnaire for the PaRIS survey, the PaRIS-PCPQ. Method The PaRIS-PCPQ was developed based on domains of primary care practice and professional characteristics included in the PaRIS conceptual framework. Questionnaire development was conducted in four phases: (1) a multi-step consensus-based development of the source questionnaire, (2) translation of the English source questionnaire into 17 languages, (3) cross-national cognitive testing with primary care professionals in participating countries, and (4) cross-national field-testing. Results 70 items were selected from 7 existing questionnaires on primary care characteristics, of which 49 were included in a first draft. Feedback from stakeholders resulted in a modified 34-item version (practice profile, care coordination, chronic care management, patient follow-up, and respondent characteristics) designed to be completed online by medical or non-medical staff working in a primary care practice. Cognitive testing led to changes in the source questionnaire as well as to country specific localisations. The resulting 32-item questionnaire was piloted in an online survey and field test. Data from 540 primary care practices from 17 countries were collected and analysed. Final revision resulted in a 34-item questionnaire. Conclusions The cross-national development of a primary care practice questionnaire is challenging due to the differences in care delivery systems. Rigorous translation and cognitive testing as well as stakeholder engagement helped to overcome most challenges. The PaRIS-PCPQ will be used to assess how key characteristics of primary care practices relate to the care experiences and outcomes of people living with chronic conditions. As such, policymakers and care providers will be informed about the performance of primary care from the patient’s perspective.

Background: Aging populations are driving a shift in emphasis toward enhancing chronic disease care, reflected in Catalonia’s regional plan which prioritizes standardized nursing care plans in primary care settings. To achieve this, the ARES-AP program was established with a focus on harmonizing standards and supporting routine nursing clinical decision-making. This study evaluates nurses’ perceptions of ARES-AP’s standardized care plans for chronic diseases. Methods: A mixed-methods approach based on an ad hoc questionnaire (n = 141) and a focus group (n = 14) was used. Quantitative data were statistically analysed, setting significance at p < 0.05. Qualitative data were explored via content analysis. Results: ARES-AP training was assessed positively. The resources for motivational interviewing and care plans for the most prevalent chronic diseases were rated very positively. This study identified key factors influencing program implementation, including facilitators such as structured information and nursing autonomy, barriers such as resistance to change, motivators such as managerial support, and suggested improvements such as technological improvements and time management strategies. Conclusions: This study identifies areas for improvement in implementing standardized nursing care plans, including additional time, motivation, enhanced IT infrastructure, and collaboration among primary care professionals. It enhances understanding of these plans in primary care, especially in managing chronic diseases in aging populations. Further research should assess the program’s long-term impact on chronic patients. This study was not registered.

Background: The PaRIS survey, an initiative of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), aims to assess health systems performance in delivering primary care by measuring the care experiences and outcomes of people over 45 who used primary care services in the past six months. In addition, linked data from primary care practices are collected to analyse how the organisation of primary care practices and their care processes impact care experiences and outcomes. This article describes the development and validation of the primary care practice questionnaire for the PaRIS survey, the PaRIS-PCPQ. Method: The PaRIS-PCPQ was developed based on domains of primary care practice and professional characteristics included in the PaRIS conceptual framework. Questionnaire development was conducted in four phases: (1) a multi-step consensus-based development of the source questionnaire, (2) translation of the English source questionnaire into 17 languages, (3) cross-national cognitive testing with primary care professionals in participating countries, and (4) cross-national field-testing. Results: 70 items were selected from 7 existing questionnaires on primary care characteristics, of which 49 were included in a first draft. Feedback from stakeholders resulted in a modified 34-item version (practice profile, care coordination, chronic care management, patient follow-up, and respondent characteristics) designed to be completed online by medical or non-medical staff working in a primary care practice. Cognitive testing led to changes in the source questionnaire as well as to country specific localisations. The resulting 32-item questionnaire was piloted in an online survey and field test. Data from 540 primary care practices from 17 countries were collected and analysed. Final revision resulted in a 34-item questionnaire. Conclusions: The cross-national development of a primary care practice questionnaire is challenging due to the differences in care delivery systems. Rigorous translation and cognitive testing as well as stakeholder engagement helped to overcome most challenges. The PaRIS-PCPQ will be used to assess how key characteristics of primary care practices relate to the care experiences and outcomes of people living with chronic conditions. As such, policymakers and care providers will be informed about the performance of primary care from the patient's perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim(s): To understand the experiences of HIV nurses in the context of ambivalence between biomedical treatment advancements and the continuing burden for people living