Pub Date : 2024-10-24DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02620-0
Engelbert A Nonterah, Samuel T Chatio, Andy Willis, Joseph A Alale, Sawudatu Zakariah-Akoto, Natalie Darko, Ffion Curtis, Setor K Kunutsor, Ceri Jones, Samuel Seidu, Patrick O Ansah
Background: Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are important contributors to noncommunicable disease related morbidity and mortality. Health systems could benefit from exploring the use of Faith-Based Centres (FBC) to screen and link suspected cases for further care in order to help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. The study investigated the role of faith-based screening for T2DM and hypertension and the linkage of cases to the healthcare system and examined the care cascade in the Kassena Nankana Districts of Northern Ghana.
Methods: We screened individuals from 6 FBCs for elevated blood pressure and hyperglycaemia. Suspected hypertension and T2DM cases were referred to health facilities for confirmation and subsequently followed them up for 3 months. We assessed the prevalence of behavioural and metabolic risk factors, including hypertension and T2DM, and the retention of referred cases in the healthcare system over follow up period. We further assessed levels of awareness, treatment and adequate control of hypertension and T2DM.
Results: A total of 631 participants were screened, (mean age 49 ± 16years, 73% female) from 6 Faith based Centres. More males than females reported smoking tobacco (14.5% vs. 0.7%) and been physically active (64.5% vs. 52.7%) while more females were obese (29.6 kg/m2 vs. 14.5 kg/m2) and had a higher mean waist circumference (89.0 cm IQR 75-116 cm vs. 84.2 cm IQR 72-107 cm), hip circumference (101.5 ± 10.6 cm vs. 96.4 ± 8.6 cm) and waist-to-hip ratio (0.86 ± 0.1 cm vs. 0.87 ± 0.1 cm) than males. The prevalence of confirmed hypertension and T2DM was 27.9% and 3.5% respectively with no observed sex differences. We observed deficits in the hypertension and T2DM care cascade with reported low awareness, treatment and uncontrolled levels. A 3-month follow up showed a retention in care of 100% in month one and 94.9% in the third month. There was an increase in treatment (39.4% in month-1 and 82.8% in month-3) and control (26.3% in month-1 and 76.3% in month-3) of hypertension and T2DM combined.
Conclusion: Faith-based centres have the potential to enhance the screening, linkage to the healthcare system, and management of hypertension and T2DM. This improvement over the routine system could lead to earlier diagnoses, a reduction in complications, and decreased premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, these efforts would contribute significantly to achieving SDG 3.
{"title":"Hypertension and diabetes control: faith-based centres offer a promise for expanding screening services and linkage to care in Ghana.","authors":"Engelbert A Nonterah, Samuel T Chatio, Andy Willis, Joseph A Alale, Sawudatu Zakariah-Akoto, Natalie Darko, Ffion Curtis, Setor K Kunutsor, Ceri Jones, Samuel Seidu, Patrick O Ansah","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02620-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12875-024-02620-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are important contributors to noncommunicable disease related morbidity and mortality. Health systems could benefit from exploring the use of Faith-Based Centres (FBC) to screen and link suspected cases for further care in order to help achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3. The study investigated the role of faith-based screening for T2DM and hypertension and the linkage of cases to the healthcare system and examined the care cascade in the Kassena Nankana Districts of Northern Ghana.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We screened individuals from 6 FBCs for elevated blood pressure and hyperglycaemia. Suspected hypertension and T2DM cases were referred to health facilities for confirmation and subsequently followed them up for 3 months. We assessed the prevalence of behavioural and metabolic risk factors, including hypertension and T2DM, and the retention of referred cases in the healthcare system over follow up period. We further assessed levels of awareness, treatment and adequate control of hypertension and T2DM.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 631 participants were screened, (mean age 49 ± 16years, 73% female) from 6 Faith based Centres. More males than females reported smoking tobacco (14.5% vs. 0.7%) and been physically active (64.5% vs. 52.7%) while more females were obese (29.6 kg/m<sup>2</sup> vs. 14.5 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) and had a higher mean waist circumference (89.0 cm IQR 75-116 cm vs. 84.2 cm IQR 72-107 cm), hip circumference (101.5 ± 10.6 cm vs. 96.4 ± 8.6 cm) and waist-to-hip ratio (0.86 ± 0.1 cm vs. 0.87 ± 0.1 cm) than males. The prevalence of confirmed hypertension and T2DM was 27.9% and 3.5% respectively with no observed sex differences. We observed deficits in the hypertension and T2DM care cascade with reported low awareness, treatment and uncontrolled levels. A 3-month follow up showed a retention in care of 100% in month one and 94.9% in the third month. There was an increase in treatment (39.4% in month-1 and 82.8% in month-3) and control (26.3% in month-1 and 76.3% in month-3) of hypertension and T2DM combined.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Faith-based centres have the potential to enhance the screening, linkage to the healthcare system, and management of hypertension and T2DM. This improvement over the routine system could lead to earlier diagnoses, a reduction in complications, and decreased premature mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Consequently, these efforts would contribute significantly to achieving SDG 3.</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11520115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142513982","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Telemedicine holds immense potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-limited settings and for patients with chronic diseases. Despite proven benefits and policy reforms, the use of telemedicine remains low due to several patient, technology, and system-level barriers. Assisted telemedicine employs trained health professionals to connect patients with physicians, which can improve access and scope of telemedicine. The study aims to describe the design, service utilisation and chronic disease outcomes following the implementation of an assisted telemedicine initiative.
