Qualitative Study In Primary Care Research Articles

Managing patients with eating disorders: a qualitative study in primary care.

General Practitioners (GPs) play a key role in the diagnosis and management of eating disorders (EDs). To explore GPs' experiences of managing patients with eating disorders (EDs). A qualitative study utilising remote semi-structured interviews. Fourteen GPs were interviewed about their experiences of supporting patients with EDs. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis described four themes: i) 'Continuity of care' addressing the GPs relationship with patients and family, patients transitions across life stages and geographical areas and patient non-attendance; ii) 'The role of guidance' focusing on guidelines and protocols, referrals and specialist professionals as points of contact; iii) 'Structural barriers' including waiting times, lack of resources, referral criteria and relationships between services; iv) 'Confidence and skills' reflecting professional and personal experience in EDs, previous training and training needs. Transcending these themes was the notion of the 'Limits to the care' GPs can provide due to professional boundaries and the emotional impact of managing patients with EDs. This study found that whilst GPs want to help patients with EDs many limits remain to the care they can provide due to both internal and external factors. Funding is required for training and accessible specialist ED support and greater clarity is needed regarding referral processes if ED management in Primary Care is to be optimised.

Implementation of the CHIldren with acute COugh (CHICO) intervention to improve antibiotics management: a qualitative study in primary care.

Childhood respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are common and can lead to unnecessary antibiotic use and antimicrobial resistance. The CHIldren with COugh (CHICO) intervention incorporates a clinician-focused algorithm (STARWAVe) to predict future hospitalisation risk, elicitation of carer concerns, and a carer-focused personalised leaflet recording treatment decisions and safety-netting information. To examine the implementation of the CHICO intervention by primary care clinicians. A qualitative study with primary care clinicians in England taking part in the CHICO randomised controlled trial. Interviews explored the CHICO intervention's acceptability and use. Clinicians from a range of practices with high and low antibiotic dispensing rates were recruited. Normalisation process theory underpinned data collection and thematic analysis. Most clinicians liked the intervention because it was quick and easy to use, it helped elicit carer concerns, and reassured clinicians and carers of the appropriateness of treatment decisions. However, clinicians used it as a supportive aid for treatment decisions rather than as a tool for behaviour change. The accompanying advice leaflet helped explain treatment decisions and support self-care. The intervention did not always align with clinicians' usual processes, which could affect use. Increased familiarisation with the algorithm led to reduced intervention use, which was further reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic as a result of changes to practice and remote consultations. Clinicians found the CHICO intervention useful to support decision making around antibiotic prescribing and it helped discussions with carers about concerns and treatment decisions. The intervention may need to be adapted to align more with clinicians' consultation flow and remote consultations.

Understanding satisfaction and dissatisfaction of patients with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory qualitative study in primary care.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare organizations had to face challenging circumstances and modify the usual modality of service provision, introducing telehealth services in their routine patient care to lessen the risk of direct human-to-human exposure. Patients expressed concerns about personal visits to healthcare units and the possibility of accessing telemedicine turned out to be an effective tool for the continuity of care. Due to the limited experience with telemedicine before the COVID-19 pandemic in Poland, we sought to fill this gap by studying the experiences of Polish patients. Our study aimed to understand how patients define satisfaction and dissatisfaction with telemedicine during the COVID-19 pandemic in primary care. Twenty semi-structured interviews with primary care patients in the Podlaskie Voivodeship, Poland were conducted to understand satisfaction with telemedicine. Interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The qualitative content analysis process involved familiarizing ourselves with the data, extracting text regarding satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the teleconsultation, condensing it into meaningful units assigning codes to them, and organizing codes into subcategories and categories. The entire analysis process was done through reflection and discussion until a consensus was reached between the researchers. From the participants' perspective, satisfaction with telemedicine was associated with receiving enough space to express their concerns. It was reported that they trusted their primary care physicians and felt comfortable during telemedicine consultations. Participants noted that connecting with a known, trusted doctor was more important than having a face-to-face visit with an unfamiliar physician. In our study, the participants equated satisfaction with treatment effectiveness. It was emphasized that in the event of unknown or unstable conditions, patients would prefer to be seen in person and receive a physical examination. In our research telemedicine met with a positive reception and was recognized by the majority of patients who made use of it as a valuable channel of contact with a primary care physician. In order to increase the level of patient satisfaction, the focus should be on improving aspects such as physician engagement and showing empathy during telemedicine, as well as providing complete, exhaustive information on the treatment process. Respecting patient needs and preferences during performing telemedicine visits is the goal of patient-centered care.

