Journal of Health Services Research & Policy最新文献

ObjectivesWe set out to produce an evidence and gap map (EGM) on health care service interventions to improve health care outcomes for hospitalised patients with extreme obesity. Hospitalised patients with extreme obesity have poorer health care outcomes compared to normal weight patients. We also considered how hospital services can be coordinated and delivered to meet the care needs of patients with extreme obesity.MethodsA standardised five-stage EGM method was used to develop an intervention-outcome framework; identify current evidence; critically appraise the quality of evidence, extract, code, and summarise data in relation to the EGM objectives; and create a visualisation map to present findings. EPPI Reviewer Web software was used to generate an interactive EGM. The intervention-outcome framework was developed from internationally recognised health system performance and quality standards. This framework consisted of nine intervention (specialist workforce, special care pathways, assessment tools, equipment, moving and handling, specialist care areas, education, care bundles/packages, patient mobility) and six outcome categories (safety, effectiveness, efficiency, timely access, patient experience, health equity). Inclusion criteria were systematic reviews and primary studies that reported on health service interventions aimed to improve health care outcomes for patients with extreme obesity in the inpatient setting. Thirteen electronic databases were searched to identify studies for eligibility. The original searches were completed between November 2021 and March 2022. A repeat search was completed in August 2023.ResultsOf the 64,574 studies retrieved, 247 met eligibility criteria. Most of the excluded studies specifically related to bariatric weight loss surgical procedures or interventional techniques which could not be more broadly generalised to health care service provision. Of the 247 studies included, most studies (210; 85%) involved special care pathway interventions that related to specific points on a patient's health care journey such as peri-operative care, surgical recovery pathways, and airway support and pain management. Few studies focused on interventions related to a holistic patient-centred approach to care for patients with extreme obesity. Limited evidence existed on specific interventions that focused on safe moving and handling (26; 12.4%) and patient mobility (5; 2%). The most frequently measured outcomes were patient deterioration (193; 78%), patient injury (145; 59%) and medication safety (84; 34%).ConclusionsCurrent evidence predominantly focuses on isolated bariatric surgery patients rather than system-wide care delivery with a lack of evidence on addressing health care inequities between patients with extreme obesity and those of normal weight. This EGM provides an interactive resource to guide policymakers and service commissioners in developing comprehensive hospital services and to support clinicians

Objectives: General practice plays an important role in delivering and supporting mental health care within communities, particularly for those living in rural areas where access to specialised support is limited. This study sought to understand the barriers and facilitators to providing mental health care in rural Australian general practices. Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was undertaken involving online interviews with 14 staff at three rural Australian general practices between June and September 2023. Participants included nurses (n = 4), GPs, (n = 4), reception staff (n = 3) and practice managers (n = 3). Data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Our analysis identified three themes: (i) systemic challenges and supportive infrastructure; (ii) health care personnel factors; and (iii) patient characteristics and preferences. Systemic challenges included limited access to services and specialist support, and challenges with information transmission, while the clinic location and set-up were seen as beneficial. Health care personnel factors included interpersonal needs and challenges, time constraints and how to balance care needs, and the difficulties of attracting and retaining a local workforce. Patient characteristics and preferences included societal stigma and individual hesitancy, lack of awareness, understanding and education around mental health and willingness and affordability of travel and using technology. Conclusions: Rural general practice in Australia faces a range of barriers and enablers that shape the provision of mental health care. To address these challenges, collaboration across various sectors will be required. Improving infrastructure, better resource allocation, addressing workforce shortages, reducing stigma, enhancing mental health literacy, and ensuring the accessibility of mental health care services are all crucial steps. It will be important to align policy goals across sectors to improve the delivery of mental health care in rural general practice in Australia.

ObjectivesContraceptive prescriptions among U.S. service women rose to 68.7% between 2008 and 2013, which was higher than that seen nationally among women between 2017 and 2019 (65.3%). The objective of this study was to provide estimates of contraceptive use and its determinants among active duty service women, with a particular focus on the associations with contraceptive counseling.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study using the 2018 Department of Defense Health Related Behaviors Survey of active duty service members. Data from 5353 active duty service women were analyzed. Weighted logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with contraceptive use. We used a previous survey from 2015 to examine trends in contraceptive use.ResultsThe overall prevalence of contraceptive use was 60.6%, and only 40% had discussed contraception with a health care provider in the past year. Contraception counseling was associated with decreased contraceptive nonuse (adjusted odds ratio = 0.63). Being older, Black or Hispanic race or ethnicity, in the Army, enlisted, identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual, and having one or more same sex partners were associated with higher odds of contraceptive nonuse.ConclusionsDespite universal eligibility for free health care, contraceptive counseling and use among US military service women remain suboptimal, and significant disparities in contraceptive use exist by rank, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation. Improving implementation and enforcement of existing military directives to provide routine contraceptive counseling and services during health care visits, such as through informatics tools, could lower unintended pregnancies, reduce inequities, and increase readiness.