Methods: This is an observational implementation study. Barriers and potential solutions to the implementation of telemedicine were identified through interviews with key stakeholders. The assisted telemedicine solution using an interoperable platform integrating electronic health records, point-of-care diagnostics, and electronic clinical decision support systems was designed and piloted at three telemedicine clinics in Tamil Nadu, India. Nurses were trained in platform use and facilitation of tele-consultations. Health records of all patients from March 2021 to June 2023 were included in the analysis. Data were analysed to assess the utilisation of clinic services and improvements in health outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.
Results: Over 2.4 years, 11,388 patients with a mean age of 45 (± 20) years and median age of 48 years, predominantly female (59.3%), accessed the clinics. The team completed 15,437 lab investigations and 26,998 consultations. Among 5542 (48.6%) patients that reported chronic conditions, diabetes mellitus (61%) and hypertension (45%) were the most frequent. In patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension, 43% and 75.3% were newly diagnosed, respectively. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension patients had significant reductions in fasting blood sugar (-33.0 mg/dL (95% CI (-42.4, -23.7, P < 0.001)), and systolic (-9.6 mmHg (95% CI (-12.1, -7.0), P < 0.0001)) and diastolic blood pressure (-5.5 mmHg (95% CI (-7.0, -4.08), P < 0.0001)) at nine months from first visit, respectively.
Conclusions: The 'Digisahayam' model demonstrated feasibility in enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality by bridging healthcare gaps, diagnosing chronic conditions, and improving patient outcomes. The model presents a scalable and sustainable approach to revolutionising patient care and achieving digital health equity, with the potential for adaptation in similar settings worldwide.
{"title":"Redesigning telemedicine: preliminary findings from an innovative assisted telemedicine healthcare model.","authors":"Arun Pulikkottil Jose, Aprajita Kaushik, Huibert Tange, Trudy van der Weijden, Nikki Pandey, Anshika Sharma, Ruksar Sheikh, Nazneen Ali, Savitesh Kushwaha, Dimple Kondal, Abhishek Chaturvedi, Dorairaj Prabhakaran","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02631-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12875-024-02631-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Telemedicine holds immense potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery, particularly in resource-limited settings and for patients with chronic diseases. Despite proven benefits and policy reforms, the use of telemedicine remains low due to several patient, technology, and system-level barriers. Assisted telemedicine employs trained health professionals to connect patients with physicians, which can improve access and scope of telemedicine. The study aims to describe the design, service utilisation and chronic disease outcomes following the implementation of an assisted telemedicine initiative.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is an observational implementation study. Barriers and potential solutions to the implementation of telemedicine were identified through interviews with key stakeholders. The assisted telemedicine solution using an interoperable platform integrating electronic health records, point-of-care diagnostics, and electronic clinical decision support systems was designed and piloted at three telemedicine clinics in Tamil Nadu, India. Nurses were trained in platform use and facilitation of tele-consultations. Health records of all patients from March 2021 to June 2023 were included in the analysis. Data were analysed to assess the utilisation of clinic services and improvements in health outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over 2.4 years, 11,388 patients with a mean age of 45 (± 20) years and median age of 48 years, predominantly female (59.3%), accessed the clinics. The team completed 15,437 lab investigations and 26,998 consultations. Among 5542 (48.6%) patients that reported chronic conditions, diabetes mellitus (61%) and hypertension (45%) were the most frequent. In patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension, 43% and 75.3% were newly diagnosed, respectively. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension patients had significant reductions in fasting blood sugar (-33.0 mg/dL (95% CI (-42.4, -23.7, P < 0.001)), and systolic (-9.6 mmHg (95% CI (-12.1, -7.0), P < 0.0001)) and diastolic blood pressure (-5.5 mmHg (95% CI (-7.0, -4.08), P < 0.0001)) at nine months from first visit, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The 'Digisahayam' model demonstrated feasibility in enhancing healthcare accessibility and quality by bridging healthcare gaps, diagnosing chronic conditions, and improving patient outcomes. The model presents a scalable and sustainable approach to revolutionising patient care and achieving digital health equity, with the potential for adaptation in similar settings worldwide.</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11515714/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142513984","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-23DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02623-x
Liz Payne, Elisabeth Grey, Michelle Sutcliffe, Sue Green, Caroline Childs, Sian Robinson, Bernard Gudgin, Pam Holloway, Jo Kelly, Jackie Seely, Rebekah Le Feuvre, Paul Aveyard, Paramjit Gill, Mike Stroud, Paul Little, Yardley Lucy, Leanne Morrison
Background: In the UK, about 14% of community-dwelling adults aged 65 and over are estimated to be at risk of malnutrition. Screening older adults in primary care and treating those identified as 'at risk' may help reduce malnutrition risk and associated healthcare use, and improve quality of life. The aim of this study is to explore how primary care practitioners (PCPs) and older adults perceive, use and respond to an intervention to support those identified as 'at risk'.
