Rol de la figura de enlace en el modelo e transición en endocrinología. Experiencia en el ámbito público / Role of the liaison person in the transition model in Endocrinology. Experience in the public setting

Un proceso de transición planificado entre los sistemas de salud pediátricos y de adultos es necesario para poder garantizar una continuidad en la atención de los adolescentes. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la población de pacientes del Servicio de Endocrinología del Hospital Garrahan en fase de transición y sus familias, desarrollar un protocolo para la transición de los adolescentes con patología endocrinológica crónica al Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martin y evaluar el rol de la "figura de enlace" en este proceso. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio observacional, transversal/prospectivo. Se obtuvieron datos sobre la consulta ambulatoria de 72 adolescentes mayores a 15 años con patología endocrinológica a los cuales se los acompañó en el proceso de transición. Se realizaron entrevistas y encuestas a los adolescentes, sus familias y a 16 endocrinólogos intervinientes en el seguimiento (9 pediátricos- 7 adultos). Resultados: La mayoría de los adolescentes evidenciaron falta de autonomía general, con mayor afectación en el área de "seguimiento de los problemas de salud". Esto, junto al paternalismo del pediatra y la sobreprotección familiar representaron inconvenientes para la transición. La mitad de los adultos entrevistados consideraron falta de autonomía o preparación en sus hijos considerando la edad ideal para la transición entre los 18-21 años. Las sensaciones referidas por los pacientes como sus acompañantes incluyen principalmente el miedo y ansiedad, y llamativamente en los pacientes la vergüenza. La creación de un consultorio de transición en el centro de adultos y el acompañamiento de la "figura de enlace", permitieron una mejor articulación y continuidad en el cuidado de la salud (AU)

TA planned transition process between pediatric and adult health systems is necessary to ensure continuity of care for adolescents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the patient population of the Endocrinology Service at Garrahan Hospital during the transition phase, along with their families, to develop a protocol for transitioning adolescents with chronic endocrinological disorders to Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, and to evaluate the role of the "liaison person" in this process. Materials and Methods: This observational, cross-sectional/ prospective study obtained data from outpatient consultations of 72 adolescents over 15 years of age with endocrinological disorders who were accompanied during the transition process. Interviews and surveys were conducted with the adolescents, their families, and 16 endocrinologists involved in the follow-up (9 pediatricians and 7 adult physicians). Results: Most of the adolescents showed a general lack of autonomy, with greater challenges in the area of "follow-up of health problems." This, combined with the paternalism of the pediatrician and the overprotection of the family, represented obstacles to the transition. Half of the parents interviewed perceived a lack of autonomy or preparation in their children, considering the ideal age for transition to be between 18-21 years old. The primary feelings reported by the patients and those who accompanied them included fear and anxiety, with patients also feeling embarrassment. The creation of a transition clinic in the adult center and the support of a "liaison person" allowed for better coordination and continuity in health care (AU)

Monthly engagement with EIP keyworkers was associated with a five-fold increase in the odds of engagement with psychosocial interventions.

BACKGROUND: Early intervention in psychosis (EIP) supports people who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis (FEP). A new Model of Care (MoC) for EIP services was launched in Ireland in 2019. Three EIP demonstration sites were chosen to test this MoC through a 'hub and spoke' approach. These services were a new way of organising care for people experiencing FEP, based upon a recovery model of care, and which sought to standardise care, improve access by clinically led multidisciplinary teams. This included newly created EIP keyworker roles whereby keyworkers assumed responsibilities regarding assessment, comprehensive individual care planning and coordination of care. METHODS: A mixed methods design utilising the UK Medical Research Council's process evaluation framework. Purposive sampling techniques were utilised. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression were performed to examine how increased keyworker engagement influenced the use of other psychosocial interventions within the EIP demonstration sites. Thematic analyses was used for qualitative data. RESULTS: There was a strong positive relationship between keyworker contacts and psychosocial interventions offered. Specifically, the odds of achieving at least monthly engagement with cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp; (5.76 (2.43-13.64), p < 0.001), and behavioural family therapy (BFT; (5.52(1.63-18.69, p < 0.006)) increased by fivefold with each additional monthly keyworker contact. For individual placement support (IPS) each additional monthly keyworker contact was associated with a three-fold increase in the odds of achieving monthly attendance with IPS (3.73 (1.64-8.48), p < 0.002). Qualitative results found that the EIP keyworker role as viewed by both service users and staff as a valuable nodal point, with a particular emphasis on care coordination and effective communication. CONCLUSIONS: This study advances the understanding of keyworker effects through qualitative evidence of keyworkers functioning as a "linchpin" to the service, while the positive response association between keyworker contacts and engagement with other services provides quantitative support for keyworkers reducing the organisational or structural barriers to service access. Given the importance of these positions, health systems should ensure that EIP programmes identify qualified and experienced staff to fill these roles, as well as allocate the appropriate funding and protected time to support keyworker engagement and impact.