ObjectivesTo develop a model to support health systems in clarifying how they might target action to reduce health inequalities, and to use it to understand current policy on health inequalities in England.MethodsWe used the wider literature on the definitions of health inequalities to draw together a schematic model which attempts to link together the different conceptualisations of health inequalities present in the literature with potential sites of action that could be taken by local health systems. We then undertook a document analysis of the policy documents and programmes underlying the recent reorganisation of the NHS in England.ResultsThe need to tackle health inequalities is cited as one of the main rationales underlying the changes. However, there is a lack of clarity within the documents around: the type of inequality being addressed; the identification of the group(s) suffering from inequalities; and the ways in which the assumed ameliorative mechanisms will work in practice. The documents place considerable emphasis on the assumption that closer partnership working will address inequalities, although the mechanisms by which this will be achieved are not specified and previous research demonstrates how difficult this can be.ConclusionsThe aspiration to tackle health inequalities through newly constituted Integrated Care Systems and Boards is welcome. However, it is well known that the contribution that health care services can make to addressing inequalities is relatively limited. Greater clarity is required of policy and local strategy if efforts are to be appropriately targeted.

ObjectivesUrinary tract infections (UTIs) can negatively impact quality of life, especially when recurring. Patients often seek medical advice to relieve painful symptoms. UTIs are also the second most common reason antibiotics are prescribed in English primary care. However, overuse and long-term use of antibiotics for suspected UTIs in women can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making future treatments less effective. The UK's 2019-24 Antimicrobial Resistance National Action Plan aims to raise public awareness about the risks of overusing antibiotics and encourages self-care for minor infections, like uncomplicated UTIs. We explored how feasible and appropriate this approach is.MethodsThe transcripts from four online focus groups and 19 one-to-one online interviews involving 25 racialised minority and/or low-income women were analysed thematically. Meetings with lay members of the public with similar socio-demographics and experiences to those we planned on recruiting for the research helped to orientate the study, refine its materials and enhance its recruitment strategies.ResultsAll participants spoke about UTI-related anxieties, which they experienced differently depending on the frequency and the course of UTI episodes, and how knowledgeable they were about the symptoms. Participants often practised self-care for UTIs before seeking professional advice. They saw consultations with health care professionals as valuable for managing the symptoms of UTIs and navigating self-care options. Those with recurrent UTIs felt they could recognise when they required antibiotics and, therefore, they felt they could take responsibility for minimising overprescribing. Barriers to self-care included high pressure working days and not being able to take time off work to recover.ConclusionsParticipants in our study were often able to self-diagnose and assess the severity of their symptoms, which makes them partners in efforts to improve antibiotic stewardship. They still valued consulting professionals for advice and support about their UTIs, irrespective of whether they received a prescription.

ObjectivesThe recruitment and retention of health care staff to remote and rural communities is a major challenge. This study explored the experiences of remote and rural communities in trying to attract and retain health care staff and their families in the UK.MethodsQualitative case studies in five remote and rural communities, two in England and three in Scotland. We conducted interviews with 22 participants across the five sites, including community members actively involved in recruitment and retention, health care professionals, and their family members. Fieldwork combined remote and in-person data collection. We used thematic analysis across cases drawing on asset-based community development as our theoretical framework.ResultsCommunities undertook various activities such as making promotional videos, social media campaigns, getting involved on interview panels, and informal social integration efforts. They drew on a range of local assets to encourage health care staff to come to the area, including showcasing local landscapes, outdoor activities, a safe, welcoming community for children and families, and good quality of life. They also drew on the skills of local people with backgrounds in marketing, design, communications and photography or film-making. The absence of some key assets posed challenges, particularly lack of housing, schooling provision, employment opportunities for other family members, and cultural activities. Community-led initiatives were often prompted by local dissatisfaction with health organisations' efforts to recruit health care staff, and a wish to exercise some control over recruitment initiatives. Activities were commonly driven by a small number of individuals. While this worked well in some communities, the burden of responsibility could be substantial. This also sometimes led to tension within communities. Retention efforts commonly relied on informal networks of key individuals who intentionally forged social links for incoming families.ConclusionsThere is a key role for communities to play in recruitment and retention in remote and rural regions. There is an opportunity to actively engage community members in collaboratively crafting a campaign that highlights the area's key attractions while being mindful of limitations on reliance on an asset-based approach. Retention is a neglected topic, relying on key individuals going out of their way to help newcomers integrate. The formation of a community stakeholder group could help formalise this and reduce reliance on the goodwill and energy of individuals.