Methods: We developed and optimised an intervention (screen and treat protocol, online tools and printed materials) to support primary care practitioners to identify malnutrition risk among older adults, and intervene where necessary. We recruited older adults (described as 'patients' here) taking part in a feasibility study, and carried out semi-structured interviews to assess PCPs' and patients' engagement with the intervention, and identify any contextual issues that supported or undermined their engagement.
Results: Four themes were developed, encompassing patients' and PCPs' perceptions of undernutrition, study measures and appointments, constraints on PCPs' enthusiasm to make a difference, and patients' expectations of nutritional appointments. Key findings included patients commonly not accepting advice for undernutrition/malnutrition but welcoming support for their nutritional needs; checklists potentially distracting patients from recalling discussions about their nutritional needs; a tension between PCPs' desire to recruit less-well patients and logistical difficulties in doing so; and patients compromising their nutritional needs to suit others.
Conclusions: Diverse factors influence whether an intervention succeeds in primary care. PCPs learn about an intervention/study in different ways, vary in how they understand and accept its aims, and desire to make a difference to their patients. Patients bring perceptions and expectations about the study's aims, coloured by their habits and preferences, prior experience of research and healthcare, and pressure from social expectations. Each aspect must be considered when developing a successful primary care intervention that is viewed as relevant and meaningful, and presented using language that aligns with participants' values and goals. Our findings suggest that references to 'malnutrition risk' should be avoided in any patient-facing materials/interactions as participants do not accept or identify with this label.
{"title":"What helps or hinders intervention success in primary care? Qualitative findings with older adults and primary care practitioners during a feasibility study to address malnutrition risk.","authors":"Liz Payne, Elisabeth Grey, Michelle Sutcliffe, Sue Green, Caroline Childs, Sian Robinson, Bernard Gudgin, Pam Holloway, Jo Kelly, Jackie Seely, Rebekah Le Feuvre, Paul Aveyard, Paramjit Gill, Mike Stroud, Paul Little, Yardley Lucy, Leanne Morrison","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02623-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12875-024-02623-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In the UK, about 14% of community-dwelling adults aged 65 and over are estimated to be at risk of malnutrition. Screening older adults in primary care and treating those identified as 'at risk' may help reduce malnutrition risk and associated healthcare use, and improve quality of life. The aim of this study is to explore how primary care practitioners (PCPs) and older adults perceive, use and respond to an intervention to support those identified as 'at risk'.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We developed and optimised an intervention (screen and treat protocol, online tools and printed materials) to support primary care practitioners to identify malnutrition risk among older adults, and intervene where necessary. We recruited older adults (described as 'patients' here) taking part in a feasibility study, and carried out semi-structured interviews to assess PCPs' and patients' engagement with the intervention, and identify any contextual issues that supported or undermined their engagement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes were developed, encompassing patients' and PCPs' perceptions of undernutrition, study measures and appointments, constraints on PCPs' enthusiasm to make a difference, and patients' expectations of nutritional appointments. Key findings included patients commonly not accepting advice for undernutrition/malnutrition but welcoming support for their nutritional needs; checklists potentially distracting patients from recalling discussions about their nutritional needs; a tension between PCPs' desire to recruit less-well patients and logistical difficulties in doing so; and patients compromising their nutritional needs to suit others.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Diverse factors influence whether an intervention succeeds in primary care. PCPs learn about an intervention/study in different ways, vary in how they understand and accept its aims, and desire to make a difference to their patients. Patients bring perceptions and expectations about the study's aims, coloured by their habits and preferences, prior experience of research and healthcare, and pressure from social expectations. Each aspect must be considered when developing a successful primary care intervention that is viewed as relevant and meaningful, and presented using language that aligns with participants' values and goals. Our findings suggest that references to 'malnutrition risk' should be avoided in any patient-facing materials/interactions as participants do not accept or identify with this label.</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11515772/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142513988","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-23DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02630-y
Robin Vandecasteele, Lenzo Robijn, Sara Willems, Stéphanie De Maesschalck, Peter A J Stevens
Background: This study investigated the perceived barriers and potential facilitators for culturally sensitive care among general practitioners in Flanders. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving healthcare quality and equity.
Methodology: Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with Flemish GPs. Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis was employed to develop and interpret themes that elucidate shared underlying meanings and capture the nuanced challenges and strategies related to cultural sensitivity in healthcare.
Results: Two core themes were generated: GPs' uncertainty and opposition. These themes manifest in emotional responses such as frustration, miscomprehension, and feelings of helplessness, influencing relational outcomes marked by patient disconnect and reduced motivation for cultural sensitivity. The barriers identified are exacerbated by resource scarcity and limited intercultural contact. Conversely, facilitators include structural elements like interpreters and individual strategies such as engagement, aimed at enhancing GPs' confidence in culturally diverse encounters. A meta-theme of perceived lack of control underscores the challenges, particularly regarding language barriers and resource constraints, highlighting the critical role of GPs' empowerment through enhanced intercultural communication skills.