Utilization of an Educational Liaison for Coordinated Care Between the Medical Home and School-Based Professionals for Students with Chronic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric programs focused on treating chronic pain often do not include an educational liaison (EL) to coordinate services between the patient's medical home and school. As chronic pain in youth can have deleterious effects on school functioning, collaboration between the medical home and the school system are needed to assure these students receive appropriate accommodations. CONTRIBUTIONS TO THEORY: This manuscript describes a model of coordinated care for students with chronic pain that includes a systemic strategy for collaborative care across settings. Specifically, the role of an EL is described in the context of advocating for the patient to receive appropriate educational accommodations. CONCLUSIONS: This paper provides a guide for caregivers and professionals to assure appropriate access to support services across settings. Recommendations are included for school accommodations and services to improve academic functioning and outcomes for students with chronic pain.

Experiences of coordinated care for people in the UK affected by rare diseases: cross-sectional survey of patients, carers, and healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: Poorly coordinated care can have major impacts on patients and families affected by rare conditions, with negative physical health, psychosocial and financial consequences. This study aimed to understand how care is coordinated for rare diseases in the United Kingdom. METHODS: We undertook a national survey in the UK involving 760 adults affected by rare diseases, 446 parents/carers of people affected by rare diseases, and 251 healthcare professionals who care for people affected by rare diseases. RESULTS: Findings suggested that a wide range of patients, parents and carers do not have coordinated care. For example, few participants reported having a care coordinator (12% patients, 14% parents/carers), attending a specialist centre (32% patients, 33% parents/carers) or having a care plan (10% patients, 44% parents/carers). A very small number of patients (2%) and parents/carers (5%) had access to all three-a care coordinator, specialist centre and care plan. Fifty four percent of patients and 33% of parents/carers reported access to none of these. On the other hand, a higher proportion of healthcare professionals reported that families with rare conditions had access to care coordinators (35%), specialist centres (60%) and care plans (40%). CONCLUSIONS: Care for families with rare conditions is generally not well coordinated in the UK, with findings indicating limited access to care coordinators, specialist centres and care plans. Better understanding of these issues can inform how care coordination might be improved and embrace the needs and preferences of patients and families affected by rare conditions.

Pediatric emergency care coordinator workforce: A survey study.

Objectives: The appointment of pediatric emergency care coordinators (PECC) in emergency departments (EDs) enhances pediatric readiness, yet little is understood regarding this workforce. We describe PECC role characteristics, responsibilities, barriers, and threats to the role among a national cohort. Methods: We surveyed a sample of PECCs from all regions of the United States who participated in the Emergency Medical Services for Children PECC Workforce and Trauma Collaboratives (2021-2022). EDs were categorized by annual pediatric patient volume: low (<1800), medium (1800-4999), medium-high (5000-9999), and high (≥10,000). Trend tests were performed to explore the relationship between pediatric volume and PECC characteristics. Results: Among 187 PECCs, 114 (61.0%) responded. The majority (75.2%) identified as a nurse. There was a significant difference in median hours per week spent on PECC activities by pediatric volume ranging from a median of 2 hours (interquartile range [IQR] 0.0-2.3) for low pediatric volume to 16 hours (IQR 4.0-37.0) for high pediatric volume (P < 0.001). Most respondents reported more time was needed for PECC activities (58.4%), and desired additional training to support the role (70.8%). Most (74.6%) felt the PECC position should be paid, yet 30.7% reported the role was voluntary. The most frequently assigned responsibilities were education of staff (77.2%) and oversight of quality improvement (QI) efforts (72.8%). Conclusion: Characteristics of PECC workforce vary but PECC activities of education and QI work are common among all. There is a reported need for additional training and support. Further studies will determine the impact of PECC characteristics on pediatric readiness.