Objectives: Community-based multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) were among the most widely reported health and care integration initiatives in the Integrated Care Pioneers in England. Such MDTs bring together staff from different sectors to co-ordinate and plan care for patients, who are often older, have multiple long-term conditions and risk hospital admission. As part of our evaluation of MDTs in two contrasting Pioneers, we explored MDT patients' and informal carers' perspectives on health and care services. As the COVID-19 pandemic started during data collection, we also wanted to understand its impact on patients' access to services. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 44 patients aged 60 or over, with long-term conditions, and on the caseload of one of 11 participating MDTs. We also undertook qualitative interviews with 15 carers. Interviews took place between November 2019 and March 2021. Interview transcripts were coded in NVivo-12 and analysed thematically. Results: In addition to formal services, patients often relied on informal care. Valued aspects of care included equipment and home modifications that supported independence, timely access to and continuity in care, effective information-sharing, professionals who made them feel that their needs mattered, and having a named contact. Where challenges were experienced (e.g. with accessing professionals, communication, and care quality), patients and carers sometimes felt abandoned. While some patients mentioned being on an MDT caseload, few reported having a care plan. The impacts of caring on informal carers were sometimes considerable. COVID-19 affected patient and carer wellbeing, but the new ways of accessing care generated by the pandemic were valued by some participants. Conclusions: As long as challenges remain, patients and carers are unlikely to perceive care as joined-up and patient-centred. If truly integrated and holistic care is to be provided, barriers (such as the lack of shared patient records) must be addressed. Even where MDTs function primarily to co-ordinate rather than deliver care, they could better communicate their co-ordinating role, and MDT discussion outcomes, including care decisions, to patients. Informal carers' needs also require greater attention by MDTs.

ObjectivesThis paper synthesises the findings of an evaluation of community-based multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs), primarily serving older people with long-term conditions, undertaken as part of a wider evaluation (2015-2022) of the Integrated Care and Support Pioneer Programme (2013-2018) in England. The MDT evaluation was undertaken in two contrasting Pioneers with 11 MDTs covering four models of MDT functioning.MethodsThe synthesis, set against our conceptual framework of MDT functioning, draws principally on the findings of semi-structured interviews with local strategic level health and care leaders, frontline MDT staff, and patients and their informal carers, observations of MDT meetings, and an online survey of MDT staff.ResultsMDTs were seen as an essential means of working towards local health and care integration. While local contexts shaped the precise aims, structure, composition and ways of working of the different MDT models studied, there were strong similarities across the teams in how staff viewed the nature and benefits of MDT working. MDTs were perceived as having the potential to provide more holistic care to patients, speed up access to care, improve access to a wider range of services and enhance care at home. Benefits to staff included better information sharing; reduced duplication of tasks; enhanced collective responsibility and problem-solving, which enriched decision-making; opportunities to learn from, and about, the remits of other professional groups and services; and the erosion of traditional professional hierarchies. However, barriers to MDT working, including the absence of shared patient records, inadequate infrastructure and resources, and concerns about the ability to measure and demonstrate the value of MDT working, were also identified. Patients and their informal carers reported valuing good communication with their health and care providers but often appeared unaware of an MDT's involvement in planning their care. This suggests there is some distance to travel in terms of how MDTs communicate their roles to those they serve.ConclusionsAt the service delivery level, our findings' implications for policy and practice include the need for greater integration across patient records and data systems, and greater investment in specialist services (e.g., housing) currently absent from MDTs. However, our research also highlighted challenges to evaluating the outcomes of 'integration' both as a concept and at the service delivery level. Changes to both the research environment and the approach to evaluation are also warranted.