Conclusion: Addressing GPs' uncertainties and oppositions can mitigate related issues, thereby promoting comprehensive culturally sensitive care. Essential strategies include continuous education and policy reforms to dismantle structural barriers. Moreover, incentivizing culturally sensitive care through quality care financial incentives could bolster GP motivation. These insights are pivotal for stakeholders-practitioners, policymakers, and educators-committed to advancing culturally sensitive healthcare practices and, ultimately, for fostering more equitable care provision.
{"title":"Barriers and facilitators to culturally sensitive care in general practice: a reflexive thematic analysis.","authors":"Robin Vandecasteele, Lenzo Robijn, Sara Willems, Stéphanie De Maesschalck, Peter A J Stevens","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02630-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12875-024-02630-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study investigated the perceived barriers and potential facilitators for culturally sensitive care among general practitioners in Flanders. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving healthcare quality and equity.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted with Flemish GPs. Braun and Clarke's reflexive thematic analysis was employed to develop and interpret themes that elucidate shared underlying meanings and capture the nuanced challenges and strategies related to cultural sensitivity in healthcare.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Two core themes were generated: GPs' uncertainty and opposition. These themes manifest in emotional responses such as frustration, miscomprehension, and feelings of helplessness, influencing relational outcomes marked by patient disconnect and reduced motivation for cultural sensitivity. The barriers identified are exacerbated by resource scarcity and limited intercultural contact. Conversely, facilitators include structural elements like interpreters and individual strategies such as engagement, aimed at enhancing GPs' confidence in culturally diverse encounters. A meta-theme of perceived lack of control underscores the challenges, particularly regarding language barriers and resource constraints, highlighting the critical role of GPs' empowerment through enhanced intercultural communication skills.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Addressing GPs' uncertainties and oppositions can mitigate related issues, thereby promoting comprehensive culturally sensitive care. Essential strategies include continuous education and policy reforms to dismantle structural barriers. Moreover, incentivizing culturally sensitive care through quality care financial incentives could bolster GP motivation. These insights are pivotal for stakeholders-practitioners, policymakers, and educators-committed to advancing culturally sensitive healthcare practices and, ultimately, for fostering more equitable care provision.</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11515484/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142513981","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-23DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02625-9
Sophie C Renckens, H Roeline Pasman, Nienke J Veldhuijzen, Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen
Background: Limited information exists regarding the prevalence of bereavement care provision by general practitioners (GPs) and in what cases they provide this. Insights into the current practice of bereavement care provision by GPs can highlight areas for improvement of the bereavement care practice. Therefore, we examined in how many cases GPs contacted relatives regarding bereavement care, and which case-specific characteristics are associated.
Methods: This study had a retrospective cross-sectional design and used data from a clustered sample of 52 GP-practices in the Netherlands. Patient cases were included if they were one year or older and died between January 1st, 2018 and December 31st, 2022. The main outcome was whether the GP had had contact with relatives regarding bereavement care or planned to do so. Descriptive statistics were used, as well as logistic regression analyses with generalized estimating equations.
Results: Following 86.4% of deaths, GPs either had contact with or planned to have contact with relatives of their deceased patients regarding bereavement care. This likelihood was higher in non-sudden deaths compared to sudden deaths (odds ratio [OR] 1.60). In cases of non-sudden death, GPs were more likely to provide bereavement care if an informal caregiver was involved (OR 3.81), or if the GP was part of a palliative care at home group (PaTz) (OR 2.78).
Conclusions: In the majority of cases GPs reach out to the relatives of their deceased patients to offer bereavement care. Given their familiarity with the deceased person, particularly instances of non-sudden death, the GP seems to be well-positioned to provide bereavement care, especially support that focuses on reviewing the period leading up to the death.
