Interdisciplinary Care Approach Research Articles

HOSPITALIZATION AT HOME MAY ADDRESS SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH: RESULTS FROM A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Abstract This project evaluated implementation of the Acute Hospital Care at Home (AHCaH) waiver from the U.S. Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), launched in November 2020 to ensure availability of acute care as COVID-19 cases overwhelmed hospitals. We interviewed 18 HaH program leaders of 14 programs, from both existing and newly launched HaH programs, about their experiences applying for and implementing HaH under the CMS waiver. A thematic analysis of the interviews was completed. Informants described HaH programs as an opportunity for healthcare professionals to have “eyes in the home,” referring to ways in which the HaH team was able to observe and intervene in aspects of the patient’s life not accessible from traditional in-patient care. Informants described various ways that HaH programs addressed Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) including assessing patients’ ability to obtain healthy foods, reducing potential safety hazards in the home, and providing education and support to patients’ caregivers. Informants also suggested that HaH may reduce anxiety associated with hospital stay and separation from loved ones, helping people already contending with social inequities. Addressing SDoH is important for ensuring quality care and long-term positive changes in the patient’s lifestyle and environment. As CMS shifts their aims to further address the SDoH, our findings suggest that the interdisciplinary care approach of HaH programs may be a model of addressing both social and medical needs.

Lessons from implementing the Australian National Action Plan for Endometriosis.

Graphical abstract Endometriosis is a common yet under-recognised chronic disease with one in nine (more than 830,000) women and those assigned female at birth diagnosed with endometriosis by the age of 44 years in Australia. In 2018, Australia was the first country to develop a roadmap and blueprint to tackle endometriosis in a nationwide, coordinated manner. This blueprint is outlined in the National Action Plan for Endometriosis (NAPE), created from a partnership between government, endometriosis experts and advocacy groups. The NAPE aims to improve patient outcomes in the areas of awareness and education, clinical management and care and research. As researchers and clinicians are working to improve the lives of those with endometriosis, we discuss our experiences since the launch of the plan to highlight areas of consideration by other countries when developing research priorities and clinical plans. Historically, major barriers for those with endometriosis have been twofold; first, obtaining a diagnosis and secondly, effective symptom management post-diagnosis. In recent years, there have been calls to move away from the historically accepted ‘gold-standard’ surgical diagnosis and single-provider specialist care. As there are currently no reliable biomarkers for endometriosis diagnosis, specialist endometriosis scans and MRI incorporating artificial intelligence offer a novel method of visualisation and promising affordable non-invasive diagnostic tool incorporating well-established technologies. The recognised challenges of ongoing pain and symptom management, a holistic interdisciplinary care approach and access to a chronic disease management plan, could lead to improved patient outcomes while reducing healthcare costs.Lay summaryEndometriosis is a chronic disease where tissue like the lining of the uterus is found in other locations around the body. For the 830,000 people living with endometriosis in Australia, this often results in an immense burden on all aspects of daily life. In 2018, Australia was the first country to introduce a roadmap and blueprint to tackle endometriosis in a nationwide coordinated manner with the National Action Plan for Endometriosis. This plan was created as a partnership between government, endometriosis experts and advocacy groups. There are several other countries who are now considering similar plans to address the burden of endometriosis. As researchers and clinicians are working to improve the lives of those with endometriosis, we share our experiences and discuss areas that should be considered when developing these national plans, including diagnostic pathways without the need for surgery, and building new centres of expertise in Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain.

Postpartum Depression Screening for Mothers of Babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a prevalent, yet underidentified, problem among mothers with babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Postpartum depression can result in immediate and long-term consequences for mother and baby. Screening, followed by early intervention, is critical for improvement and resolution. The purpose of the project was to initiate early screening for PPD among a high-risk population to identify and refer for early treatment. A screening and referral protocol was implemented using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), with consults as indicated to an onsite licensed professional clinical counselor. The nurse on the care team was responsible for initiating the screening after 2 weeks postpartum and placing a mental health referral as needed. Retrospective medical record reviews were conducted to determine whether timely screening was implemented among eligible mothers, and if referrals were made for those at-risk based on EPDS score. Twenty-four percent of women screened were at increased risk for PPD based on their EPDS score, approximately double that of the general population (12.5%). All women with a positive screen had a referral placed and were seen by the licensed professional clinical counselor within 3 days. This project recognizes the importance of an interdisciplinary care approach and highlights the need for early identification and treatment for PPD among mothers with babies in the NICU. The project can guide future initiatives to increase the use of screening in the inpatient setting, to detect PPD during its early and more treatable stages.

The development of an HIV-specific complexity rating scale.