with HIV and negative representations of HIV. Design: An interpretative phenomenological study was conducted using in‐depth interviews. Methods: Twenty‐one interviews with nurses were conducted between November 2021 and March 2022. A thematic analysis was performed. Results: Six themes related to the nurses' experiences emerged. Despite effective treatment for most people with HIV, nurses identify patient populations that require additional care. Nurses are flexible in making extra appointments to accommodate complex issues in these patients. Nurses develop a unique relationship with their patients based on trust and empathy, linked to patient's experiences with stigma and discrimination for people with HIV. Nurses perceive their tasks as becoming increasingly complex. There is explicit awareness about the changes in HIV care from acute to chronic care and how this affects nurses' tasks. Nurses continue to differentiate HIV from other chronic conditions. Conclusion: Biomedical advancements change the organization of HIV care while public health concerns remain and patient population has particular needs due to negative social representations of HIV. Nurses navigate these issues in their everyday care. Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care: A potential re‐evaluation of the role of nurses in providing chronic HIV care. Impact: Our study addresses the roles of HIV nurses as care is shifting towards chronic care models. The unique relationship between nurses and patients is key in understanding the importance of nurses in the care trajectory. These findings impact the institutional role of nurses in HIV treatment centres and the institutional organization of HIV care. Report Method: The COREQ guideline was used. Patient or Public Contribution: Amsterdam UMC (AMC) staff, the national organization of HIV Nurses and patient organizations contributed to the study design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and dementia are underrepresented in specialist palliative home care (SPHC). However, the complexity of their conditions requires collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and SPHC teams and timely integration into SPHC to effectively meet their needs. Objective To facilitate joint palliative care planning and the timely transfer of patients with advanced chronic non-malignant conditions to SPHC. Methods A two-arm, unblinded, cluster-randomised controlled trial. 49 GP practices in northern Germany were randomised using web-based block randomisation. We included patients with advanced CHF, COPD and/or dementia. The KOPAL intervention consisted of a SPHC nurse–patient consultation followed by an interprofessional telephone case conference between SPHC team and GP. The primary outcome was the number of hospital admissions 48 weeks after baseline. Secondary analyses examined the effects on health-related quality of life and self-rated health status, as measured by the EuroQol 5D scale. Results A total of 172 patients were included in the analyses. 80.4% of GP practices had worked with SHPC before, most of them exclusively for cancer patients. At baseline, patients reported a mean EQ-VAS of 48.4, a mean quality of life index (EQ-5D-5L) of 0.63 and an average of 0.80 hospital admissions in the previous year. The intervention did not significantly reduce hospital admissions (incidence rate ratio = 0.79, 95%CI: [0.49, 1.26], P  = 0.31) or the number of days spent in hospital (incidence rate ratio = 0.65, 95%CI: [0.28, 1.49], P  = 0.29). There was also no significant effect on quality of life (∆ = −0.02, 95%CI: [−0.09, 0.05], P  = 0.53) or self-rated health (∆ = −2.48, 95%CI: [−9.95, 4.99], P  = 0.51). Conclusions The study did not show the hypothesised effect on hospitalisations and health-related quality of life. Future research should focus on refining this approach, with particular emphasis on optimising the timing of case conferences and implementing discussed changes to treatment plans, to improve collaboration between GPs and SPHC teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In face of demographic challenges and increasing needs, primary care in Germany could be guaranteed and even expanded by integration of further health professions. Current practice and core principles of family medicine must be included. Objective: With the help of multifarious professional perspectives, the aim was to develop a model for an interprofessional primary care center in Germany (HÄPPI). Materials and methods: In nine workshops, a multiprofessional working group of the Baden-Wuerttemberg Association for General Practice/Family Medicine developed the HÄPPI model. In 2023, nine interviews (45–60 min) with stakeholders and various health professions (attorney, medical assistant, medical insurance representative, general practitioner, nurse, physician assistant, social worker, physician specialist) were conducted to explore principles of successful collaboration in an interprofessional primary care (IPPC) team. Results: An IPPC team could expand primary care, foster patient-centered care, and improve care for the chronically ill. Challenges are seen especially in documentation, organization of team collaboration, and framework conditions such as imbursement and legal restrictions. Helpful approaches include standardized documentation and continuous team-oriented communication. By inclusion of these interview results, the aims and scopes of HÄPPI were identified and formulated and the HÄPPI model was summarized in a short and long version. Conclusion: A future-oriented and feasible model for primary care in Germany could be described at the end of a semistructured iterative process, which could be implemented in a stepwise manner. Integration of further health professions offers various opportunities and requires sufficient team collaboration and IT support, as well as leadership and change-management skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based healthcare delivery systems frequently lack cancer-specific survivorship support services. This leads to a burden of unmet needs that