{"title":"The provision of bereavement care by general practitioners: data from a sentinel network.","authors":"Sophie C Renckens, H Roeline Pasman, Nienke J Veldhuijzen, Bregje D Onwuteaka-Philipsen","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02625-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12875-024-02625-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Limited information exists regarding the prevalence of bereavement care provision by general practitioners (GPs) and in what cases they provide this. Insights into the current practice of bereavement care provision by GPs can highlight areas for improvement of the bereavement care practice. Therefore, we examined in how many cases GPs contacted relatives regarding bereavement care, and which case-specific characteristics are associated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study had a retrospective cross-sectional design and used data from a clustered sample of 52 GP-practices in the Netherlands. Patient cases were included if they were one year or older and died between January 1st, 2018 and December 31st, 2022. The main outcome was whether the GP had had contact with relatives regarding bereavement care or planned to do so. Descriptive statistics were used, as well as logistic regression analyses with generalized estimating equations.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Following 86.4% of deaths, GPs either had contact with or planned to have contact with relatives of their deceased patients regarding bereavement care. This likelihood was higher in non-sudden deaths compared to sudden deaths (odds ratio [OR] 1.60). In cases of non-sudden death, GPs were more likely to provide bereavement care if an informal caregiver was involved (OR 3.81), or if the GP was part of a palliative care at home group (PaTz) (OR 2.78).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In the majority of cases GPs reach out to the relatives of their deceased patients to offer bereavement care. Given their familiarity with the deceased person, particularly instances of non-sudden death, the GP seems to be well-positioned to provide bereavement care, especially support that focuses on reviewing the period leading up to the death.</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11515723/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142513985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-23DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02624-w
Anita Nymark, Lotte Huniche, Sigurdur Skarphedinsson, Helle Marie Christensen
Background: Lyme borreliosis is by far the most common vector-borne infection in Western Europe. The most severe manifestation of Lyme borreliosis is Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). In LNB symptoms vary from mild to severe and may include late complications that involve both physical and/or neurocognitive constraints. An estimated 25-28% of the LNB population suffers from late complications. This study investigates patient and relative perspectives on everyday life with LNB symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment to identify areas for improvement of healthcare.
Methods: A focus group was conducted at Odense University Hospital, Denmark. The focus group comprised 16 participants, nine patients diagnosed with LNB who had been treated at the Clinical Center for Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, and seven relatives of the patients' choice. The focus group lasted 2 ½ hours and was audio recorded as well as documented in field notes.
Results: Data analysis was grounded in the conceptual framework of critical psychology and resulted in three main themes: (1) Burden of LNB symptoms in everyday life, (2) A break in the conduct of everyday life caused by LNB and (3) Need for transparent pathways to specialist knowledge.
Conclusions: Before diagnosis and treatment, each patient reported varying degrees of non-treatable pain, and cognitive and/or musculoskeletal symptoms. Visible physical symptoms were rare. All patients had experienced that their bodily symptoms remained unaddressed throughout numerous encounters with the healthcare system. The course of LNB comes with a break in patients' everyday lives and self-understandings affecting their ability to work and manage everyday activities. Patients and relatives strongly recommend a specialised LNB clinic.
{"title":"Initial symptoms and late complication in Lyme neuroborreliosis from the perspective of patients and relatives: a qualitative study.","authors":"Anita Nymark, Lotte Huniche, Sigurdur Skarphedinsson, Helle Marie Christensen","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02624-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-024-02624-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lyme borreliosis is by far the most common vector-borne infection in Western Europe. The most severe manifestation of Lyme borreliosis is Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB). In LNB symptoms vary from mild to severe and may include late complications that involve both physical and/or neurocognitive constraints. An estimated 25-28% of the LNB population suffers from late complications. This study investigates patient and relative perspectives on everyday life with LNB symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment to identify areas for improvement of healthcare.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A focus group was conducted at Odense University Hospital, Denmark. The focus group comprised 16 participants, nine patients diagnosed with LNB who had been treated at the Clinical Center for Emerging and Vector-borne Infections, and seven relatives of the patients' choice. The focus group lasted 2 ½ hours and was audio recorded as well as documented in field notes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data analysis was grounded in the conceptual framework of critical psychology and resulted in three main themes: (1) Burden of LNB symptoms in everyday life, (2) A break in the conduct of everyday life caused by LNB and (3) Need for transparent pathways to specialist knowledge.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Before diagnosis and treatment, each patient reported varying degrees of non-treatable pain, and cognitive and/or musculoskeletal symptoms. Visible physical symptoms were rare. All patients had experienced that their bodily symptoms remained unaddressed throughout numerous encounters with the healthcare system. The course of LNB comes with a break in patients' everyday lives and self-understandings affecting their ability to work and manage everyday activities. Patients and relatives strongly recommend a specialised LNB clinic.</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11498949/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142513983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-23DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02627-7
Margaret McCartney, Kate Connolly, Frank Sullivan, Carl Heneghan, Elijah Yu Heng Ho, Brid Hendry, Charlotte Salisbury, Sam Offer, David Nunan
Aim: To describe where clinical information is contemporarily and commonly found in UK primary care, what is favoured by clinicians, and whether this is (1) publicly funded (2) has commercial potential conflicts of interest.
Design and setting: A mixed methods study, consisting of (1) site visits to general practices in Scotland, (2) online questionnaire, focused on UK general practice (3) analysis of materials cited by professionals.
Methods: Data about sources of clinical information used was obtained verbally, visually and via search histories on computers from visits. This was used to inform a questionnaire in which primary care clinicians in the four nations of the UK were invited to participate. This obtained data about the information sources used and preferred by clinicians. This information was searched for data about funding and conflicts of interest.
Results: Over 2022, four practices were visited. 337 clinicians, 280 of whom were general practitioners completed an online questionnaire. 136 different resources were identified. These were mainly websites but sources of information included colleagues, either in practice or through online networks, apps, local guidelines, health charities, and learning resources aimed at GPs. Of these, 70 were not publicly funded, and were a mixture of membership organisations, charities, or sponsored venues.