Experiences of Telenursing in Overcoming Challenges and Applaying Strategies by COVID-19 Patients in Home Isolation: Qualitative Study in Primary Care.

During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant increase in the use of telenursing to provide care for patients at home. However, the quality of the patient experience when nurses rely on technology instead of personal contact has not been thoroughly investigated. This study aimed to understand the perspectives of COVID-19 patients in home isolation who received telenursing from primary care nurses during the initial phase of the pandemic. A qualitative study was conducted that employed purposive sampling and involved semi-structured interviews via videoconference with fourteen COVID-19 patients from two primary health centers in Catalonia (Spain). Thematic analysis was used, and the study adhered to the COREQ checklist. The findings revealed three themes related to the challenges faced by COVID-19 patients in home isolation: physical symptoms, emotional and social difficulties, and a lack of information. Three themes emerged regarding the strategies patients employed to overcome these challenges and the role of nurses: self-care, emotional support, and personal commitment. The patients reported having achieved strategies to improve their physical, psychological, and situational well-being despite the unprecedented situation. The study highlights that telenursing is a valuable resource for delivering patient-centered care, which could lead to changes in organisational policies and the development of best clinical practices.

Perspectives of Non-Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19 Self-Isolating for 10 Days at Home: A Qualitative Study in Primary Care in Greece

The aim of this qualitative research, conducted in Spring 2021, was to identify the inconveniences and the psychological and social impact of 10 days of home isolation, required by law, in non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Greece and to improve management. Thirty-seven semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted, audio-recorded, and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis identified four key emergent themes, i.e., everyday life during self-isolation, psychological issues, social issues, and information and guidance. Food provisioning was of particular concern. Solidarity was expressed to individuals in need. Isolation was not always viable due to space constraints and the necessity to care for sick family members. Fear of transmission to vulnerable groups, hospitalisation, irreversible complications, and death as well as anxiety, insecurity, guilt, and alienation were articulated. COVID-19 disrupted the normal functioning of families and led to revision of interpersonal relationships. Patients avoided re-integration in society due to the transmitter stigma and to limit the risk of infection spread in the community. Over-information promoted fear. Mild illness raised doubts about information validity. Primary care provided monitoring and psychological support. Home isolation caused disruption in various aspects of participants’ life, ranging from logistic problems to dealing with the psychological burden of isolation and illness. Primary care could play a central role in supporting patients.

How do German General Practitioners Manage Long-/Post-COVID? A Qualitative Study in Primary Care.

Many patients with ongoing complaints after a SARS-CoV-2 infection are treated in primary care. Existing medical guidelines on how to diagnose and treat Long-/Post-COVID are far from being comprehensive. This study aims to describe how German general practitioners (GPs) deal with this situation, what problems they experience when managing such patients, and how they solve problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of Long-/Post-COVID. We conducted a qualitative study and interviewed 11 GPs. The most commonly described symptoms were ongoing fatigue, dyspnea, chest tightness and a decrease in physical capacity. The most common way to identify Long-/Post-COVID was by exclusion. Patients suffering from Long-/Post-COVID were generally treated by their GPs and rarely referred. A very common non-pharmacological intervention was to take a wait-and-see approach and grant sick leave. Other non-pharmacological interventions included lifestyle advices, physical exercise, acupuncture and exercises with intense aromas. Pharmacological treatments focused on symptoms, like respiratory symptoms or headaches. Our study's main limitations are the small sample size and therefore limited generalizability of results. Further research is required to develop and test pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions for patients with Long-/Post-COVID. In addition, strategies to prevent the occurrence of Long-/Post-COVID after an acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 have to be developed. The routine collection of data on the diagnosis and management of Long-/Post-COVID may help in the formulation of best practices. It is up to policymakers to facilitate the necessary implementation of effective interventions in order to limit the huge societal consequences of large groups of patients suffering from Long-/Post-COVID.