is magnified in rural areas. Using sequential mixed methods we assessed unmet needs among rural cancer survivors diagnosed between 2015 and 2021. The Supportive Care Needs Survey (SCNS) assessed 5 domains; Physical and Daily Living, Psychological, Support and Supportive Services, Sexual, and Health Information. Needs were analyzed across domains by cancer type. Survey respondents were recruited for qualitative interviews to identify care gaps. Three hundred and sixty two surveys were analyzed. Participants were 85% White (n = 349) 65% (n = 234) female and averaged 2.03 years beyond cancer diagnosis. Nearly half (49.5%) of respondents reported unmet needs, predominantly in physical, psychological, and health information domains. Needs differed by stage of disease. Eleven interviews identified care gap themes regarding; Finding Support and Supportive Services and Health Information regarding Care Delivery and Continuity of Care. Patients experience persistent unmet needs after a cancer diagnosis across multiple functional domains. Access to community-based support services and health information is lacking. Community based resources are needed to improve access to care for long-term cancer survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE Lung cancer screening (LCS) has less benefit and greater potential for iatrogenic harm among people with multiple comorbidities and limited life expectancy. Yet, such individuals are more likely to undergo screening than healthier LCS-eligible people. We sought to understand how patients with marginal LCS benefit conceptualize their health and make decisions regarding LCS. METHODS We interviewed 40 people with multimorbidity and limited life expectancy, as determined by high Care Assessment Need scores, which predict 1-year risk of hospitalization or death. Patients were recruited from 6 Veterans Health Administration facilities after discussing LCS with their clinician. We conducted a thematic analysis using constant comparison to explore factors that influence LCS decision making. RESULTS Patients commonly held positive beliefs about screening and perceived LCS to be noninvasive. When posed with hypothetical scenarios of limited benefit, patients emphasized the nonlongevity benefits of LCS (eg, peace of mind, planning for the future) and generally did not consider their health status or life expectancy when making decisions regarding LCS. Most patients were unaware of possible additional evaluations or treatment of screendetected findings, but when probed further, many expressed concerns about the potential need for multiple evaluations, referrals, or invasive procedures. CONCLUSIONS Patients in this study with multimorbidity and limited life expectancy were unaware of their greater risk of potential harm when accepting LCS. Given patient trust in clinician recommendations, it is important that clinicians engage patients with marginal LCS benefit in shared decision making, ensuring that their values of desiring more information about their health are weighed against potential harms from further evaluations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The widespread use of telehealth and regulatory changes that enhanced nurse practitioner (NP) practice authority because of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic offers an opportunity to assess postpandemic NP satisfaction with telehealth care delivery and perceptions of its feasibility compared with in-person visits. Purpose: Outpatient chronic care delivery satisfaction and preference were compared among NPs who provide care to adults through in-person and/or telehealth visits and examined NP demographic and clinical characteristics associated with overall satisfaction by care delivery type. Methodology: Data were collected using a cross-sectional, descriptive design through online dissemination of The Care Delivery Satisfaction Survey to a nationally representative sample of 586 NPs. Results: Compared with NPs using both visit types to deliver care, NPs delivering care in-person only had significantly lower satisfaction scores for interpersonal manner (p = .0076) and communication (p = .0108). NPs using telehealth only had significantly higher overall satisfaction and satisfaction subscale scores (all p < .01) compared with NPs using both visit types. Overall, 77% of NPs using both visit types preferred in-person delivery. Conclusions/Implications: NPs delivering telehealth care only were more satisfied with chronic care delivery than NPs using both delivery types. NPs using both types were more satisfied with interpersonal manner and communication compared with NPs delivering in-person care only. Most NPs using both types preferred in-person care delivery. Given increased telehealth use, health systems, academic institutions, and insurance companies can use these study findings to inform policy on telehealth resources and infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huan-Ju Shih,1 Hong Xue,1 Hua Min,1 Janusz Wojtusiak,1 Jongwha Chang2 1Department of Health and Human Services, George Mason University, Fairfax City, VA, USA; 2Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USACorrespondence: Jongwha Chang, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA, Tel +1-979-436-0664, Email jc2345@tamu.eduObjective: The study utilized a cross-sectional dataset to identify demographic and health factors associated with patient utilization of mHealth applications for engaging with healthcare providers. The focus was on adults with chronic health conditions as the primary app user group. The goal was to reveal specific barriers and facilitators to app adoption among smartphone users, with the aim of highlighting opportunities for upgrades that promote patient empowerment as a prerequisite for shared decision-making (SDM).Methods: Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 5, Cycle 4, 2020) with 3865 respondents (≥ 18 years old) stratified analyses and weighted logistic regression were used.Results: The study found that individuals having a wellness app on a smartphone increased the likelihood (OR 2.68, CI: 2.02– 3.56, p-value < 0.0001) of discussing health conditions with providers. Furthermore, individuals with multiple chronic health conditions were more likely (OR 1.93, CI 1.26– 2.95, p-value < 0.01) to use apps to use mobile health applications to engage with healthcare providers. Other significant variables affecting app usage such as race, marital status, and educational level.Conclusion: Due to difficulties obtaining in-person healthcare, the COVID-19 epidemic forced a swift deployment of mHealth technologies. Even in the absence of a crisis, mobile health applications continue to be crucial for improving patient-provider engagement and developing novel approaches to healthcare delivery. During the pandemic, people with numerous chronic diseases used apps to stay in touch with doctors and maintain their reliance on these platforms. Nonetheless, different smartphone users continue to use mHealth application in different ways. The findings revealing barriers in mHealth app adoption among certain patient subgroups suggest opportunities for developers, in collaboration with users and providers, to enhance inclusion and acceptability when upgrading mHealth application platforms.Keywords: mobile health, digital equity, post-SARS Cov2 care management, healthcare policy, chronic care

Introduction: This study explored the Osona palliative care system, recognized internationally for its good results in managing the chronic patient. The literature notices a gap of models that evaluate integration in healthcare systems. This study assesses the degree of integration of the Osona palliative care system, as well it implements a model that evaluates integration. Methods: This research used a qualitative methodology, involving a case study design with three study phases. The first phase involved reviewing primary sources, followed by conducting interviews. The final phase entailed comparing the findings with a theoretical model to analyse and validate the results. Results: The study found the integrative elements that the Osona system includes such as: multidisciplinary teams, leadership and a palliative care system that is cost-efficient. It also found aspects to improve including collaboration, continuity of care, early patient identification and lack of funding. Discussion: Our findings suggest that the Osona system has made significant progress toward integration, even though it continues the path of ongoing development in integrated care. Conclusion: This research found that the Osona palliative care system includes many integrating aspects such as multidisciplinary teams, leadership and the system’s cost-efficiency. Nevertheless, some aspects need changes such as continuity of care, collaboration, enhanced early patient identification and increase funding. Furthermore, this study provides an example of how to assess integration in a system. Resumen Introducción: Este estudio investiga el sistema de cuidados paliativos de Osona, reconocido internacionalmente por sus buenos resultados en el manejo de pacientes crónicos. La literatura señala una falta de modelos que evalúen la integración en los sistemas de salud. Este estudio evalúa el grado de integración del sistema de cuidados paliativos de Osona y, además, implementa un modelo que evalúa dicha integración. Métodos: Esta investigación utilizó una metodología cualitativa, con un diseño de estudio de caso con tres fases. La primera fase consistió en revisar fuentes primarias, seguida de la realización de entrevistas. La fase final implicó comparar los hallazgos del estudio con un modelo teórico para analizar y validar los resultados. Resultados: El estudio identificó elementos integradores que incluye el sistema de Osona, como equipos multidisciplinarios, liderazgo, y un sistema de cuidados paliativos rentable. También encontró aspectos a mejorar, incluyendo la colaboración, la continuidad de la atención, la identificación temprana de pacientes y la falta de financiación. Discusión: Nuestros resultados sugieren que el sistema de Osona ha logrado un progreso significativo hacia la integración, aunque continúa en el camino de un desarrollo continuo en la atención integrada. Conclusión: Esta investigación encontró que el sistema de cuidados paliativos de Osona incluye muchos aspectos integradores, como equipos multidisciplinarios, liderazgo y eficiencia en costos del sistema. Sin embargo, algunos aspectos requieren cambios, como la continuidad de la atención, la colaboración, la mejora en la identificación temprana de pacientes y el aumento de la financiación. Este estudio aporta un ejemplo de cómo evaluar la integración en un sistema. Palabras Clave: atención integrada; sistema de salud; cuidados paliativos; atención crónica; estudio de evaluación

Digital weight-loss services (DWLSs) combining pharmacotherapy and health coaching have the potential to make a major contribution to the global struggle against obesity. However, the degree to which DWLSs compromise patient safety through the dispensation of Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications is unknown. This study retrospectively analysed the rate at which patients reported GLP-1 RA dispensing errors from patient-selected and partner pharmacies of Australia’s largest DWLS provider over a six-month period. The analysis found that 99 (0.35%) of the 28,165 dispensed semaglutide orders contained an error. Incorrect dose (58.6%) and unreasonable medication expiry window (21.2%) were the two most common error types. Most errors (84.9%) were deemed to have been of medium urgency, with 11.1% being considered high-urgency errors. Incorrect doses (45.5%) and supplies of the wrong medication (36.3%) comprised most errors reported in high-urgency cases. Female patients reported more dispensing errors than male patients (0.41% vs. 0.12%, p < 0.001). Similarly, reported dispensing error rates were highest among patients aged 18 to 29 years (0.6%) and 30 to 39 years (0.5%). This research provides preliminary evidence that GLP-1 RA dispensing errors within comprehensive Australian DWLSs are relatively low.