Factors associated with Indonesian family physicians' knowledge of depression: A cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Depression is a common mental disorder in primary care settings both globally and locally. Even with considerable impacts on patients' quality of life and public healthcare costs, most people with depression do not receive evidence-based treatment. Integrating mental healthcare services into primary care is essential to address the treatment gap for depression. As counsellors and care coordinators, family physicians have a vital role in providing primary mental healthcare services. This study aims to assess Indonesian family physicians' knowledge of depression and identify the associated factors. Method: This cross-sectional observational study included a total of 83 family physicians from the Association of Indonesian Family Physicians. Data were collected using online questionnaires, including demographic and knowledge assessment instruments and the Care Coordinator Scale (CCS). Descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: The knowledge of depression, particularly in terms of prevention, diagnosis, pharmacological treatment, and post-referral treatment, was insufficient among the family physicians. The medication education (P=0.006) and follow-up care plan (P=0.04) domains of the CCS were associated with the family physicians' knowledge of the management of depression in the linear regression analysis (R2=0.077). Conclusion: Interventions to improve Indonesian family physicians' knowledge of depression, focusing on medication/pharmacological treatment and considering them as care coordinators, are essential.

Nurse coordinator of care as a facilitator of integration processes in palliative care.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This paper investigates the feasibility and the perception of the nurse's role as the palliative care coordinator. BACKGROUND: Integrated care is a global imperative in all healthcare improvement processes. Due to Andrija Stampar's success in the organisation of public health services, Croatia today has more than hundred years of experience in care integration. The palliative care system has been continuously developing since 2014 as an integrated care model, with nurses as care coordinators. METHODS: The study used a mixed methodology based on pragmatic research principles, including an analysis of strategic and policy documents and reports, and thematic analysis of focus group conducted with palliative care coordinators, following COREQ checklist. RESULTS: Although a legal, professional and financial regulation of nurse coordinators has been achieved, a number of implementation challenges remain. These challenges arise as a result of long-term fragmentation of the health and social care, and can be found in both horizontal and vertical integration of care, that is in the dimensions of functional, clinical, cultural and social integration. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses play a central role in care coordination. Coordination and integration promote professionalisation with clear roles and tasks. However, even with the legal, professional and financial implementation of the nurse coordinator model, it has to be further promoted as an equally important job in the healthcare system, with nurses as competent professionals in charge of care coordination. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Palliative care provides a range of individualised, coordinated services that meet the medical and non-medical needs of seriously ill patients. Described model of palliative care in Croatia is particularly important because it was developed as an integrated part of health care (and partly social welfare) system, indicating with the nurse's role as palliative care coordinator that coordination is a continuous process that requires a dedicated professional role.

Assessing proximity effect of high-acuity pediatric emergency departments on the pediatric readiness scores in neighboring general emergency departments.