As treatment for HIV improves, an ageing population is experiencing comorbidity which often leads to complex clinical presentations requiring an interdisciplinary care approach. This study sought to quantify clinician assessment of the level of clinical complexity, through the development of a rating scale for people living with HIV (PLHIV), to improve client care through an interdisciplinary care model. An existing alcohol and other drug complexity rating scale was selected and modified for use with PLHIV. HIV-specific items were included through consultation with an interdisciplinary team. A risk-prediction model was developed and validated using clinician ratings of clients attending The Albion Centre, a tertiary HIV clinic in Sydney, Australia, resulting in the development of the Clinical Complexity Rating Scale for HIV (CCRS-HIV). Multivariable logistic regression models identified eight characteristics based on clinician assessment of complexity in PLHIV: financial instability, social isolation, problematic crystal methamphetamine use, mental illness and/or other problematic substance use, cognitive/neurological impairment, polypharmacy, current hepatitis C infection and/or cancer, and other physical health comorbidity. A weighted risk-prediction model was developed and validated. The final model accurately predicted 85% of complex clients, with a sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 91%. This study developed an HIV-specific clinician-rated complexity scale. Further investigations are required to validate the CCRS-HIV with broader HIV populations. This simple complexity screening tool is a promising adjunct to clinical assessment to identify clients with complex physical and psychosocial needs who may benefit from interdisciplinary care interventions and allocation of resources.

Sequential Two-Stage Network and Thematic Analysis for Exploring an Interdisciplinary Care Approach in Nursing Homes

Since various groups of older adults with different conditions and levels of function coexist in nursing homes, it is necessary to develop integrated care strategies through collaboration among experts across related fields. The purposes of this study are to identify the regularity of information sharing in managing daily function for older adults, with a special focus on interdisciplinary cooperation, and to explore a practical care strategy for nursing home residents. The collaborative methods of network and thematic analysis were done by conducting in-depth interviews with 33 interdisciplinary experts working at seven nursing homes. This study proposed three relationships and three themes as interrelated key factors for providing interdisciplinary care to the elderly at various levels of function based on the experiences accumulated by the practitioners. First, independent sharing is required to make professional judgments about how daily function in older adults changes from reported baselines. Second, practitioners accurately judge clinical situations and supplement experts' judgments through partial sharing. Finally, all interdisciplinary consensus through complete sharing achieves the ultimate goal of maintaining remaining function in older adults. These findings can be the first step in developing practical care guidelines for interdisciplinary use, and the results can be used to develop integrated assessment and intervention strategies.

Exploring a Nursing Home-Specific Interdisciplinary Approach: Toward Palliative Care for the Demented and Complex-Disabled Elderly.

The number of elderly suffering from dementia and complex disabilities is gradually increasing in nursing homes, and they form a differentiated group that requires palliative care provided by practitioners in various disciplines from the time of their admission to improve the quality of their remaining lives. The purpose of this study was to explore an interdisciplinary care approach by nurses and related practitioners for the demented and complex-disabled elderly in nursing homes that focuses on palliative care based on an ethical point of view. A qualitative thematic analysis was conducted through in-depth interviews of 29 interdisciplinary practitioners working at 5 nursing homes. From them, 3 themes and 9 subthemes were extracted as the key results. First, practitioners set up cooperative care plans based on constantly tracking down clues to gradual functional deteriorations. Second, practitioners establish a cooperative committee to link residents and practitioners for responding to the subtle expressions of the elderly. Finally, practitioners maximize the opportunities for improving the quality of the elderly's remaining lives. These results can be the basis for the first prototype in developing interdisciplinary practical guidelines for nursing home-specific palliative care and can provide new insights for the practical care concept of palliative care.

Exertional Heat Stroke within Secondary School Athletics.

Exertional heat stroke (EHS) remains one of the leading causes of sudden death in sport despite clear evidence showing 100% survivability with the proper standards of care in place and utilized. Of particular concern are student athletes competing at the secondary school level, where the extent of appropriate health care services remains suboptimal compared with organized athletics at the collegiate level and higher. While rapid recognition and rapid treatment of EHS ensures survival, the adoption and implementation of these lifesaving steps within secondary school athletics warrant further discussion within the sports medicine community. Establishing proper policies regarding the prevention and care of EHS coupled with utilizing an interdisciplinary care approach is essential for 1) minimizing risk and 2) guaranteeing optimal outcomes for the patient.