Digital exercise therapies (DET) have the potential to bridge existing care gaps for people living with chronic conditions. Acting as either a standalone, embedded within multi-modal lifestyle therapy, or adjunct to pharmacotherapy or surgery, evidence-based DETs can favorably impact the health of a rapidly growing population. Given the nascent nature of digital therapeutics, the regulatory landscape has yet to mature. As such, in the absence of clear guidelines clinical digital product developers are responsible for ensuring the DET adheres to fundamental principles such as patient risk management and clinical effectiveness. The purpose of this narrative review paper is to discuss key considerations for clinical digital product developers who are striving to build novel digital therapeutic (DTx) solutions and thus contribute towards standardization of product development. We herein draw upon DET as an example, highlighting the need for adherence to existing clinical guidelines, human-centered design and an intervention approach that leverages the Chronic Care Model. Specific topics and recommendations related to the development of innovative and scalable products are discussed which ultimately allow for differentiation from a basic wellness tool and integration to clinical workflows. By embodying a code of ethics, clinical digital product developers can adequately address patients' needs and optimize their own future digital health technology assessments including appropriate evidence of safety and efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this project was to better understand nurse navigators work with children and families who are living with severe autism spectrum disorder to achieve improved health and wellbeing outcomes. Nurse navigators were introduced into the public health sector in Queensland in 2016, with 400 navigators currently working across 16 health services in diverse geographic and demographic settings. Narrative inquiry was used to explore one nurse navigator's journey working with children and families living with severe Autism. The challenges of rigid health systems to adapt to the requirements of children with special needs, particularly in relation to care in the emergency department and where interventional procedures are necessary were apparent. Nurse navigators can effectively co-ordinate the care of an extremely vulnerable patient cohort and provide essential advocacy in a health system that is rigid and lacking the flexibility to deal with individual needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article seeks to assess the results of legislation legalizing medical termination, known in Canada as "medical aide in dying" in 2016. Its focus, like that of previous authors, is to ask if the concerns of skeptics opposed to legalization have been realized or were they unfounded. These include the likelihood of a "slippery slope" with an expanding definition of eligibility and of MAiD deaths. Of similar concern at least since 1995 was the likelihood that, in the absence of the provision of palliative, rehabilitative, psychological and social services that medical termination would be a substitute for good medical care. These and other concerns are the basis for the review of MAiD in Canada clinically, legally and as an ethical construct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patient Activation Measure (PAM) measures the activation level of patients with chronic conditions and correlates well with patient adherence behavior, health outcomes, and healthcare costs. PAM is increasingly used in practice to identify patients needing more support from the care team. We define PAM levels 1 and 2 as low PAM and investigate the performance of eight machine learning methods (Logistic Regression, Lasso Regression, Ridge Regression, Random Forest, Gradient Boosted Trees, Support Vector Machines, Decision Trees, Neural Networks) to classify patients. Primary data collected from adult patients (n=431) with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) or Hypertension (HT) attending Family Health Centers in Istanbul, Turkey, is used to test the methods. 44.5 % of patients in the dataset have a low PAM level. Classification performance with several feature sets was analyzed to understand the relative importance of different types of information and provide insights. The most important features are found as whether the patient performs self-monitoring, smoking and exercise habits, education, and socio-economic status. The best performance was achieved with the Logistic Regression algorithm, with Area Under the Curve (AUC)=0.72 with the best performing feature set. Alternative feature sets with similar prediction performance are also presented. The prediction performance was inferior with an automated feature selection method, supporting the importance of using domain knowledge in machine learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 epidemic has revealed disturbing information about how chronic diseases are treated globally. Healthcare providers and coronavirus response teams have primarily reported on how individuals with chronic conditions sought care and treatment. However, individuals’ experiences of patients are yet unknown. Aim: This study aimed to explore those strategies that enabled patients with chronic diseases access to chronic care and treatment during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Setting: The study was conducted in the predominantly rural district of the Northwest Province, South Africa. Methods: An explorative qualitative research design was followed. Information-rich participants were chosen using a purposive sampling technique. Individual face-to-face interviews were used to gather data. Data saturation was achieved after interviewing n = 28 people in total. The six steps of Braun and Clarke thematic data analysis were used to analyse the data. Results: The study revealed three themes, which includes improved healthcare structural systems, shift from traditional chronic care to digital care services and medication refill and buddy system. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed a range of effective and noteworthy approaches that facilitated access to treatment and continuity of care. As a result, enhancing telemedicine as well as structural systems such as appointment scheduling, decanting choices, mobile and medication home delivery can improve access to care and treatment. Contribution: The burden of disease and avoidable death will be eventually addressed by maximising the use of telemedicine and sustaining the new norm of ongoing care through digital and remote care and decanting strategies.