Study Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine if there is a proximity effect of high-acuity, pediatric-capable emergency departments (EDs) on the weighted pediatric readiness score of neighboring general EDs and whether this effect is attributable to specific components of the National Pediatric Readiness Guidelines. Methods: Pediatric readiness was assessed using the weighted pediatric readiness score of EDs based on the 2013 National Pediatric Readiness Project assessment. High-acuity, pediatric-capable EDs were defined as those with a separate pediatric ED and inpatient pediatric services, including the following: pediatric ICU, pediatric ward, and neonatal ICU. Neighboring general EDs are within a 30-minute drive time of a high-acuity, pediatric-capable ED. Analysis was stratified by annual ED pediatric volume: low (<1800), medium (1800-4999), medium-high (5000-9999), and high (>10,000). We analyzed components of the readiness guidelines, including quality improvement/safety initiatives, pediatric emergency care coordinators, and availability of pediatric-specific equipment. Groups were compared using chi-squared or Wilcoxon rank-sum test with P values <0.05 considered significant. Results: Of the 4149 surveyed hospitals, 3933 general EDs (not high-acuity, pediatric-capable EDs) were identified, of which 1009 were located within a 30-minute drive to a high-acuity, pediatric-capable ED. Neighboring general EDs had a statistically significantly higher median weighted pediatric readiness score across pediatric volumes (weighted pediatric readiness score 76.3 vs 65.3; P < 0.001). Neighboring general EDs were more likely to have a pediatric emergency care coordinator, a notification policy for abnormal pediatric vital signs, and >90% of pediatric-specific equipment. Conclusions: We found neighboring general EDs have a higher level of pediatric readiness as measured by the median weighted pediatric readiness score. High-acuity, pediatric-capable EDs may influence the pediatric readiness of neighboring general Eds, but further investigation is needed to clarify target areas for outreach by state and national partners to improve overall pediatric readiness.

Disclosing the person in renal care coordination: why unpredictability, uncertainty, and irreversibility are inherent in person-centred care.

This article explores an example of person-centred care: the work of so-called renal care coordinators. The empirical basis of the article consists of qualitative interviews with renal care coordinators, alongside participant observations of their patient interactions. During the analyses of the empirical material, I found that that one of the coordinators' most fundamental ambitions is to get to know who the patient is. This is also a central tenet of person-centred care. The aim of the article is not only to argue for the plausibility of this tenet, but also, and more importantly, to highlight and explore its implications in the context of healthcare, through the example of renal care coordination. By drawing on the philosophy of Hannah Arendt, the article shows that the disclosure of who the patient is that takes place in person-centred care requires speech and action, which are modes of human activity that initiate processes characterized by unpredictability, uncertainty, and irreversibility. This unpredictability, uncertainty, and irreversibility, found to be inherent in person-centred care, is then discussed in relation to the pursuit of certainty characterizing contemporary evidence-based medicine. At the end of the article the conclusion is drawn that, if healthcare is to be person-centred, it must find ways of accommodating the contradictory pursuits of certainty and uncertainty found in evidence-based medicine and person-centred care respectively.

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) Care Coordination: Navigating Ethics and Access in the Emergence of a New Health Profession.

Medical assistance in dying (MAiD) in Canada is a complex, novel interprofessional practice governed by stringent legal criteria. Often, patients need assistance navigating the system, and MAiD providers/assessors struggle with the administrative challenges of MAiD. Resultantly, the role of the MAiD care coordinator has emerged across the country as a novel practice dedicated to supporting access to MAiD and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. However, variability in the roles and responsibilities of MAiD care coordinators across Canada has highlighted the need for accountability and standardization for this practice. This manuscript constitutes a first attempt to describe this emerging role, through discussion of proposed standards of practice, as well as roles and responsibilities, and ethical duties of this emergent professional practice. We detail the core commitments of MAiD care coordinators to patients, providers/assessors and institutions involved in the MAiD process. We address the core competencies that inform the unique skillset required by MAiD care coordinators to facilitate high-quality care, while highlighting the moral and ethical considerations embedded in this work. To illustrate the complexity of the MAiD care coordinator role, case examples involving ethical dilemmas encountered in practice are included. Finally, a code of ethics is proposed to serve as a guide for appropriate professional practice and conduct. This manuscript is intended to illustrate the importance of transparency and accountability for this new role that provides service to vulnerable patients and families; this is especially critical as the ethical complexity of MAiD is likely to increase with future changes in legislation opening MAiD access to new populations.

Improving care for hypertension and diabetes in india by addition of clinical decision support system and task shifting in the national NCD program: I-TREC model of care.

