Number Of GP Visits Research Articles

Learning from the universal, proactive outreach of the Brazilian Community Health Worker model: impact of a Community Health and Wellbeing Worker initiative on vaccination, cancer screening and NHS health check uptake in a deprived community in the UK

BackgroundDelays in preventative service uptake are increasing in the UK. Universal, comprehensive monthly outreach by Community Health and Wellbeing Workers (CHW), who are integrated at the GP practice and local authority, offer a promising alternative to general public health campaigns as it personalises health promotion and prevention of disease holistically at the household level. We sought to test the ability of this model, which is based on the Brazilian Family Health Strategy, to increase prevention uptake in the UK.MethodsAnalysis of primary care patient records for 662 households that were allocated to five CHWWs from July 2021. Primary outcome was the Composite Referral Completion Indicator (CRCI), a measure of how many health promotion activities were received by members of a household relative to the ones that they were eligible for during the period July 2021-April 2022. The CRCI was compared between the intervention group (those who had received at least one visit) and the control group (allocated households that were yet to receive a visit). A secondary outcome was the number of GP visits in the intervention and control groups during the study period and compared to a year prior.ResultsIntervention and control groups were largely comparable in terms of household occupancy and service eligibilities. A total of 2251 patients in 662 corresponding households were allocated to 5 CHWs and 160 households had received at least one visit during the intervention period. The remaining households were included in the control group. Overall service uptake was 40% higher in the intervention group compared to control group (CRCI: 0.21 ± 0.15 and 0.15 ± 0.19 respectively). Likelihood of immunisation uptake specifically was 47% higher and cancer screening and NHS Health Checks was 82% higher. The average number of GP consultations per household decreased by 7.4% in the intervention group over the first 10 months of the pilot compared to the 10 months preceding its start, compared with a 0.6% decrease in the control group.ConclusionsDespite the short study period these are promising findings in this deprived, traditionally hard to reach community and demonstrates potential for the Brazilian community health worker model to be impactful in the UK. Further analysis is needed to examine if this approach can reduce health inequalities and increase cost effectiveness of health promotion approaches.

Patients' Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (PACIC): Validation and Evaluation of PACIC Scale among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Hungary.

Introduction:The aims of this study were to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Hungarian translation of the PACIC in a sample of patients with type 2 diabetes and to reveal the associations between the mean PACIC scores and the number of chronic diseases, or visits to GPs, and specialist. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) has also been performed to test the structural validity of the PACIC scale.Methods:The Hungarian version of PACIC was validated using randomly selected patients with type 2 diabetes (N = 684) from licensed GP practices.Results:Floor (1.6%–30.2%) and ceiling effects (11.3–33.6%) were similar of the PACIC scale. The internal consistency of the total scale (Cronbach’s alpha 0.93) was excellent and subscales were good (between 0.73–0.9). The mean scores of each PACIC subscale group were between 2.99–3.53. There was a weak significant correlation between the mean PACIC scores of subscales and the number of GP visits (p < 0.001), and specialist visits (p < 0.001). The EFA identified four factors on the sample (KMO = 0.931). Gender and education showed correlation with some new factors.Conclusion:The psychometric properties of the Hungarian version of PACIC questionnaire showed a reasonable level of validity among patients with type 2 diabetes. Now, this instrument is ready to assess the chronic care of diabetic patients in Hungary.