HOME HEALTH AIDES’ ROLE IN PRESSURE ULCER PREVENTION AMONG THE ELDERLY AT HOME: A SCOPING REVIEW

The purpose of this scoping literature review was to explore current knowledge about the role of home health aides (HHAs) in pressure ulcer prevention among the elderly receiving homecare. HHAs are unregulated care providers that constitute 70% of the home care work force in Canada. They are part of the patient’s circle of care but not members of the interdisciplinary pressure ulcer prevention team. The literature review was used to identify sources of evidence, map key concepts, and determine research gaps. Key search terms “homecare services”, “pressure ulcers”, “home health aides”, and “aged” were used to search 11 databases. Eight sources were retrieved: one textbook chapter and seven peer-reviewed journal articles. All documents were charted and analyzed using a descriptive summary and qualitative content analysis. The results suggest that HHAs’ role in pressure ulcer prevention at home is unclear. Five themes emerged from literature: need for training and education, nurse as an educator, interdisciplinary care approach, relationship between HHAs patient and family, and beliefs of HHAs about their role. Potential for enhancing HHA roles were identified in: observing patient’s health condition; coaching patients and family on positioning, ambulation, and nutrition; assisting health care providers; and reporting to the interdisciplinary team, patients and caregivers. In conclusion, the HHAs could play more important role in pressure ulcer prevention in homecare. Further research is recommended to create interventions with increased engagement of HHAs and explore their efficacy.

Long-Term Outcome of Interdisciplinary Management of Patients with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Receiving Daily Glucocorticoid Treatment

To evaluate clinical outcomes and steroid side effects in a cohort of patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) treated with long-term daily glucocorticoid therapy. Although daily glucocorticoid therapy has been shown to extend ambulatory function in DMD, less frequent dosing is often used because of side effect concerns. Retrospective study of 97 patients with DMD aged 10 to <16 years treated with daily glucocorticoid (89% on deflazacort) for a mean of 8.5 years. Outcome measures were motor, pulmonary, and cardiac function, and scoliosis. Side effects were growth failure and weight gain, facial fullness, blood pressure, bone health, cataracts, gastrointestinal symptoms, behavior, hypertrichosis, and need for medication interventions. For 13- to 16-year-old patients, 40% could rise from the floor and 50% could perform the 30-foot run test. Forced vital capacity for the entire cohort was well preserved. Thirteen percent of younger (10- to <13-year-old) and 21% of older patients had findings of left ventricle systolic dysfunction. Six percent (all aged 16 years) developed scoliosis (Cobb angle >20 degrees). Eighty-six percent had normal weight velocities; 30% had no increased facial fullness; 72% had short stature; and 19% had asymptomatic cataracts. Asymptomatic spine compression deformities were noted in 76% and long bone fractures in 30%. One patient stopped glucocorticoid because of behavioral concerns. With evidence for improved outcomes and manageable side effects, we recommend use of daily glucocorticoid therapy for patients with DMD with anticipatory management of side effects and a coordinated interdisciplinary care approach.

Orthotic management of the neuropathic foot

Clinical management of the patient with neuropathic foot is becoming commonplace in orthotic clinics worldwide. The presentations that can result from neuropathic foot are diverse, requiring clinicians to understand the pathomechanics of ulceration, infection, and Charcot joint arthropathy to provide effective interventions. The purpose of this clinical perspective is to provide a review of the literature regarding clinical concepts associated with orthotic management of neuropathic foot. Literature review and clinical case study. Relevant literature were reviewed and summarized, and a clinical case study synthesizing reviewed concepts was presented. Given the multifactorial nature of the neuropathic foot, treatments must be multifaceted and patient-specific to effectively address the underlying disease processes. While systemic issues such as peripheral arterial disease are treated by physicians, local issues such as foot deformity are managed by orthotists. Orthotic interventions commonly include custom footwear to reduce the risk of ulceration through creation of a protective environment or targeted plantar offloading. Patient and caregiver education to encourage management compliance is equally as important to ensure successful treatment. Patients with neuropathic foot benefit from an interdisciplinary care approach which engages physicians, wound care practitioners, and orthotists to treat and manage systemic and local problems. Addressing this pathology through interdisciplinary care may positively affect the patient's health status while lowering associated healthcare costs through improved treatment efficacy. The commonality of neuropathic foot and associated complications including ulceration, infection, and Charcot joint arthropathy requires that the patient care team have a fundamental understanding of these pathologies and common treatment modalities. We review orthotic treatment modalities to assist clinicians with the management of patients with neuropathic foot.

Palliative care for severely affected patients with multiple sclerosis: when and why? Results of a Delphi survey of health care professionals.