Conclusions: Primary care clinicians obtain information for themselves and patients from a wide variety of sources. Funding is from a variety of sources and some contain advertising and/or sponsorship, risking commercial bias.
{"title":"Where do UK clinicians find information at the point of care? A pragmatic, exploratory study.","authors":"Margaret McCartney, Kate Connolly, Frank Sullivan, Carl Heneghan, Elijah Yu Heng Ho, Brid Hendry, Charlotte Salisbury, Sam Offer, David Nunan","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02627-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12875-024-02627-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>To describe where clinical information is contemporarily and commonly found in UK primary care, what is favoured by clinicians, and whether this is (1) publicly funded (2) has commercial potential conflicts of interest.</p><p><strong>Design and setting: </strong>A mixed methods study, consisting of (1) site visits to general practices in Scotland, (2) online questionnaire, focused on UK general practice (3) analysis of materials cited by professionals.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Data about sources of clinical information used was obtained verbally, visually and via search histories on computers from visits. This was used to inform a questionnaire in which primary care clinicians in the four nations of the UK were invited to participate. This obtained data about the information sources used and preferred by clinicians. This information was searched for data about funding and conflicts of interest.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Over 2022, four practices were visited. 337 clinicians, 280 of whom were general practitioners completed an online questionnaire. 136 different resources were identified. These were mainly websites but sources of information included colleagues, either in practice or through online networks, apps, local guidelines, health charities, and learning resources aimed at GPs. Of these, 70 were not publicly funded, and were a mixture of membership organisations, charities, or sponsored venues.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Primary care clinicians obtain information for themselves and patients from a wide variety of sources. Funding is from a variety of sources and some contain advertising and/or sponsorship, risking commercial bias.</p><p><strong>Protocol: </strong>Pre-published at https://osf.io/wrzqk .</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11515728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142513999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-21DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02617-9
Sarah Moreels, Sherihane Bensemmane, Robrecht De Schreye, Sarah Cuschieri
Background: At least 10% of Covid-19 recovered individuals experience persistent symptoms (Long Covid). Primary healthcare and general practitioners (GPs) are at the forefront in their care. In this study, GPs' knowledge, perceptions and experiences with Long Covid, and the definition used in two countries, are investigated to provide insight into GPs' care for Long Covid patients at a cross-country level.
Methods: A cross-sectional study targeted towards GPs was conducted in Belgium and Malta during spring and early summer 2022. An online survey consisting of 15 questions on Long Covid was disseminated. Additionally, country-specific practice and demographic characteristics were collected. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.
Results: A total of 150 GPs (Belgium = 105; Malta = 45) responded. Female GPs represented 58.0%, median age was 49 years (IQR: 37-61). Concerning GPs' knowledge and perception on Long Covid, in both countries, most GPs reported insufficient scientific knowledge and information on Long Covid diagnosis and treatment. Access to educational material was limited and an awareness-rising campaign on Long Covid was deemed necessary. Moreover, two out of three GPs stated that Long Covid patients were not well followed up by primary healthcare in mid-2022. For diagnosing Long Covid, 54.7% required a positive Covid-19 test, more often among Belgian GPs than Maltese (64.3% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.036). To assess Long Covid, GPs mainly applied diagnostic criteria by themselves (47.3%) in combination with persistent symptoms (4 weeks to 5 months). Most GPs had experience with Long Covid patients in their practice, regardless of practice type and GPs' country, sex or age (p = 0.353; p = 0.241; p = 0.194; p = 0.058). Although most GPs (94.7%) stated that Long Covid patients should follow multidisciplinary approach, 48.3% reported providing care for these patients themselves or with GP colleagues and only 29.8% by multidisciplinary cooperation.
Conclusions: GPs frequently provide (multidisciplinary) care to Long Covid patients and GPs' care showed similarities at cross-country level. Although GPs perceive lack of scientific knowledge and educational material on Long Covid, similar diagnostic criteria among GPs were noted. Uniform evidence-based guidelines, scientific support and training for GP across Europe must be a priority to enhance their treatment approach to Long Covid.