Depressive Symptoms and Healthcare Utilization in Late Life. Longitudinal Evidence From the AgeMooDe Study.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal impact of depressive symptoms on utilization of healthcare in terms of GP visits as well as specialist visits and hospital admission in late life among community-dwelling individuals.MethodsLongitudinal data (baseline and follow-up) were derived from the German multicentre, prospective cohort study “Late-life depression in primary care: needs, health care utilization and costs” study (AgeMooDe). At baseline, n = 1,230 patients aged 75 years and older were recruited from primary care practices. Main outcomes of interest were use of health care services: the number of GP visits, the number of medical specialist visits, and hospital admission. We used the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) to measure depression. Outcomes were analyzed with multilevel random intercept negative binominal regression and logistic random-effects models.ResultsAt baseline (n = 1,191), mean age was 80.7 (SD 4.6) years, 62.9% were female, and 196 individuals (16.5%) had depression (GDS-15 ≥6). Our longitudinal analyses indicated that older individuals with more depressive symptoms visited their GP more often (IRR=1.03; CI [1.01-1.04], p < 0.001), were visiting medical specialists more frequently (IRR=1.03; CI [1.01-1.04], p < 0.01), and had higher odds of being hospitalized (OR=1.08; CI [1.02-1.13], p < 0.01).ConclusionsBased on this large longitudinal study we showed that, after adjustment for important covariates, older individuals with more depressive symptoms had higher health care utilization over time. They visited their GP and specialists more frequently and they had higher odds of being hospitalized. This may suggest that higher utilization of specialist care and increased likelihood of being hospitalized may be also attributable to unspecific symptoms or symptoms that are elevated through depressive symptoms.

Determinants of Outpatient Physician Visits in the General Adult German Population during Later Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The goal of this study was to investigate the determinants of outpatient physician visits in Germany during the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Cross-sectional data were used from the general adult population in Germany with n = 3091 individuals (data collection in mid-March 2022). Determinants were selected based on the extended Andersen model. The number of GP visits as well as the number of specialist visits in the past 12 months were used as outcome measures. Negative binomial regressions showed that the number of GP visits was positively associated with a lower educational level, being retired, lower levels of loneliness, the presence of at least one chronic condition, lower self-rated health, being vaccinated against COVID-19, and the presence of depression. Moreover, negative binomial regressions showed that the number of specialist visits was positively associated with being female, a lower age, having children, being married, not being full-time employed, the presence of at least one chronic condition, lower self-rated health, the presence of depression, being vaccinated against COVID-19 and having a lower coronavirus anxiety. In conclusion, while our study showed that need factors are still a main driver of outpatient physician visits, our findings additionally showed that predisposing characteristics, enabling resources and psychosocial factors are also important for the number of outpatient physician visits in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Knowledge about these determinants (e.g., vaccination status, loneliness or coronavirus anxiety) is also important to avoid under- or overuse of the healthcare system.

Unemployed individuals contact GPs more frequently but report lower satisfaction: results of the population-based DEGS1 and the GPCare-1 patient survey

Unemployment is associated with a variety of adverse health-related outcomes, yet little data on primary care services for this risk group exist. Using data from two surveys, we analyzed the frequency of GP contacts and patients’ experiences with GPs comparing unemployed with employed individuals. Data of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (DEGS1), a nationwide cross-sectional study (n = 8151), were analyzed regarding associations between employment status and the number of GP visits. The General Practice Care-1 study (GPCare-1), a cross-sectional questionnaire survey (n = 813), evaluated patients’ communication with their GP. Data were collected from June to August 2020 in 12 teaching practices affiliated with our university. The statistical analysis included individuals of working age (18–64 years old) (DEGS1 n = 5659, GPCare-1 n = 587). In both studies, working age subpopulations were analyzed (DEGS1: n = 5659 of 8151, GPCare-1: n = 587 of 813). In DEGS1, the prevalence of unemployment was 6.5% (n = 372). Unemployed individuals had more GP contacts in the last 12 months (4.50 vs. 2.86, p < 0.001). In the GPCare-1 study, unemployed individuals (6.6%, n = 39) were significantly less satisfied with GP communication: enough space in consultations (42.9% vs. 60.3%, p = 0.043), feeling comfortable to address sensitive topics (44.1% vs. 65.9%, p = 0.010), problems taken very seriously by GP (48.6% vs. 70.6%, p = 0.007). Yet, they were more willing to accept GPs’ help for psychosocial burdens (67.6% vs. 47.6%, p = 0.024). GPs should be aware that patients with unemployment wish more support to cope with their burdening situation.

Effectiveness of Influenza Vaccination in Reducing Subsequent Antibiotic Prescribing in Young Children Attending Australian General Practices-A Case-Control Study.