BACKGROUND: The growing burden of hypertension and diabetes is one of the major public health challenges being faced by the health system in India. Clinical Decision Support Systems (CDSS) that assist with tailoring evidence-based management approaches combined with task-shifting from more specialized to less specialized providers may together enhance the impact of a program. We sought to integrate a technology "CDSS" and a strategy "Task-shifting" within the Government of India's (GoI) Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) System under the Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC) initiative to enhance the program's impact to address the growing burden of hypertension and diabetes in India. METHODS: We developed a model of care "I-TREC" entirely calibrated for implementation within the current health system across all facility types (Primary Health Centre, Community Health Centre, and District Hospital) in a block in Shaheed Bhagat Singh (SBS) Nagar district of Punjab, India. We undertook an academic-community partnership to incorporate the combination of a CDSS with task-shifting into the GoI CPHC-NCD system, a platform that assists healthcare providers to record patient information for routine NCD care. Academic partners developed clinical algorithms, a revised clinic workflow, and provider training modules with iterative collaboration and consultation with government and technology partners to incorporate CDSS within the existing system. DISCUSSION: The CDSS-enabled GoI CPHC-NCD system provides evidence-based recommendations for hypertension and diabetes; threshold-based prompts to assure referral mechanism across health facilities; integrated patient database, and care coordination through workflow management and dashboard alerts. To enable efficient implementation, modifications were made in the patient workflow and the fulcrum of the use of technology shifted from physician to nurse. CONCLUSION: Designed to be applicable nationwide, the I-TREC model of care is being piloted in a block in the state of Punjab, India. Learnings from I-TREC will provide a roadmap to other public health experts to integrate and adapt their interventions at the national level. TRIAL REGISTRATION: CTRI/2020/01/022723.

The Care Coordinator's Tasks During the Implementation of an Integrated Care Pathway for Older Patients: A Qualitative Study Based on the French National "Health Pathway of Seniors for Preserved Autonomy" Pilot Program.

Background: Although integrated care and care coordination are known to be beneficial for older adults' population, the specific tasks of a Care Coordinator (CC) for integrated care pathways for this population have not been studied in detail. Setting & Subjects: The French national pilot program PAERPA provided an integrated care pathway for older adults. In North France, a CC was recruited to support patients and professionals. Objectives: (i) To analyse the CC's tasks in an integrated care pathway for older patients, and (ii) to record perceptions on the CC's tasks among the participating general practitioners (GP) and community pharmacists. Design & Methods: Qualitative, two-phase study: (i) Task analysis of the CC's tasks, to compare the planned and actual tasks; (ii) semi-structured interviews among GPs and community pharmacists involved in the pathway. Results: (i) The task analysis showed that the CC's actual tasks differed from planned tasks. The CC was only meant to be involved in the early stages of the process; actually, the CC undertook more or even unforeseen tasks in coordination, communication, and administrative support throughout the care pathways. (ii) The 28 interviewed healthcare professionals considered the CC's tasks to be essential to the success of pathways. They appreciated the CC's administrative support. However, CC's tasks related to interprofessional communication, and patient and family information, were controversially perceived among GPs and pharmacists. Conclusions: The CC's tasks in an integrated care pathway for older adults showed that the CC's overall workload was greater than expected and appreciated by healthcare professionals.

Can the management of depression in type 2 diabetes be democratized?

Both type 2 diabetes and depression are common and are projected to increase. There is increasing evidence for a bidirectional relationship between the two. Diabetes is a risk factor for depression; contrariwise, individuals with depression are at greater risk of developing diabetes. They are a burden for both the individual and the society. Co-existent depression worsens diabetic control because of obesity, insulin resistance and the adverse metabolic effects of anti-diabetes medicines. In addition, compliance to lifestyle measures required for diabetes is also compromised such as following a specific diet, taking proper medications on time, getting metabolic parameters assessed and maintaining a sleep cycle. Depression occurs in many grades; mild depression is more common in diabetes than frank or full-blown depression leading to suicide. Unfortunately, there are not enough trained and accessible mental health professionals such as psychologists or psychiatrists to deal with the increasing burden of depression in diabetes. Therefore, alternate models for management of mild to moderate depression are required. There is evidence that a team-approach by employing health care assistants can lower the risk of cardiac risk factors. INtegrating DEPrEssioN and Diabetes treatmENT study was carried out to determine whether the team-approach using non-health care professionals could be effective in managing mild to moderate depression and to study its effects on metabolic parameters among subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The international study, carried out in four independent centers in India assessed the impact of a trained but not qualified non-psychiatrist in coordinating and forming a fulcrum between the patient, the family and the consultant endocrinologist/diabetologist. The interventions were fine-tuned to be culturally appropriate by qualitative interviews before they began. It was shown that the outcomes of both depression and diabetes could be improved by the employment of a clinical care coordinator. It is possible to scale up the studies to wider geographical areas and health-care organizations.