{"title":"Caring for Long Covid patients in primary healthcare: a cross-sectional study on general practitioners' knowledge, perception and experience in Belgium and Malta.","authors":"Sarah Moreels, Sherihane Bensemmane, Robrecht De Schreye, Sarah Cuschieri","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02617-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12875-024-02617-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>At least 10% of Covid-19 recovered individuals experience persistent symptoms (Long Covid). Primary healthcare and general practitioners (GPs) are at the forefront in their care. In this study, GPs' knowledge, perceptions and experiences with Long Covid, and the definition used in two countries, are investigated to provide insight into GPs' care for Long Covid patients at a cross-country level.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study targeted towards GPs was conducted in Belgium and Malta during spring and early summer 2022. An online survey consisting of 15 questions on Long Covid was disseminated. Additionally, country-specific practice and demographic characteristics were collected. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 150 GPs (Belgium = 105; Malta = 45) responded. Female GPs represented 58.0%, median age was 49 years (IQR: 37-61). Concerning GPs' knowledge and perception on Long Covid, in both countries, most GPs reported insufficient scientific knowledge and information on Long Covid diagnosis and treatment. Access to educational material was limited and an awareness-rising campaign on Long Covid was deemed necessary. Moreover, two out of three GPs stated that Long Covid patients were not well followed up by primary healthcare in mid-2022. For diagnosing Long Covid, 54.7% required a positive Covid-19 test, more often among Belgian GPs than Maltese (64.3% vs. 45.2%, p = 0.036). To assess Long Covid, GPs mainly applied diagnostic criteria by themselves (47.3%) in combination with persistent symptoms (4 weeks to 5 months). Most GPs had experience with Long Covid patients in their practice, regardless of practice type and GPs' country, sex or age (p = 0.353; p = 0.241; p = 0.194; p = 0.058). Although most GPs (94.7%) stated that Long Covid patients should follow multidisciplinary approach, 48.3% reported providing care for these patients themselves or with GP colleagues and only 29.8% by multidisciplinary cooperation.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>GPs frequently provide (multidisciplinary) care to Long Covid patients and GPs' care showed similarities at cross-country level. Although GPs perceive lack of scientific knowledge and educational material on Long Covid, similar diagnostic criteria among GPs were noted. Uniform evidence-based guidelines, scientific support and training for GP across Europe must be a priority to enhance their treatment approach to Long Covid.</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11494861/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142482228","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Animation has promise for teaching complex health content through smartphone applications. However, smartphones have had limited use in Thailand for health literacy improvement among adults with chronic diseases. This study aims to explore the perceptions of adults with diabetes and/or hypertension resulting from 2D short animated videos for literacy against chronic disease that are available via smartphones.
Methods: Four animated videos were initially developed based on clinical practice guidelines and nursing experience. Physicians, an expert in health education, and an animation team developed and revised scripts and storyboards of the animated videos. Lastly, videos were validated by physicians and health educators for content breadth and depth and by media experts for motion graphics and illustration. Each video presents a different situation in diabetes, hypertension, missing appointments, and obesity, ranging from 2.18 to 4.14 min in duration. The inclusion criteria were adults 35-70 years old with diabetes or hypertension who received care from primary care units. Thematic analysis was performed on the extracted data.
Results: Twenty participants with a mean age of 58.4 years (SD 6.7; ranged 41-68) were focus-group interviewed. Three animation elements were assessed, including presentation, impacts, and suggestions. Participants had positive responses regarding the presentation (suitability of images and smooth motion graphics, short length of videos, simple language, understandable content, and clear sound) and impacts (recalling information, enhancing engagement, and motivating health awareness and behavior change). Suggested improvements were for a bigger font size for subtitles and considering the use of spoken text instead of on-screen text for recommendations at the end of the animations.
Conclusions: Animated videos are acceptable for delivering health information. Pilot testing animated videos for promoting literacy against chronic diseases in adults with diabetes and hypertension is needed for optimal utility.
{"title":"Perceptions of the 2D short animated videos for literacy against chronic diseases among adults with diabetes and/or hypertension: a qualitative study in primary care clinics.","authors":"Panan Pichayapinyo, Malinee Sompopcharoen, Weena Thiangtham, Jutatip Sillabutra, Phenchan Meekaew, Benyada Bureerat, Armote Somboonkaew","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02621-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12875-024-02621-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Animation has promise for teaching complex health content through smartphone applications. However, smartphones have had limited use in Thailand for health literacy improvement among adults with chronic diseases. This study aims to explore the perceptions of adults with diabetes and/or hypertension resulting from 2D short animated videos for literacy against chronic disease that are available via smartphones.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Four animated videos were initially developed based on clinical practice guidelines and nursing experience. Physicians, an expert in health education, and an animation team developed and revised scripts and storyboards of the animated videos. Lastly, videos were validated by physicians and health educators for content breadth and depth and by media experts for motion graphics and illustration. Each video presents a different situation in diabetes, hypertension, missing appointments, and obesity, ranging from 2.18 to 4.14 min in duration. The inclusion criteria were adults 35-70 years old with diabetes or hypertension who received care from primary care units. Thematic analysis was performed on the extracted data.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty participants with a mean age of 58.4 years (SD 6.7; ranged 41-68) were focus-group interviewed. Three animation elements were assessed, including presentation, impacts, and suggestions. Participants had positive responses regarding the presentation (suitability of images and smooth motion graphics, short length of videos, simple language, understandable content, and clear sound) and impacts (recalling information, enhancing engagement, and motivating health awareness and behavior change). Suggested improvements were for a bigger font size for subtitles and considering the use of spoken text instead of on-screen text for recommendations at the end of the animations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Animated videos are acceptable for delivering health information. Pilot testing animated videos for promoting literacy against chronic diseases in adults with diabetes and hypertension is needed for optimal utility.</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11492793/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142482235","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-10-18DOI: 10.1186/s12875-024-02610-2
Naomi Q P Tan, Lisa M Lowenstein, Elisa E Douglas, Jeanne Silva, Joshua M Bershad, Jinghua An, Sanjay S Shete, Michael B Steinberg, Jeanne M Ferrante, Elizabeth C Clark, Ana Natale-Pereira, Novneet N Sahu, Shirin E Hastings, Richard M Hoffman, Robert J Volk, Anita Y Kinney
Background: Lung cancer screening (LCS) can reduce lung cancer mortality but has potential harms for patients. A shared decision-making (SDM) conversation about LCS is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for LCS reimbursement. To overcome barriers to SDM in primary care, this protocol describes a telehealth decision coaching and navigation intervention for LCS in primary care clinics delivered by patient navigators. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and its implementation potential, compared with an enhanced usual care (EUC) arm.