Vaccination against influenza may reduce antibiotic use, but data are limited and imprecise. We conducted a case-control study using deidentified data from a large national primary care database to evaluate antibiotic prescribing changes following influenza vaccination in children 1-4 years old attending primary care in the Australian 2018 and 2019 influenza seasons. Cases were prescribed β-lactam or macrolide antibiotics during the influenza season and controls were not. Influenza vaccination was documented in the medical records. Adjusted odds ratios for antibiotic prescribing according to influenza vaccination status were estimated using generalized estimating equations, controlling for age, asthma diagnosis, other vaccinations, practice visit frequency, and attendance week. In 2018, 11282 cases and 32020 controls were eligible, and in 2019, 12705 cases and 36858 controls. Antibiotic prescriptions were less likely in vaccinated participants in 2018 (aOR, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.62-0.69) and 2019 (aOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.73-0.82) and did not vary by age, the number of GP visits, or prior prescribing of antibiotics. In the subgroup of children vaccinated in the preceding season, influenza vaccination was not associated with a reduction in antibiotic use (2018-aOR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.90-1.39; 2019-aOR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.16-1.46). From our estimates, potentially 100000 antibiotic prescriptions could be avoided annually in Australia if all children in this age range were vaccinated. Influenza vaccination may substantially reduce antibiotic prescribing among young children. This effect should be considered in the overall assessment of the costs and benefits of childhood influenza vaccination programs.

How is patient activation related to healthcare service utilisation? Evidence from electronic patient records in England

BackgroundThere is increasing awareness of the importance of patient activation (knowledge, skills, and confidence for managing one’s health and health care) among clinicians and policy makers, with emerging evidence showing higher levels of patient activation are associated with better health outcomes and experiences of health care. This study aimed to examine the association between patient activation and a wide range of specific types of healthcare service utilisation in England, including GP and non-GP primary care, elective and emergency hospital admissions, outpatient visits, and attendances at the Accident and Emergency department.MethodsData were derived from linked electronic patient records collected by primary and secondary healthcare providers in North West London between January 2016 and November 2019. Our analyses focused on adults (18+) with a valid Patient Activation Measure (PAM). After excluding patients with missing data, we had an analytical sample of 15,877 patients. Data were analysed using negative binomial regression and logistic regression models depending on the outcome variable.ResultsPatients had a mean activation score of 55.1 and a standard deviation (SD) of 17.7 (range: 0–100). They had an average of 5.4 GP visits (SD = 8.0), 26.8 non-GP visits (SD = 23.4) and 6.0 outpatient attendances (SD = 7.9) within a one-year follow-up. About 24.7% patients had at least one elective admission, 24.2% had one or more emergency admissions, and 42.3% had one or more A&E attendance within the follow-up. After accounting for a number of demographic and health factors, we found a linear (or proximately linear) association between patient activation and the number of GP visits, emergency admissions and A&E attendance, but a non-linear relationship between patient activation and the number of non-GP visits, the number of outpatient attendance and elective inpatient admission.ConclusionsThis study has provided strong empirical evidence from England linking patient activation with healthcare service utilisation. It suggests the value of supporting patient activation as a potential pathway to ease the burden of healthcare system.

Use of pharmacy services in community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults in Ireland