The conceptualization of acute bronchitis in general practice – a fuzzy problem with consequences? A qualitative study in primary care

BackgroundAcute bronchitis is one of the most frequent diagnoses in primary care. Scientifically, it is conceptualized as a viral infection. Still, general practitioners (GPs) often prescribe antibiotics for acute bronchitis. The explanation for this discrepancy may lie in a different conceptualization of acute bronchitis. Therefore, we wanted to know, how GPs conceptualize acute bronchitis, and how they differentiate it from common cold and pneumonia. Furthermore, we tried to find out the GPs’ reasons for prescribing antibiotics in those cases.MethodsTo answer our study questions, we conducted a qualitative study with GPs in Bavaria, Germany, by using semi-structured guided interviews. The analysis of the data was conducted using the documentary method according to Ralf Bohnsack. The transcripts were subdivided into categories. Analyzing each part by reflective interpretation, first manually, secondly with the help of RQDA, we extracted the most representative citations and main messages from the interviews.ResultsThe term acute bronchitis seems to be applied when there is neither certainty of the diagnosis common cold, nor of pneumonia. It seems it bridges the gap of uncertainty between supposedly harmless clinical pictures (common cold/viral), to the more serious ones (pneumonia/bacterial). The conceptual transitions between common cold and acute bronchitis on the one side, and acute bronchitis and pneumonia on the other are fluid. The diagnosis acute bronchitis cannot solve the problem of uncertainty but seems to be a label to overcome it by offering a way to include different factors such as severity of symptoms, presumed signs of bacterial secondary infection, comorbidities, and presumed expectations of patients. It seems to solve the pathophysiologic riddle of bacterial or viral and of decision making in prescribing antibiotics.ConclusionAcute bronchitis as an "intermediate category" proved difficult to define for the GPs. Applying this diagnosis leaves GPs in abeyance of prescribing an antibiotic or not. As a consequence of this uncertainty in pathophysiologic reasoning (viral or bacterial) other clinical and social factors tip the balance towards antibiotic prescribing. Teaching physicians to better think in probabilities of outcomes instead of pathophysiologic reasoning and to deal with uncertainty might help reducing antibiotic overprescribing.

Health care professionals’ experiences of supporting persons with metabolic risk factors to increase their physical activity level – a qualitative study in primary care

Objective To be regularly physically active is of major importance for the health of people with metabolic risk factors. Many of these persons are insufficiently active and in need of support. This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitators perceived by health care professionals’ within Swedish primary care in their work to support persons with metabolic risk factors to increase their physical activity. Design A qualitative design with focus group discussions was used. The data were analysed using qualitative content analysis with a manifest, inductive approach. Setting Primary health care in five Swedish healthcare regions. Subjects Nine physiotherapists, ten physicians and five nurses participated in six digital focus group discussions including two to six participants. Results Barriers and facilitators to supporting persons with metabolic risk factors to increase their physical activity were found within four generic categories, where the barriers and facilitators related to each generic category: ‘Patient readiness for change’, ‘Supporting the process of change’, ‘The professional role’, and ‘The organisation of primary care’. Conclusion The findings suggests that barriers and facilitators for supporting patients with metabolic risk factors can be found at several levels within primary care, from individual patient and the health care professionals to the organisational level. In the primary care setting, this should be highlighted when implementing support to increase physical activity in people with metabolic risk factors. KEY POINTS Health care professionals within primary care are in a position to support people with metabolic risk factors to increase their physical activity. Barriers and facilitators to support the patients should be addressed at several levels within primary care. The study highlights factors on multiple levels such as professional responsibility, organisational prioritisation and resources, and the challenge to motivate behaviour change.

Incorporating FRAX into a nurse-delivered integrated care review: a multi-method qualitative study.