Methods: Patients (n = 420) of primary care clinicians (n = 120) are being recruited to a cluster randomized controlled trial. Clinicians are randomly assigned to 1) TELESCOPE intervention: prior to an upcoming non-acute clinic visit, patients participate in a telehealth decision coaching and navigation session about LCS delivered by trained patient navigators and nurse navigators place a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) order for each TELESCOPE patient wanting LCS, or 2) EUC: patients receive enhanced usual care from a clinician. Usual care is enhanced by providing clinicians in both arms with access to a Continuing Medical Education (CME) webinar about LCS and an LCS discussion guide. Patients complete surveys at baseline and 1-week after the scheduled clinic visit to assess quality of the SDM process. Re-navigation is attempted with TELESCOPE patients who have not completed the LDCT within 3 months. One month before being due for an annual screening, TELESCOPE patients whose initial LCS showed low-risk findings are randomly assigned to receive a telehealth decision coaching booster session with a navigator or no booster. Electronic health records are abstracted at 6, 12 and 18 months after the initial decision coaching session (TELESCOPE) or clinic visit (EUC) to assess initial and annual LCS uptake, imaging results, follow-up testing for abnormal findings, cancer diagnoses, treatment, and tobacco treatment referrals. This study will evaluate factors that facilitate or interfere with program implementation using mixed methods.
Discussion: We will assess whether a decision coaching and patient navigation intervention can feasibly and effectively support high-quality SDM for LCS and guideline-concordant LCS uptake for patients in busy primary care practices serving diverse patient populations.
Trial registration: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05491213) on August 4, 2022.
{"title":"The TELEhealth Shared decision-making COaching and navigation in Primary carE (TELESCOPE) intervention: a study protocol for delivering shared decision-making for lung cancer screening by patient navigators.","authors":"Naomi Q P Tan, Lisa M Lowenstein, Elisa E Douglas, Jeanne Silva, Joshua M Bershad, Jinghua An, Sanjay S Shete, Michael B Steinberg, Jeanne M Ferrante, Elizabeth C Clark, Ana Natale-Pereira, Novneet N Sahu, Shirin E Hastings, Richard M Hoffman, Robert J Volk, Anita Y Kinney","doi":"10.1186/s12875-024-02610-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s12875-024-02610-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lung cancer screening (LCS) can reduce lung cancer mortality but has potential harms for patients. A shared decision-making (SDM) conversation about LCS is required by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for LCS reimbursement. To overcome barriers to SDM in primary care, this protocol describes a telehealth decision coaching and navigation intervention for LCS in primary care clinics delivered by patient navigators. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention and its implementation potential, compared with an enhanced usual care (EUC) arm.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients (n = 420) of primary care clinicians (n = 120) are being recruited to a cluster randomized controlled trial. Clinicians are randomly assigned to 1) TELESCOPE intervention: prior to an upcoming non-acute clinic visit, patients participate in a telehealth decision coaching and navigation session about LCS delivered by trained patient navigators and nurse navigators place a low-dose CT scan (LDCT) order for each TELESCOPE patient wanting LCS, or 2) EUC: patients receive enhanced usual care from a clinician. Usual care is enhanced by providing clinicians in both arms with access to a Continuing Medical Education (CME) webinar about LCS and an LCS discussion guide. Patients complete surveys at baseline and 1-week after the scheduled clinic visit to assess quality of the SDM process. Re-navigation is attempted with TELESCOPE patients who have not completed the LDCT within 3 months. One month before being due for an annual screening, TELESCOPE patients whose initial LCS showed low-risk findings are randomly assigned to receive a telehealth decision coaching booster session with a navigator or no booster. Electronic health records are abstracted at 6, 12 and 18 months after the initial decision coaching session (TELESCOPE) or clinic visit (EUC) to assess initial and annual LCS uptake, imaging results, follow-up testing for abnormal findings, cancer diagnoses, treatment, and tobacco treatment referrals. This study will evaluate factors that facilitate or interfere with program implementation using mixed methods.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>We will assess whether a decision coaching and patient navigation intervention can feasibly and effectively support high-quality SDM for LCS and guideline-concordant LCS uptake for patients in busy primary care practices serving diverse patient populations.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05491213) on August 4, 2022.</p><p><strong>Protocol version: </strong>Version 1, April 10, 2024.</p>","PeriodicalId":72428,"journal":{"name":"BMC primary care","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11490179/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142482239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}