Abstract Introduction Pharmacy has a potentially significant role in meeting the escalating need for healthcare, particularly with population ageing and shifts to more community-based care under Ireland’s health reform policies. The role of community pharmacists has evolved in recent years with expansion in pharmacy services offered. This study aims to assess pharmacy services use among adults aged ≥50 years in Ireland, and determine the demographic and clinical factors associated with pharmacy services use. Methods This cross-sectional study included community-dwelling participants in wave 4 of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), aged ≥50 years who were self-respondents (i.e. proxy respondents were omitted). TILDA is a nationally representative cohort study, and wave 4 data was collected during 2016. TILDA participants were asked if they availed of several named services when visiting the pharmacy in the last 12 months. These included: requesting advice about medication; vaccination; blood pressure (BP) or cholesterol checks; advice on smoking cessation or weight management; and diabetes, asthma, or allergy tests. We considered age, sex, educational attainment, GP utilization, medical card and private health insurance status, loneliness, polypharmacy, use of high risk medications (anticoagulants, NSAIDs, opioids, diuretics, antiplatelets, antimicrobials, insulin and hypoglycaemics) and comorbidities. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association of these with reporting (i) any pharmacy service use and (ii) requesting medicines advice. Results This study included 5,782 participants, 55.5% were female with a mean age of 68 years. 96.6% of participants (5,587) reporting visiting a pharmacy in the previous 12 months, and almost one quarter of these (1,323) availed of at least one specified pharmacy service. The most common services reported were requesting advice about medications (786, 13.6%), blood pressure monitoring (184, 3.2%), and vaccination (166, 2.9%). Compared to those not using any services, service users were a similar age (mean 68 years), but were taking more medications (mean 3.6 versus 2.8), were more often female (64.1% versus 54.2%), had higher educational attainment, and had higher GP visit rates. Controlling for other factors, the following were associated with a high likelihood of availing of pharmacy services: female gender (odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95%CI 1.14–1.52), third level education (OR 1.85, 95%CI 1.51–2.27), higher rates of GP visits, private health insurance (OR 1.29, 95%CI 1.07–1.56), higher number of medications, loneliness, and a diagnosed respiratory condition (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.14–1.74). The relationship between these factors and requesting medicines advice were similar. Conclusion A high proportion of middle-aged and older adults visit community pharmacy and a quarter avail of specified pharmacy services. Despite advances in the services offered in pharmacies, medicines advice remains at the core of pharmacists’ practice. Those on multiple medications, who may derive greater benefit from such services, are more likely to avail of them. Number of GP visits was also associated with service use, suggesting patients may avail of pharmacy services as a complement, rather than a substitute, to visiting their GP. Services were more often used by people who are lonely, and pharmacists should consider interventions to support these people.

Loneliness, social isolation and healthcare utilisation in the general population

Abstract Background The present prospective cohort study investigated the association of loneliness and social isolation with healthcare utilisation in the general population over time. We also investigated the synergistic effect of loneliness and social isolation on healthcare utilisation. Methods Data from the 2013 Danish “How are you?' survey (n = 29,472) were combined with individual-level register data from the National Danish Patient Registry and the Danish National Health Service Registry in a 6-year follow-up period (2013-2018). Negative binomial regression analyses were performed while adjusting for baseline demographics, chronic disease, and healthcare utilisation during the follow-up period. Results Loneliness was significantly associated with number of GP visits (incident-rate ratio (IRR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.01, 1.13]), emergency admissions (IRR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.03, 1.37]) and number of hospital admission days (IRR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.08, 1.62]). No significant associations were found between social isolation and healthcare utilisation with one minor exception, in which social isolation was associated with less planned admissions (IRR = .88, 95% CI [.78, .99]). Finally, loneliness and social isolation demonstrated a synergistic effect on number of visits to the GP (IRR = .87, 95% CI [.78, .98]) and number of hospital admission days (IRR = .67, 95% CI [.45, .98]). Conclusions Our findings suggest that loneliness is a risk factor for primary and secondary healthcare utilisation, independently of social isolation, baseline demographics, chronic disease, and healthcare utilisation during the follow-up period. Key messages Loneliness is an independent risk factor for healthcare utilisation in the general population. Social isolation is not associated with healthcare utilisation in the general population.

Management of treatment-resistant depression in primary care: a mixed-methods study.