The authors of “Integration or Fragmentation of Health Care? Examining Policies and Politics in a Belgian Case Study” present a fresh perspective on the inertia of integrated care (IC) implementation. They conclude that the decisive power in Belgium is fragmented and undermines efforts towards IC. As researchers in integrated heart failure (HF) care and active primary healthcare professionals, we comment on the three policy initiatives evaluated by Martens et al from a bottom-up perspective. A Learning Healthcare Network (LHCN) was established September 2019 to overcome fragmentation, the lack of evaluation and capacity loss each time a pilot project ends. This commentary wishes to illustrate that a LHCN can be a powerful meso-level mechanism to engage in alignment work and to overcome macro-level barriers that are often difficult to change and not supportive of IC

Abstract Background Any disruption in continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions can lead to poor outcomes for the patients as well as great damage for the community and the health system. This study aims to determine the continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Through a cross-sectional retrospective study, data registered in six health centers in Yazd, Iran were analyzed. Data included the number of patients with chronic conditions (hypertension and diabetes) and average daily admission during a year before COVID-19 pandemic and the similar period after COVID-19 outbreak. The experience of continuity of care was assessed applying a validated questionnaire from a sample of 198 patients. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, independent T-Test and Multivariable regression were used for analysis. Findings Results indicate that both visit load of the patients with chronic conditions (hypertension and diabetes) and their average daily admission were decreased significantly during a year after COVID-19 pandemic compared to the similar period before COVID-19 outbreak. The moderate average score of the patients` experience towards continuity of care during the pandemic was also reported. Regression analysis showed that age for the diabetes patients and insurance status for the hypertension patients affect the COC mean scores. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic causes serious decline in the continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions. Such a deterioration not only can lead to make these patients` condition worse in a long-term period but also it can make irreparable damages to the whole community and the health system. To make the health systems resilient particularly in disasters, serious attention should be taken into consideration among them, developing the tele-health technologies, improving the primary health care capacity, designing the applied responsive models of continuity of care, making multilateral participations and inter-sectoral collaborations, allocating sustainable resources, and enabling the patients with selfcare skills are more highlighted.

ABSTRACT: Background: Potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) use often cause to poor health outcomes in older patients. There is a dearth of information on PIMS use in this population of patients seeking treatment at Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Objective: To assess PIMs use and associated factors among older patients receiving follow-up treatment at the chronic care clinic of Hiwot Fana Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study using medical records of 419 older patients was conducted. older patients, aged 65 years or older, treated in the ambulatory care clinic were included. Simple random sampling technique was used. PIMs use was identified by using the 2023 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria (AGS Beers Criteria) and Screening Tool of Older People's Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions Criteria and Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (STOPP/START) version 2 criteria. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with PIMs use. The strength of statistical association was measured by adjusted odds ratio (aOR) and 95% CI. P values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 419 patients’ medical records were reviewed. Of these, 411 patients’ medical records fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were considered for final analysis. About 56.9% (n= 234) of the study population was women. The prevalence of PIMs use was 28.5% and 18.5%, according to 2023 AGS Beers Criteria and STOPP/START version 2 criteria, respectively. In accordance with 2023 AGS Beers Criteria, male sex (aOR = 1.78; 95% CI, 1.10–2.87), diabetes mellitus (aOR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.19–0.62), and chronic kidney disease (aOR = 6.68; 95% CI, 2.55–9.32) were found to be the determining factors for PIMs use. According to STOPP/START version 2 criteria, deep vein thrombosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and advanced age were the primary factors influencing PIMs use. Conclusions: Compared with other study findings from across the world, the prevalence of PIMs use was low. Based on 2023 AGS Beers Criteria, male sex, diabetes mellitus, and chronic kidney disease were found to be the determinant factors for PIMs use. Deep vein thrombosis, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and advanced age were significant factor of PIMs use according STOPP/START version 2 criteria.

Digital exercise therapies (DET) have the potential to bridge existing care gaps for people living with chronic conditions. Acting as either a standalone, embedded within multi-modal lifestyle therapy, or adjunct to pharmacotherapy or surgery, evidence-based DETs can favorably impact the health of a rapidly growing population. Given the nascent nature of digital therapeutics, the regulatory landscape has yet to mature. As such, in the absence of clear guidelines clinical digital product developers are responsible for ensuring the DET adheres to fundamental principles such as patient risk management and clinical effectiveness. The purpose of this narrative review paper is to discuss key considerations for clinical digital product developers who are striving to build novel digital therapeutic (DTx) solutions and thus contribute towards standardization of product development. We herein draw upon DET as an example, highlighting the need for adherence to existing clinical guidelines, human-centered design and an intervention approach that leverages the Chronic Care Model. Specific topics and recommendations related to the development of innovative and scalable products are discussed which ultimately allow for differentiation from a basic wellness tool and integration to clinical workflows. By embodying a code of ethics, clinical digital product developers can adequately address patients' needs and optimize their own future digital health technology assessments including appropriate evidence of safety and efficacy.