People with inflammatory rheumatological conditions (IRCs) are at increased risk of common comorbidities including osteoporosis. To explore the barriers to and facilitators of implementing nurse-delivered fracture risk assessments in primary care, in the context of multimorbidity reviews for people with IRCs. A multi-method qualitative study in primary care. As part of a process evaluation in a pilot trial, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 patients, two nurses, and three GPs. Twenty-four patient-nurse INCLUDE review consultations were audiorecorded and transcribed. A framework analysis was conducted using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Nurses reported positive views about the value of the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) and they felt confident to deliver the assessments following training. Barriers to implementation, as identified by TDF, particularly related to the domains of knowledge, skills, professional roles, and environmental context. GPs reported difficulty keeping up to date with osteoporosis guidelines and voiced differing opinions about whether fracture risk assessment was the role of primary or secondary care. Lack of integration of FRAX into IT systems was a barrier to use. GPs and nurses had differing views about the nurse role in communicating risk and acting on FRAX findings; for example, explanations of the FRAX result and action needed were limited. Patients reported limited understanding of FRAX outcomes. The findings suggest that, with appropriate training including risk communication, practice nurses are likely to be confident to play a key role in conducting fracture risk assessments, but further work is needed to address the barriers identified.

Patients' perspectives on a patient-oriented electronic decision support tool to reduce overuse of proton pump inhibitors (arriba-PPI): a qualitative study in primary care

BackgroundTo evaluate patients’ perspectives and their experiences with a consultation involving a computer-assisted and patient-centered discontinuation strategy (arriba-PPI tool) as part of a German multicenter study on reducing the prescription of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).MethodsQualitative in-depth telephone interviews on proton pump inhibitors with patients who had received an arriba-PPI tool-based counseling by their general practitioner (GP). A random sample of 30 patients was taken from study participants. Interviews were conducted in 2020 and analyzed using a thematic qualitative text analysis.ResultsAlthough this was meant to be the key to shared decision making with regard to PPI reduction, study participants mostly did not recall the visual features of the tool. However, a few patients remembered them very clearly. Above all, patients appreciated a trustful relationship with the GP as well as comprehensive, individualized counseling.ConclusionApplication of the arriba-PPI tool can support the decision process but can also hinder the consultation process if the tool is not properly embedded in the consultation. GPs using the arriba-PPI tool to support the shared decision-making process should consider the patients’ and their own expectations on the benefit of the visual representation of the tool.

Women's experiences of heavy menstrual bleeding and medical treatment: a qualitative study in primary care.

Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) is common and can affect women's lives. Evidence on women's experiences and their treatment of this problem after seeking primary care is lacking. To explore women's experiences of HMB and their medical treatment up to 10 years after initial management in general practice. This was a qualitative study in UK primary care. Semistructured interviews with a purposeful sample of 36 women who had participated in the ECLIPSE trial of medical treatments for HMB in primary care (levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system or other usual medical treatments - oral tranexamic acid, mefenamic acid, combined oestrogen-progestogen; or progesterone alone). Data were analysed thematically and a process of respondent validation was undertaken. Women reported the wide-ranging and debilitating impact of HMB on their lives. They had often normalised their experience underlining persisting societal taboos about menstruation and reflecting low general awareness of HMB as treatable. Women commonly delayed seeking help for several years. They could then be frustrated by lack of a medical explanation for HMB. Women who had pathology identified felt able to make better sense of their HMB. Experiences of medical treatments varied considerably but were strongly influenced by the perceived quality of healthcare interactions with clinicians. Other influences on women's treatment included considerations for their fertility, health concerns, family and peers, and views when approaching menopause. Clinicians should be aware of the considerable challenges faced by women with HMB; widely differing experiences of, and influences on, their treatment; and the value of patient-centred communication in this context.