BackgroundNon-response to antidepressant medication is common in primary care. Little is known about how GPs manage patients with depression that does not respond to medication.AimTo describe usual care for primary care patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD).Design and settingMixed-methods study using data from a UK primary care multicentre randomised controlled trial.MethodIn total, 235 patients with TRD randomised to continue with usual GP care were followed up at 3-month intervals for a year. Self-report data were collected on antidepressant medication, number of GP visits, and other treatments received. In addition, 14 semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with a purposive sample after the 6-month follow-up and analysed thematically.ResultsMost patients continued on the same dose of a single antidepressant between baseline and 3 months (n = 147/186 at 3 months, 79% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 73 to 85%)). Figures were similar for later follow-ups (for example, 9–12 months: 72% (95% CI = 63 to 79%). Medication changes (increasing dose; switching to a different antidepressant; adding a second antidepressant) were uncommon. Participants described usual care mainly as taking antidepressants, with consultations focused on other (physical) health concerns. Few accessed other treatments or were referred to secondary care.ConclusionUsual care in patients with TRD mainly entailed taking antidepressants, and medication changes were uncommon. The high prevalence of physical and psychological comorbidity means that, when these patients consult, their depression may not be discussed. Strategies are needed to ensure the active management of this large group of patients whose depression does not respond to antidepressant medication.

Who discusses reaching a healthy weight with a general practitioner? Findings from the 2014–15 Australian National Health Survey

ObjectiveGeneral practitioners (GPs) can positively impact upon patient intentions to lose weight and weight management, and are important in the referral pathway to specialist weight-loss programs and surgical interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate the characteristics and proportions of Australians who report talking to a GP about weight management. MethodsCross-sectional data from 15,329 participants aged 15 years and over in the 2014–15 Australian National Health Survey were used. Proportions (with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI)) of respondents who reported discussing reaching a healthy weight with a GP in the previous 12 months were estimated, categorised by demographic, social and health characteristics. ResultsWe found that 10.8% (95%CI:9.8–11.8) of overweight participants, 24.4% (95%CI:22.7–26.4) with Class 1 obesity (30≤BMI <35kg/m2) and 41.8% (95%CI:38.3–45.3) with Classes II/III obesity (BMI≥35kg/m2) reported discussing weight with a GP. Higher proportions of respondents with Class II/Class III obesity and poor/fair self-reported health (50.2%, 95%CI:43.3–57.0), or high/very high levels of psychological distress (53.3%, 95%CI:43.7–61.4), or diabetes (64.8%, 95%CI:51.9–77.3) reported discussing weight. As age, number of GP visits, or comorbid conditions increased, the proportions of people who discussed their weight with a GP also increased, across all weight classes. ConclusionsWhile discussions are more likely with increasing BMI and comorbidities, most Australians with overweight and obesity appear to be missing opportunities to discuss reaching a healthy weight with their GP. Policies, training and education programs to encourage this dialogue could lead to earlier and more beneficial weight-related interventions.

Decomposing income inequalities in breast and cervical cancer screening non-adherence in France: The CONSTANCES cohort survey

Background Socioeconomic inequalities are observed in breast cancer screening (BCS) and cervical cancer screening (CCS) in France. A large range of determinants is associated with BCS and CCS. Most of these determinants are socially stratified and are likely to contribute to socioeconomic inequalities in BCS and CCS. Various factors associated with BCS and CCS non-adherence have been identified in many studies. However, limited evidence exists on their contributions to socioeconomic inequalities. This study quantified the contributions of these determinants to BCS and CCS income inequalities in France. Methods The study utilised the 2012–2014 baseline data in the CONSTANCES survey conducted in France (10,260 women for BCS and 18,761 for CCS). Screening non-adherence was defined by having last BCS for more than 2 years and last CCS for more than 3 years. The standard concentration index (Ch) was computed to measure the income inequalities in BCS and CCS non-adherence. Decomposition analyses quantified the contributions of the determinants to the income inequalities. We used the method proposed by Wagstaff. A large range of determinants were accounted for: sociodemographic (age, partner, children, migration status, area of residence), socioeconomic (education, employment status, unmet healthcare need for financial reasons), healthcare access (health insurance for low-income individuals, potential spatial accessibility to gynecologists and general practitioners), health status (measured BMI, taking anti-diabetic treatment, taking antihypertensive treatment, self-reported physical limitations, self-reported cognitive limitation, personal history of cancer, family history of cancer, perceived health status, self-reported smoking status) and healthcare use (last visit to a gynaecologist from inclusion, number of GP visits during the inclusion year; and last glucose test from inclusion). Results BCS non-adherence was concentrated towards the lower income groups [Ch = −0.0756 (95% CI: −0.1000 to −0.0512)], these inequalities were explained mainly by less frequent visit to gynaecologist (50.0%), more unmet healthcare needs (13.9%) and higher BMI status (8.4%) in lower income groups. CCS non-adherence was concentrated towards the poorer groups [Ch = −0.1264 (CI: −0.1422 to −0.1106)], these inequalities were mostly explained by less frequent visit to gynaecologist (54.6%), having a partner (8.2%), and more unmet healthcare needs (7.0%) in lower income groups. Regular visits to general practitioner contributed negatively to both inequalities in BCS and CCS non-adherence (−10.2% and −4.8%, respectively): they were associated with lower BCS and CCS non-adherence and they were more common in poorer women. Conclusion Awareness of healthcare professionals should be raised regarding different factors contributing to the socioeconomic inequalities in BCS and CCS non-adherence as they are in the front-line of giving health advice adapted to women's characteristics.