Patients severely affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) present with complex symptoms and needs requiring an interdisciplinary care approach. Analysis of when and why specialized palliative care integration would be beneficial via examining health care professionals' attitudes. A two-round online Delphi study and expert workshop were undertaken and analyzed descriptively. Following an extensive online search, 164 professionals with expertise in treating and caring for severely affected patients with MS were contacted. Professionals included neurologists, urologists, general practitioners, MS nurses, speech therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, and palliative care physicians. Forty-six consented to participate: 33 of 46 (71.4%) and 15 of 33 (45.5%) experts responded in the first and second round, respectively. Consensus was reached among all respondents (100%) defining the term "severely affected": 78.8% and 86.7%, respectively, thought that specialized palliative care should begin once the disease has progressed (Expanded Disability Status Scale [EDSS]>6 and nursing care required). When the need exists for communication about disease progression (93.3%), psychological support (93.3%), relatives support (93.3%), and pain medication (86.7%) specialized palliative care should be consulted. Specialized palliative homecare was rated (93.3%) "very important." The workshop documented the paucity of home visits and specialized MS care in nursing homes. Our results clearly identified specific areas in which palliative care will likely prove to be a valuable asset in the treatment course of MS. This information should serve clinicians, indicating when to consider palliative care services and help further reduce or eliminate uncertainty about how palliative care can be integrated in the course of MS.

A nurse-led interdisciplinary primary care approach to prevent disability among community-dwelling frail older people: A large-scale process evaluation

BackgroundThe complex healthcare needs of frail older people and their increased risk of disability require an integrated and proactive approach. In the Netherlands, an interdisciplinary primary care approach has recently been developed, involving individualized assessment and interventions (tailor-made care), case management and long-term follow-up. The practice nurse as part of a general practice is case manager and plans, organizes and monitors the care process and facilitates cooperation between professionals. The approach has shown positive indications regarding its feasibility in a small pilot, but its implementation on a large scale had not hitherto been investigated. ObjectivesTo examine the extent to which the interdisciplinary care approach is implemented as planned and to gain insight into healthcare professionals’ and frail older people's experiences regarding the benefits, burden, stimulating factors and barriers. DesignA process evaluation was conducted using a mixed methods design. SettingsSix GP practices in the south of the Netherlands. ParticipantsPractice nurses (n=7), GPs (n=12), occupational therapists (n=6) and physical therapists (n=20) participated in the process evaluation. Furthermore, 194 community-dwelling frail older people (≥70 years) were included using the Groningen Frailty Indicator. People who were terminally ill, were confined to bed, had severe cognitive or psychological impairments or were unable to communicate in Dutch were excluded. MethodsQuantitative data (logbooks and evaluation forms) were collected from all the participating frail older people and 13 semi-structured interviews with a selection of them were conducted. In addition, data from healthcare professionals were collected through 12 semi-structured interviews and four focus group discussions. ResultsAlthough some parts of the protocol were insufficiently executed, healthcare professionals and frail older people were satisfied with the care approach, as it provided a useful structure for the delivery of geriatric primary care and increased the attention to preventive treatment. Frail older people felt acknowledged by healthcare professionals and experienced support in handling their problems and fulfilling their wishes. ConclusionsThe findings of the study revealed several positive aspects of the interdisciplinary primary care approach. Given its complexity, the implementation of the nurse-led interdisciplinary care approach is challenging and some parts of the protocol need special attention.

Interdisciplinary Care Approach in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit and its Effect on Early Mobilization

Interdisciplinary Care Approach in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit and its Effect on Early Mobilization

An Interdisciplinary Care Approach for Integration of Palliative Care in Lung Cancer

PurposeQuality of Life (QOL) and symptom concerns are common in lung cancer. This article presents findings from 2 separate pilot studies that utilize an educational model to reduce barriers to pain and fatigue management (“barriers study”) and an interdisciplinary palliative care approach to manage QOL concerns for patients with lung cancer (“QOL pilot”). Patients and MethodsIn the barriers study, a total of 46 patients with lung cancer with a self-reported pain and/or fatigue rating of ≥ 4 were accrued, with 18 patients in the usual care group and 28 in the experimental group, using a quasi-experimental design. This study involved a 4-part educational intervention delivered by a nurse to address pain and fatigue. In the QOL study, the pilot intervention included 10 patients with lung cancer. This pilot included use of QOL assessment completed by a nurse followed by an interdisciplinary case conference intended to initiate supportive care to address QOL and symptom concerns. Patient-reported outcomes such as barriers to pain and fatigue management, fatigue intensity, other symptoms, and overall QOL were analyzed through tabulation of standard summary statistics and multivariate analysis methods. All eligible patients were recruited from the ambulatory clinic of one National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. ResultsFor the barriers study, patients with lung cancer in the experimental group had a statistically significant decrease in patient-related barriers for both pain and fatigue. Findings from the QOL pilot revealed that patients with lung cancer have multiple QOL concerns and that an interdisciplinary palliative care approach was feasible to address these complex, multidimensional patient needs. ConclusionAttention to barriers of symptom management, early referral to supportive care services, and coordination of interdisciplinary care are essential to supporting the QOL of patients with lung cancer. The next phase of this research will test QOL/symptom interventions for patients with lung cancer.