Suitability of a Programme for Improving Interprofessional Primary Care Team Meetings

Abstract

Introduction:Primary care is increasingly being confronted with complex health care demands stemming from both biomedical and psychosocial problems of people with chronic diseases. Interprofessional collaboration is needed to enhance person-centredness and coordinate care provision in an efficient manner, which should eventually result in high-quality and integrated care. In primary care, collaboration often occurs through periodic interprofessional team (IPT) meetings. We have developed a multifaceted programme (including a reflection framework, training activities and a toolbox) to enhance team functioning in terms of improved person-centredness and efficiency of meetings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceived suitability and potential impact of this programme. Eventually, findings of this evaluation should contribute to understanding the suitability of the programme and optimizing its design.Methods:A prospective process evaluation was conducted, using a mixed-methods approach. Six primary care IPTs participated. Data collection included observations of team meetings, semi-structured interviews with team chairpersons, a focus group meeting, and a questionnaire for all team members. Qualitative data were analysed using directed content analysis and quantitative data using descriptive statistics.Results:The results show that, on the whole, the programme was appreciated. Most progress was perceived regarding structure and organization. Chairs perceived increased awareness of person-centredness and team processes. They perceived the training activities as useful and instructive, and valued peer feedback and on-the-job coaching as the most effective strategies. Findings from the questionnaire showed a tendency in the desired direction for all variables.Conclusion:To conclude, the programme can be considered as a suitable approach for improving team functioning. However, enhancing person-centredness requires additional training/practice and on-the-job coaching. Lastly, the programme should be context-specific, flexible in use, and preferably delivered and mediated by an external facilitator at the workplace.

Collaboration between general practitioners and social workers: a scoping review

“…Eight studies measured patients’ healthcare utilisation including hospital (re-)admissions and the frequencies of emergency department visits 30–33 37 38 41 42. In addition, characteristics of collaborative processes were measured, for example, the number of referrals,37 39 43 44 team climate, team development32 45–47 and professionals’ job satisfaction 31–33 46 48 49. Cost-effectiveness measurements were addressed in three studies 30 45 50…”

“…In addition, characteristics of collaborative processes were measured, for example, the number of referrals,37 39 43 44 team climate, team development32 45–47 and professionals’ job satisfaction 31–33 46 48 49. Cost-effectiveness measurements were addressed in three studies 30 45 50…”

“…Collaborations between SWs and GPs differ markedly between healthcare systems. We categorised collaborations in: collaboration within the same practice/institution (eg, community health centre, interprofessional practice) (n=17)35 38 40 46 48 50–61 and collaboration of GPs and SWs from separate institutions (eg, GPs from a practice collaborating with SWs employed by a public institution) (n=21) 8 20 35 41 42 44 45 52 62–74…”

“…Joint discussions, for example, round tables and team meetings (n=21)18 28 30 32 38 42 43 45 47 52 58 60 65 67 70–72 74 80–82;…”

“…In five of these publications, several target groups are addressed. Geriatric patients are focused in 22 articles8 28–30 32 33 35 38–40 51 52 54 64 65 68 70 71 74 80 86 87 with additional five articles specifically addressing geropsychiatric patients 36 43 45 84 88. Other risk groups are adults with complex care needs (n=10)9 38 51 52 59 61 62 78 89 90 as well as those requiring palliative (n=2)34 41 and oncological (n=1) care 37.…”