Do Individuals with Depression and Comorbid Medical Conditions Receive Poorer Mental Health Care than those with Depression Alone?

ABSTRACT&#x0D; IntroductionThe prevalence of depression is 2 to 3 times higher in individuals with comorbid medical condition (CMC) than in the general population. When untreated, depression results in increased mortality, higher health care costs, greater functional disability, decreased quality of life and lower adherence to treatment regimens for the CMC. Currently, studies that examined whether depression care in those with CMC is better or worse compared to those with depression alone show inconsistent results. Furthermore, studies that compare depression care in those with specific CMCs are scarce. Improving knowledge base in this area will enable health care systems to better allocate limited resources to clinical population that need them most.&#x0D; Aims1) To estimate disparities in depression care in those with one or more CMCs, and 2) to examine if depression care patterns in those with CMCs have been impacted by recent provincial policies.&#x0D; MethodWe retrospectively examined data from physician claims, hospital separations, vital statistics, and insurance plan registries. Using this linked data, we identified dynamic cohorts of individuals with depression and CMCs in 2005 and 2012, based on the earliest date of depression diagnosis. Each cohort had exactly 12 months of lookback period for case ascertainment and 12 months of follow-up for tracking depression care patterns. The following indicators were tracked: 1) receipt of any psychological therapy, 2) receipt of any antidepressants (AD), 3) receipt of any depression treatment, 4) number of GP visits, 5) GP continuity of care index for all visits, 6) GP continuity of care for mental health visits, 6) counts of psychological therapy sessions, 7) proportion of days covered for AD, and 8) continuous medication gap for AD. Disparities in depression care were examined used generalized linear regression models.&#x0D; Results and ConclusionsUse of depression care in individuals with one or more CMC were higher across most indicators we examined except for AD initiation and GP visits for mental health reasons. In specific CMCs like cerebrovascular disease and diabetes, depression care in some areas were lower. Overall, depression care patterns seemed unchanged after the introduction of relevant provincial policies, although improvements over time appeared to have been made in certain areas.

Health literacy: varying relations with control over care and number of GP visits

Introduction In chronic care, patients are expected to exert a certain degree of control over the care for their condition, for instance by fulfilling care tasks in their home environment. Health literacy is considered relevant in this regard, especially critical health literacy. The aim of this study was to examine to what extent functional, interactive and critical health literacy are associated with patients’ perceived control over care and with the frequency of GP visits. Methods Data from the Dutch ‘National Panel of people with Chronic illness or Disability’ were used (N = 2508). Functional, interactive and critical health literacy was assessed by the Functional, Communicative and Critical Health Literacy measure (FCCHL). Perceived control over care was indicated by perceived ability to: organize care, interact with providers and perform self-care. By stepwise linear regression analyses, associations between health literacy and ability to organize care, interact with providers and perform self-care were studied. By stepwise logistic regression analysis, associations between health literacy and frequency of GP visits was studied. Analyses were adjusted for sex, disease knowledge, cognitive functioning, age, level of education, and health status. Results Lower functional and interactive health literacy were significantly associated with a lower perceived ability to organize care and to perform self-care. Only lower interactive health literacy was significantly associated with a lower perceived ability to interact with healthcare providers. Only lower functional health literacy was significantly associated with a higher frequency of GP visits. Conclusions The results imply that functional, interactive and critical health literacy vary in their relevance for patients’ ability to exert control over care. Initiatives to strengthen patients’ role in healthcare may be improved by attention for patients’ health literacy, especially functional and interactive. Key messages Attention for functional and interactive health literacy skills may help chronically ill people to exert control over their care. Chronically ill people with lower functional health literacy seem to need more support from general practitioners than those with higher functional health literacy. (aut. ref.)