Optimizing COPD Acute Care Patient Outcomes Using a Standardized Transition Bundle and Care Coordinator: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are associated with high morbidity and mortality and frequent readmissions. RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the effectiveness of a COPD transition bundle, with and without a care coordinator, on rehospitalizations and ED revisits? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two patient cohorts were selected: (1) the group exposed to the transition bundle and (2) the group not exposed to the transition bundle (usual care group). Patients exposed subsequently were randomized to a care coordinator. An AECOPD transition bundle was implemented in the hospital; patients randomized to the care coordinator were contacted ≤ 72 h after discharge. Six hundred four patients (320 to the care coordinator and 284 to routine care) who met eligibility criteria from five hospitals across three cities in Alberta, Canada, were exposed to the transition bundle, whereas 3,106 patients discharged from the same hospitals received the usual care. Primary outcomes were 7-day, 30-day, and 90-day readmissions, median length of stay (LOS), and 30-day ED revisits. RESULTS: The transition bundle cohort were 83% (relative risk [RR], 0.17; 95% CI, 0.07-0.35) less likely to be readmitted within 7 days and 26% (RR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.91) less likely to be readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Ninety-day readmissions were unchanged (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.93-1.18). The transition bundle was associated with a 7.3% (RR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.0-1.15) relative increase in LOS and a 76% (RR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.53-2.02) greater risk of a 30-day ED revisit. The care coordinator did not influence readmission or ED revisits. INTERPRETATION: The COPD transition bundle reduced 7- and 30-day hospital readmissions while increasing LOS and ED revisits. The care coordinator did not improve outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRY: ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT03358771; URL: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov.

The role of implementation science in improving epilepsy surgery utilization.

Randomized controlled studies demonstrated that patients with intractable epilepsy could benefit significantly more from epilepsy surgery than from continuing medical therapy. Unfortunately, robust efforts over the last few decades, including the formation and dissemination of guidelines and practice parameters, did not improve the utilization of epilepsy surgery. Epilepsy surgery remains one of the most underutilized evidence-based interventions in modern medicine. A new scientific study of methods has emerged to improve uptake of evidence-based practices, named implementation science (IS). Despite its tremendous rise in popularity in various domains, its usage to mitigate epilepsy surgery underutilization is very limited. In fact, the application of principles and methods of IS are somewhat restricted in the entire neuroscience field, where quality improvement (QI) efforts primarily drive the provision of high-quality health care. Although both QI efforts and IS have a similar goal of improving healthcare quality, they differ significantly in associated terminologies, concepts, and approaches. For implementing high-quality, evidence-based practices in routine clinical settings, we need a better understanding of IS methods and closer integration between QI and IS fields. Recognizing a dearth of awareness of IS in the neuroscience community, the first part of the review addresses the fundamentals of IS, focusing on multifaceted implementation strategies that neurologists can apply in their clinical practice. In the second part of the review, an entire illustrative case is presented to familiarize neurologists with the practical application of diverse implementation strategies to mitigate the underutilization of epilepsy surgery.

The Psychiatric Nurse Care Coordinator on a Multi-disciplinary, Community Mental Health Treatment Team.