Understanding and incorporating patients' perspectives are necessary to address the emerging challenge of chronic disease management. Our study examined patients' perceptions and experiences for the current chronic disease management system in South Korea. Focus group interviews were conducted on 23 patients and 11 themes emerged by qualitative content analysis. The participants experienced in terms of provider-patient interaction: doctors only prescribe medicine, doctors who provide conventional advice, doctors who do not respect the patients' opinion, long wait times and inadequate consultations, lack of personalized care, and freedom to select another doctor. They also experienced in their community and health system: struggling alone, commercial media and folk remedies, lack of IT technologies for care, demanding visiting services, and lack of collaboration in the community. We found that patients needed comprehensive and personalized care, respect from providers, and self-management support and collaborated care with the community using information technologies advancement. Our findings suggest that a fundamental change in the South Korean healthcare system paradigm is required for successful chronic care, including payment and healthcare delivery systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, teleconsultations (TCs) have become common practice for many chronic conditions, including osteoporosis. While satisfaction with TCs among patients increases in times of emergency, we have little knowledge of whether the acceptability of TCs persists once in-person visits return to being a feasible and safe option. In this study, we assess the acceptability of TCs across five dimensions for osteoporosis care among patients who started or continued with TCs after the COVID-19 pandemic had waned. We then explore the patient characteristics associated with these perceptions. Methods Between January and April 2022, 80 osteoporotic patients treated at the Humanitas Hospital in Milan, Italy, were recruited to answer an online questionnaire about the acceptability of TCs for their care. The acceptability of TCs was measured using a modified version of the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire (SUTAQ), which identifies five domains of acceptability: perceived benefits, satisfaction, substitution, privacy and discomfort, and care personnel concerns. Multivariable ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression analysis was performed to assess which patient characteristics in terms of demographics, socio-economic conditions, digital skills, social support, clinical characteristics and pattern of TC use were correlated with the five domains of acceptability measured through the SUTAQ. Results The degree of acceptability of TCs was overall good across the 80 respondents and the five domains. Some heterogeneity in perceptions emerged with respect to TCs substituting for in-person visits, negatively impacting continuity of care and reducing the length of consultations. For the most part, acceptability was not affected by patient characteristics with a few exceptions related to treatment time and familiarity with the TC service modality (i.e., length of osteoporosis treatment and number of TCs experienced by the patient). Conclusions TCs appear to be an acceptable option for osteoporosis care in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study suggests that other characteristics besides age, digital skills and social support, which are traditionally relevant to TC acceptability, should be taken into account in order to better target this care delivery modality.

The maturity of integrated care in Belgium is rather low. The reasons are the country’s complex organization, a lack of leadership and finances, an abundance of pilot projects, very long implementation and change processes, a healthcare system driven by providers and different cultures of action. However, new projects and ongoing research can help overcome these barriers. The primary care zones in Flanders, the National Hospital Plan and the Federal Plan to support mental health in particular are luxating opportunities. Well planned research is urgently needed to confirm the hope these projects arouse.

Background: Any disruption in continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions can lead to poor outcomes for the patients as well as great damage for the community and the health system. This study aims to determine the continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Through a cross-sectional retrospective study, data registered in six health centers in Yazd, Iran were analyzed. Data included the number of patients with chronic conditions (hypertension and diabetes) and average daily admission during a year before COVID-19 pandemic and the similar period after COVID-19 outbreak. The experience of continuity of care was assessed applying a validated questionnaire from a sample of 198 patients. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, independent T-Test and Multivariable regression were used for analysis. Findings: Results indicate that both visit load of the patients with chronic conditions (hypertension and diabetes) and their average daily admission were decreased significantly during a year after COVID-19 pandemic compared to the similar period before COVID-19 outbreak. The moderate average score of the patients' experience towards continuity of care during the pandemic was also reported. Regression analysis showed that age for the diabetes patients and insurance status for the hypertension patients affect the COC mean scores. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic causes serious decline in the continuity of care for patients with chronic conditions. Such a deterioration not only can lead to make these patients' condition worse in a long-term period but also it can make irreparable damages to the whole community and the health system. To make the health systems resilient particularly in disasters, serious attention should be taken into consideration among them, developing the tele-health technologies, improving the primary health care capacity, designing the applied responsive models of continuity of care, making multilateral participations and inter-sectoral collaborations, allocating sustainable resources, and enabling the patients with selfcare skills are more highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Integration of HIV and non-communicable disease (NCD) services is proposed to increase efficiency and coverage of NCD care in sub-Saharan Africa. Description: Between October 2018 to January 2020 in Tanzania and Uganda, working in partnership with health services, we introduced an integrated chronic care model for people with HIV, diabetes and hypertension. In this model, patients were able to access care from a single point of care, as opposed to the standard of siloed care from vertical clinics. When the study ended, routine clinical services adopted the integrated model. In this article, we discuss how the model transitioned post hand-over in Uganda and draw lessons to inform future scale-up. Discussion: The findings suggest potential for successful uptake of integrated chronic care by routine clinical services in sub-Saharan Africa. This approach may appeal to health care service providers and policy makers when they can quantify benefits that accrue from it, such as optimal