Functional, interactive and critical health literacy: Varying relationships with control over care and number of GP visits

ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to examine the extent to which functional, interactive and critical health literacy are associated with patients’ perceived control over care and frequency of GP visits. MethodsData from the Dutch ‘National Panel of People with Chronic Illness or Disability’ was used (N=2508). Health literacy was assessed by the Functional, Communicative and Critical Health Literacy measure. Perceived control over care was indicated by perceived ability to organize care, interact with providers and to perform self-care. By multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses, associations between health literacy and perceived control over care and subsequently frequency of GP visits were studied. ResultsMainly interactive health literacy was associated with patients’ perceived ability to organize care, interact with healthcare providers and perform self-care, whereas only functional health literacy was associated with number of GP visits. ConclusionThe results imply that some patients’ may be less able to exert control over their care because of lower health literacy. Functional, interactive and critical health literacy vary in their relevance for patients’ ability to exert control. Practice implicationsInitiatives for strengthening patients’ role in healthcare may be improved by paying attention to patients’ health literacy, specifically functional and interactive health literacy.

Changes in health care utilisation following a reform involving choice and privatisation in Swedish primary care: a five-year follow-up of GP-visits

BackgroundThe organisation of Swedish primary health care has changed following introduction of free choice of provider for the population in combination with freedom of establishment for private primary care providers. Our aim was to investigate changes in individual health care utilisation following choice and privatisation in Swedish primary care from an equity perspective, in subgroups defined by age, gender and family income.MethodsThe study is based on register data years 2007 – 2011 from the Skåne Regional Council (population 1.2 million) regarding individual health care utilisation in the form of visits to general practitioner (GP). Health utilisation data was matched with data about individual’s age, gender and family income provided by Statistics Sweden. Multilevel, logistic regression models were constructed to analyse changes in health utilisation in different subgroups and the probability of a GP-visit before and after reform.ResultsHealth care utilisation in terms of both number of individuals that had visited a GP and number of GP-visits per capita increased in all defined subgroups, but to a varying degree. Multilevel logistic regression showed that individuals of both genders aged above 64 and belonging to a family with an income above median had more advantage of the reform, OR 1.25-1.29.ConclusionsReforms involving choice and privatisation in Swedish primary health care improved access to GP-visits generally, but more so for individuals belonging to a family with income above the median.

Home Medicines Reviews: Extent of Uptake by High‐Risk Veterans

ABSTRACTAimTo identify the characteristics of patients who receive home medicines reviews (HMRs).MethodA retrospective analysis was conducted of the Department of Veterans' Affairs administrative claims data. Veterans living in the community on 30 June 2009 were included if they had ≥ 1 medicines dispensed in the previous 12 months. The main outcome measure was the number of veterans who received an HMR. Log binomial regression analysis compared characteristics of HMR recipients and non‐recipients – age and gender; number of medicines, prescribers, dispensing pharmacies and hospitalisations in the previous year; and conditions where medicine use is potentially problematic, e.g. dementia.ResultsOf the 175 572 veterans included in the study, 6236 (3.6%) had received an HMR. The likelihood of having an HMR increased with age, number of medicines and number of GP visits. Women were 12% more likely to receive an HMR than men. Veterans who had received an HMR previously were 4 times more likely to have another HMR. Veterans with 1 to 4 hospitalisations were 10% more likely to receive an HMR than those who had not been hospitalised. The likelihood of having an HMR decreased with the number of dispensing pharmacies and specialist visits.ConclusionPatients who received HMRs had characteristics that placed them at risk of medication‐related problems. The uptake of HMRs was appropriate in our study population.