Exploring barriers to vaccine delivery in adult migrants: a qualitative study in primary care

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted shortfalls in the delivery of vaccine programmes to older migrant groups. Guidelines exist, however, little is known around care pathways and engagement of these older cohorts in routine vaccinations in primary care, including catch-up programmes. We explored the views of primary care professionals around barriers and facilitators to catch-up vaccination in adult migrants (defined as foreign born; 18+ years) with incomplete or uncertain vaccination status. Methods We did a qualitative interview study with purposive sampling and thematic analysis in UK primary care (50 practices included nationally; 1 hour qualitative interviews) with 64 primary care professionals (PCPs): 48 clinical staff including GPs, Practice Nurses and healthcare assistants (HCAs); 16 administrative staff including practice managers and receptionists (mean age 45 years; 84.4% female; a range of ethnicities). Results Participants highlighted direct and indirect barriers to catch-up vaccines in adult migrants who may have missed vaccines as children, missed boosters, and not be aligned with the UK's vaccine schedule, from both a personal and service-delivery level, with themes including: lack of training and knowledge of guidance around catch-up vaccination among staff; unclear or incomplete vaccine records; and lack of incentivization (including financial reimbursement) and dedicated time and care pathways. Adult migrants were reported as being excluded from many vaccination initiatives, most of which focus exclusively on children. PCPs noted that migrants expressed to them a range of views around vaccines, from positivity to uncertainty, to refusal. Conclusions Vaccine uptake in adult migrants could be improved through implementing new financial incentives, strengthening care pathways and training, and working directly with local community groups to improve understanding around the benefits of vaccination at all ages. Key messages

Facilitators and barriers to COVID-19 vaccination uptake among ethnic minorities: A qualitative study in primary care.

IntroductionCOVID-19 vaccination effectively reduces severe disease and death from COVID-19. However, both vaccine uptake and intention to vaccinate differ amongst population groups. Vaccine hesitancy is highest amongst specific ethnic minority groups. There is very limited understanding of the barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccine uptake in Black and South Asian ethnicities. Therefore, we aimed to explore COVID-19 vaccination hesitancy in primary care patients from South Asian (Bangladeshi/Pakistani) and Black or Black British/African/Caribbean/Mixed ethnicities.MethodsPatients from the above ethnicities were recruited using convenience sampling in four London general practices. Telephone interviews were conducted, using an interpreter if necessary, covering questions on the degree of vaccine hesitancy, barriers and potential facilitators, and decision-making. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently with the iterative development of the topic guide and coding framework. Key themes were conceptualised through discussion with the wider team.ResultsOf thirty-eight interviews, 55% (21) of these were in Black or Black British/African/Caribbean/Mixed ethnicities, 32% (12) in Asian / British Asian and 13% (5) in mixed Black and White ethnicities. Key themes included concerns about the speed of vaccine roll-out and potential impacts on health, mistrust of official information, and exposure to misinformation. In addition, exposure to negative messages linked to vaccination appears to outweigh positive messages received. Facilitators included the opportunity to discuss concerns with a healthcare professional, utilising social influences via communities and highlighting incentives.ConclusionCOVID-19 has disproportionately impacted ethnic minority groups. Vaccination is an effective strategy for mitigating risk. We have demonstrated factors contributing to vaccine reluctance, hesitancy and refusal and highlighted levers for change.

Healthcare Professionals' Experiences of the Work Environment After Patients' Access to Their Electronic Health Records - A Qualitative Study in Primary Care.

For healthcare personnel, the work environment is already challenging, and when eHealth systems are introduced they are often considered to further add to the complexity. This paper investigates the impact of patients' access to their electronic health records on healthcare professionals' work environment in a primary care setting in Sweden. A work environment theory-driven analysis, focusing on perceived demands, control and support, was conducted on 14 semi-structured interviews of different primary care professionals. The professionals expressed a slight increase in demands, loss of control and some increase and decrease of support. This study discusses insights on how patients' access to health records can have an impact on healthcare professionals' work environment.

Impact of patients\u2019 beliefs about insulin on acceptance and adherence to insulin therapy: a qualitative study in primary care