utilization of health resources. For patients, integrated care may not appeal to all patients due to HIV-related stigma. Key considerations include good communication with patients, strong leadership, maintaining patient confidentiality and incorporating patient needs to facilitate successful uptake. Conclusion: Evidence on the benefits of integrated care remains limited. More robust evidence will be essential to guide scale-up beyond research sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an increasingly dominant disease. Interventions are more effective when carried out by a prepared and proactive team within an organised system — the integrated care (IC) model. The Chronic Care Model (CCM) provides guidance for its implementation, but scale-up of IC is challenging, and this hampers outcomes for T2D care. In this paper, we used the CCM to investigate the current implementation of IC in primary care in Flanders (Belgium) and its variability in different practice types. Methods Belgium contains three different primary-care practice types: monodisciplinary fee-for-service practices, multidisciplinary fee-for-service practices and multidisciplinary capitation-based practices. Disproportional sampling was used to select a maximum of 10 practices for each type in three Flemish regions, leading to a total of 66 practices. The study employed a mixed methods design whereby the Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC) was complemented with interviews with general practitioners, nurses and dieticians linked to the 66 practices. Results The ACIC scores of the fee-for-service practices — containing 97% of Belgian patients — only corresponded to basic support for chronic illness care for T2D. Multidisciplinary and capitation-based practices scored considerably higher than traditional monodisciplinary fee-for-service practices. The region had no significant impact on the ACIC scores. Having a nurse, being a capitation practice and having a secretary had a significant effect in the regression analysis, which explained 75% of the variance in ACIC scores. Better-performing practices were successful due to clear role-defining, task delegation to the nurse, coordination, structured use of the electronic medical record, planning of consultations and integration of self-management support, and behaviour-change intervention (internally or using community initiatives). The longer nurses work in primary care practices, the higher the chance that they perform more advanced tasks. Conclusions Besides the presence of a nurse or secretary, also working multidisciplinary under one roof and a capitation-based financing system are important features of a system wherein IC for T2D can be scaled-up successfully. Belgian policymakers should rethink the role of paramedics in primary care and make the financing system more integrated. As the scale-up of the IC varied highly in different contexts, uniform roll-out across a health system containing multiple types of practices may not be successful.

Abstract Background To address the many challenges health systems and communities face, primary care is constantly searching for new strategies to improve quality of care. One of the strategies is to focus on patients’ personal goals to direct the care process. To adopt an explicit focus on patients’ personal goals, actions at different levels are required. As a first step in this process, this study aims to explore the experiences of primary care stakeholders (i.e., scholars, primary care providers, and policy makers) and develop a comprehensive understanding on the idea ‘putting patients’ goals first’. This will help to formulate suggestions about what these actions should include. Method In this study, 41 primary care stakeholders participating in six focus groups between January 2020 and September 2020, were recruited via maximal variation purposive sampling. Data collection was done through an open-ended semi-structured interview guide. Focus groups were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed following a phenomenological-hermeneutical philosophy of Lindseth and Norberg. Results All participants expressed a strong fundamental belief for putting patients’ personal goals first. The primary care providers shared that they created space for patients’ personal goals by letting them talk about their values and stories. They reported to integrate their medical expertise with patients’ personal goals in order to develop a balanced relationship. In this context, they also talked about the importance of taking into account the perspectives of patients’ significant others. Primary care providers also talked about how they used patients’ personal goals as a guide in interprofessional collaboration. Scholars denoted that (future) care providers need more training to acquire competencies to discuss patients’ personal goals. The providers and policy makers talked about organizational limitations in terms of time restrictions and the lack of registration systems to support a workflow oriented towards patients’ personal goals. Conclusions This study can be used to support the coherence of the development of different actions and strategies to get primary care stakeholders fully on board to support the adoption of patients’ personal goals in care delivery at different levels. However, models of practice and policy plans are needed to work towards a person-centered integrated system.

Background Globally, health systems have been struggling to cope with the increasing burden of chronic diseases and respond to associated patient needs. Integrated care (IC) for chronic diseases offers solutions, but implementing these new models requires multi- stakeholder action and integrated policies to address social, organisational, and financial barriers. Policy implementation for IC has been little studied, especially through a political lens. This paper examines how IC policies in Belgium were developed over the last decade and how stakeholders have played a role in these policies. Methods We used a case study design. After an exploratory document review, we selected three IC policies. We then interviewed 25 key stakeholders in the field of IC. The stakeholder analysis entailed a detailed mapping of the stakeholders’ power, position, and interest related to the three selected policies. Interview participants included policy-makers, civil servants (from ministry of health and health insurance), representatives of health professionals’ associations, academics, and patient organisations. Additionally, a processual analysis of IC policy processes (2007–2020) through literature review was used to frame the interviews by means of a chronic care policy timeline. Results In Belgium, a variety of policy initiatives have been developed in recent years both at central and decentralised levels. The power analysis and policy position maps exposed tensions between federal and federated governments in terms of overlapping competence, as well as the implications of the power shift from federal to federated levels as a consequence of the 2014 state reform. Conclusion The 2014 partial decentralisation of healthcare has created fragmentation of decisive power which undermines efforts towards IC. This political trend towards fragmentation is at odds with the need for IC. Further research is needed on how public health policy competences and reform durability of IC policies will evolve.