The anatomical placement of body organs by Australian and New Zealand patients and health professionals in general practice

Understanding patients' awareness of the anatomical placement of their body organs is important for doctor-patient communication. To measure the correct anatomical placement of body organs by people from Australian and New Zealand general practices A questionnaire survey containing drawings of 11 organs placed in different locations within each drawing. Among 1156 participants, there was no difference in the proportion of correct placement of 11 organs between Australian (51.7%) and New Zealand (49.6%) general practices. There was a positive correlation between the proportion of correctly placed organs and the age participants left school (p=0.012) and a negative correlation with the number of GP visits in the previous year (p=0.040). Participants from rural Australia were more likely to correctly place organs than urban participants (p=0.018). The mean proportion of organs correctly placed for doctors was 80.5%, nurses 66.5%, allied health 61.5%, health administrators 50.6% and the remaining consulting patients 51.3%. Patients from Australian and New Zealand general practice were poorly aware of the correct placement of organs. Health professionals were moderately better than patients at correct placement.

A nonparametric vs. latent class model of general practitioner utilization: Evidence from Canada

Predicting health care utilization is the foundation of many health economics analyses, such as calculating risk-adjustment capitation payments or measuring equity in health care utilization. The most common econometric models of physician utilization are parametric count data models, since the most common metric of physician utilization is the number of physician visits. This paper makes two distinct contributions to the literature analyzing GP utilization: (i) it is the first to use a nonparametric kernel conditional density estimator to model GP utilization and compare the predicted utilization with that from a latent class negative binomial model; and (ii) it uses panel data to control for the potential endogeneity between self-reported health status and the number of GP visits. The goodness-of-fit results show the kernel conditional density estimator provides a better fit to the observed distribution of GP visits than the latent class negative binomial model. There are some meaningful differences in how the predicted conditional mean number of GP visits changes with a change in an individual's characteristics, called the incremental effect (IE), between the kernel conditional density estimator and the latent class negative binomial model. The most notable differences are observed in the right tail of the distribution where the IEs from the latent class negative binomial model are up to 190 times the magnitude of the IEs from the kernel conditional density estimator.

Contraindicated NSAIDs are frequently prescribed to elderly patients with peptic ulcer disease.

To establish the frequency with which NSAIDs were prescribed to elderly patients after admission to hospital for serious gastrointestinal complications and to study which factors are determinants of the prescription of these contraindicated drugs. A retrospective cohort study of patients from The Rotterdam Elderly Study, a prospective population-based cohort study of people older than 55 years of age was carried out. Elderly patients with a hospital admission for serious gastrointestinal complications were followed until prescription of an NSAID, death, removal to another area or end of the study period, whichever came first. The following baseline determinants for receiving a contraindicated prescription were studied: gender, age, presence of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, presence of cardiovascular risk factors, number of GP visits, number of visits to a medical specialist, cognitive function and the prescriber being a GP or a medical specialist. Prescriptions of an NSAID after discharge from hospital, were identified in 73 patients (73%). Fifty-one percent were prescribed aspirin of whom the large majority used it as an antithrombotic agent, and 49% were prescribed a nonaspirin NSAID after discharge from hospital. Twenty percent of the patients used more than one NSAID on one or more occasions after discharge. For patients who were prescribed NSAIDs before admission as well as after discharge, the proportion of contraindicated prescriptions with concomitant use of antiulcer drugs rose significantly from 0.19 before discharge to 0.60 after discharge for aspirin and from 0.11 to 0.61 for nonaspirin NSAIDs. In the multivariate analysis the only remaining factor with prognostic influence on prescription of NSAIDs was a history of NSAID use before cohort enrollment. A history of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis was not associated with NSAID prescription after discharge. Contraindicated NSAIDs are prescribed to a great extent in elderly patients, despite their greater vulnerability for life-threatening gastrointestinal blood loss. It is remarkable that a history of rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis is no significant determinant for receiving a contraindicated prescription, which suggests that these drugs are mainly prescribed for uncomplicated arthralgia.