BackgroundInsulin therapy forms a cornerstone of pharmacological management of diabetes mellitus (DM). However, there remains a lack of acceptance and adherence to insulin, thereby contributing to poor DM control. This study aimed to determine the impact of patients’ beliefs about insulin on acceptance and adherence to insulin therapy.MethodThis was a qualitative study using grounded theory approach. The study took place from September 2019 to January 2021 at a cluster of primary healthcare clinics in Singapore. Maximum variation sampling was used to recruit adult patients with type 2 DM on basal or premixed insulin for at least 6 months. Semistructured in-depth interviews were conducted using a topic guide and audio recorded. Data collection continued until saturation. Data analysis utilised a constant comparison procedure and a synthesis approach.ResultsTwenty-one participants (mean age 61 years) were interviewed for this study. Data analyses showed that there were 6 main themes that emerged. Four themes influenced both insulin acceptance and adherence. These were concerns about insulin being a lifelong treatment, physical fear of insulin injection, erroneous beliefs about insulin, and perceived fear of DM complications. Two additional themes influenced adherence to insulin therapy. These were socioeconomic concerns, and concerns about side effects of insulin.ConclusionsPatients’ beliefs about insulin impact on the acceptance and adherence to insulin therapy. Health care providers need to elicit and address these beliefs during counselling to improve acceptance and adherence to insulin therapy.

Which Aspect of Patient-Provider Relationship Affects Acceptance and Adherence of Insulin Therapy in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? A Qualitative Study in Primary Care.

PurposeIn type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin therapy is often recommended to achieve the optimal control of disease, thereby preventing the onset and progression of diabetes-related complications. Despite knowing about the benefits, it has been reported that 71% of patients refuse insulin and the adherence rate ranges from 30 to 80%. Patient–provider relationship (PPR) may affect such insulin-related behaviours, but little is known about which aspect of PPR affects this. This study aimed to explore the key aspect of the patient–provider relationship that affects the initial insulin acceptance and continued adherence.Patients and MethodsWe used the grounded theory approach in this qualitative research. The study was conducted at two primary care clinics between September 2019 and January 2021. Patients with T2DM on basal or premixed insulin were recruited using maximum variation sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews and transcribed verbatim for analysis using constant comparison and synthesis.ResultsTwenty-one participants with different levels of diabetes control and adherence were recruited. Four themes that emerged were 1) patient–provider interaction, 2) addressing the psychological fears, 3) gaining confidence in handling insulin equipment and 4) follow-up after insulin initiation. Among the subthemes, trust in doctors, provider’s communication skills, patient-centred decision-making and continuity of care positively influenced insulin acceptance and adherence. Conversely, fear of being judged by the provider hindered open communication around non-adherence. Various aspects of interaction with nurses helped in alleviating patient’s fear of injection and gaining confidence with the insulin equipment.ConclusionMany aspects of PPR affect insulin acceptance and adherence. Among these, gaining patients’ trust, effective patient–provider communication, patient-centred decision-making, and ensuring continuity of care improve both insulin acceptance and treatment adherence. Various interactions with nurses help in addressing fears surrounding injection and gaining acceptance towards insulin therapy. Patients’ fear of being blamed or judged by the provider negatively affects open communication around non-adherence.

Parents' expectations and experiences of the 6-week baby check: a qualitative study in primary care.

BackgroundThe Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) programme requires all babies to have a comprehensive health check at 6–8 weeks of age. These are typically completed by GPs. Although person-centred care has achieved prominence in maternity care policy in recent years, there is limited empirical evidence on what parents and/or carers expect from the check, and how far experiences meet their needs.Aim To explore the expectations and experiences of parents attending their GP for a baby check.Design & settingA qualitative study was undertaken in primary care in London.MethodContent analysis was undertaken of transcripts of semi-structured interviews. Interviews were conducted with a total of 16 participants (14 mothers and two fathers) who had recently attended for a 6-week check for their baby.ResultsDespite the availability of plentiful sources of general advice on infants’ health and development, a thorough check by a trusted GP was an important milestone for most parents. They had few specific expectations of the check in terms of what examinations were undertaken, but even experienced parents anticipated reassurance about their baby’s normal development. Many also hoped for reassurance about their own parenting. Parents appreciated GPs who explained what they were doing during the examination; space to raise any concerns; and combined mother and baby checks. Referrals to secondary care were generally experienced as reassuring rather than a source of anxiety.ConclusionThe baby check meets needs beyond those of the NIPE screening programme. Protecting the time for a thorough consultation is important for parents at what can be a vulnerable time.

Operational failures and how they influence the work of GPs: a qualitative study in primary care.

BackgroundOperational failures, defined as inadequacies or errors in the information, supplies, or equipment needed for patient care, are known to be highly consequential in hospital environments. Despite their likely relevance for GPs’ experiences of work, they remain under-explored in primary care.AimTo identify operational failures in the primary care work environment and to examine how they influence GPs’ work.Design and settingQualitative interview study in the East of England.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with GPs (n = 21). Data analysis was based on the constant comparison method.ResultsGPs reported a large burden of operational failures, many of them related to information transfer with external healthcare providers, practice technology, and organisation of work within practices. Faced with operational failures, GPs undertook ‘compensatory labour’ to fulfil their duties of coordinating and safeguarding patients’ care. Dealing with operational failures imposed significant additional strain in the context of already stretched daily schedules, but this work remained largely invisible. In part, this was because GPs acted to fix problems in the here-and-now rather than referring them to source, and they characteristically did not report operational failures at system level. They also identified challenges in making process improvements at practice level, including medicolegal uncertainties about delegation.ConclusionOperational failures in primary care matter for GPs and their experience of work. Compensatory labour is burdensome with an unintended consequence of rendering these failures largely invisible. Recognition of the significance of operational failures should stimulate efforts to make the primary care work environment more attractive.

What's the catch? Urine sample collection from young pre-continent children: a qualitative study in primary care.

BackgroundUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in young pre-continent children, but collecting urine samples is challenging. Collection methods all have limitations and international guidelines have conflicting recommendations. Choice of method must balance time, resources, invasiveness, reliability, and contamination. Evidence from primary care clinicians is limited regarding barriers and enablers to sample collection, and what factors inform the choice and use of different sample collection methods.AimTo understand the barriers and enablers to collecting urine samples from young pre-continent children in primary care.Design & settingAn exploratory qualitative study performed in primary care in Australia.MethodSemi-structured interviews explored the topic of collecting a urine sample from a child aged 6 months who presented with a fever. The interviews were undertaken with 21 GPs and four practice nurses (PNs) until data saturation was reached. Interviews were audiorecorded, transcribed verbatim, coded, and underwent content and thematic analysis.ResultsFive main themes emerged including: the clinician’s knowledge and expertise; patient characteristics; parent or carer’s understanding and motivation; the collection process itself; and likely outcome of the chosen method. Non-invasive methods were strongly favoured; although, clean catch was considered time-consuming and urine bags were known to be often contaminated. Invasive methods (for example, catheterisation or suprapubic aspiration [SPA]) were rarely performed outside of remote settings. Key barriers included time and space constraints in clinics, and key enablers included parental motivation, education handouts, and voiding stimulation methods.ConclusionThis study has identified key barriers and enablers to inform education, policy, and future research for urine sample collection from pre-continent children in primary care. Guideline recommendations must consider the primary care context to ensure they are relevant and suited to real-world practice.

Patients' views about screening for atrial fibrillation (AF): a qualitative study in primary care.

ObjectivesThere has been increased interest in screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) with commissioned pilot schemes, ongoing large clinical trials and the emergence of inexpensive consumer single-lead ECG devices that can be used to detect AF. This qualitative study aimed to explore patients’ views and understanding of AF and AF screening to determine acceptability and inform future recommendations.SettingA single primary care practice in Hampshire, UK.Participants15 participants (11 female) were interviewed from primary care who had taken part in an AF screening trial. A semistructured interview guide was used flexibly to enable the interviewer to explore any relevant topics raised by the participants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsParticipants generally had an incomplete understanding of AF and conflated it with other heart problems or with raised blood pressure. With regards to potential drawbacks from screening, some participants considered anxiety and the cost of implementation, but none acknowledged potential harms associated with screening such as side effects of anticoagulation treatment or the risk of further investigations. The screening was generally well accepted, and participants were generally in favour of engaging with prolonged screening.ConclusionsOur study highlights that there may be poor understanding (of both the nature of AF and potential negatives of screening) among patients who have been screened for AF. Further work is required to determine if resources including decision aids can address this important knowledge gap and improve clinical informed consent for AF screening.Trial registration numberISRCTN 17495003.