Community mental health nurses sometimes join multi-disciplinary teams, but the role has not been defined and studied carefully. This article describes the psychiatric Nurse Care Coordinator (NCC)-a unique position created to support care management, facilitate systematic medication management, and coordinate medical care in the Social Security Administration's 30-site Supported Employment Demonstration. The authors reviewed the study's NCC manual, supervised and consulted with the NCCs weekly over nearly three years, and reviewed data on NCC activities. Although the 984 participants assigned to NCCs experienced numerous mental health, substance use, and chronic medical conditions, only 59% completed intake assessments and engaged over time with NCCs. For those 581 participants, NCCs spent approximately 51% of their time helping with mental health issues, 35% on medical care, and 12% on substance use conditions. The NCC was critically important for complex, high-need individuals.

'Creating a safe space': how perinatal palliative care coordinators navigate care and support for families.

BACKGROUND: Families who learn that their unborn baby has a life-limiting fetal condition are often overwhelmed by this news, alongside navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system. A skilled perinatal palliative care coordinator (PPCC) can help these families, yet little is known about their function and roles. AIMS: This study sought to describe the PPCC's approach to care, their guiding principles and the roles, knowledge and skills that enable them to provide exemplary care. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study included interviews of 12 expert PPCCs. Directed content analysis was used to identify major codes. Iterative analysis led to theme identification. FINDINGS: Findings include the PPCC's position within the healthcare system, guiding principles, goals, roles and responsibilities, and knowledge and skills. Two figures enhance the understanding of the PPCCs approach to creating a safe space for the family, supporting the interdisciplinary team and facilitating coordinated birth planning. CONCLUSIONS: Every perinatal palliative care programme should include a PPCC. Future research on clinical training could examine the effectiveness of an educational intervention, using the detailed knowledge and skills learned in this study as a curriculum.

Relationships between health literacy, having a cancer care coordinator, and long-term health-related quality of life among cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Care coordination is a strategy to reduce healthcare navigation challenges for cancer patients. The objectives of this study were to assess the association between having a cancer care coordinator (CCC) and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and to evaluate whether this association differed by level of health literacy. METHODS: A population-based sample of survivors diagnosed with breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer in 2015 from the Iowa Cancer Registry participated in an online survey conducted in 2017-2018 (N = 368). Chi-squared tests and logistic regression were used to model the association between patient characteristics and having a cancer care coordinator. Linear regression was used to model the association between patient perception of having a cancer care coordinator and post-treatment physical or mental HRQoL by differing levels of health literacy while controlling for sociodemographic and clinical factors. RESULTS: Most survivors (81%) reported having one healthcare professional who coordinated their cancer care. Overall, patient perception of having a coordinator was not significantly associated with physical HRQoL (p = 0.118). However, participants with low health literacy (21%) who had a coordinator had significantly higher physical HRQoL scores compared to those who did not (adjusted mean difference 5.2, p = 0.010), while not so for medium (29%) or high (51%) health literacy (p = 0.227, and p = 0.850, respectively; test for interaction p = 0.001). Mental HRQoL was not associated with having a coordinator in our analyses. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that care coordinators improved post-treatment physical HRQoL, particularly for participants with low health literacy. Care coordinators may be beneficial to the most vulnerable patients struggling to navigate the complex healthcare system during cancer treatment. Future research should focus on the mechanisms by which care coordination may affect post-treatment HRQoL.

Staff experiences of a reablement approach to care for older people in a regional Australian community: A qualitative study.

Reablement is described as a person-centred, goal-directed intervention with a view to regain, maintain or improve the independence of older clients. Although evidence to support the use of reablement as a multidisciplinary, home-based intervention for community-dwelling older adults is increasing, there is limited knowledge about what it means for care staff who provide client-based services. This study, which was nested in a larger program evaluation, used a descriptive qualitative approach to explore direct care staff and care coordinator experiences of translating a reablement training program into practice for older people in a regional Australian community. Two months after the training program four focus groups were conducted with 13 care coordinators to assimilate staff experiences with development of care plans, systems, processes and practices of reablement. In addition, four direct care staff took part in individual interviews, which centred on eliciting their experience using the reablement approach with clients. Results from the care coordinator focus groups and the direct care staff interviews highlight the importance of reablement staff training and the involvement of staff in the development and delivery of a reablement approach to client-centred care. A number of organisational and client-centred challenges such as communication, functional partnerships, staff education and resourcing are also uncovered in this research into the development of a reablement-focused care service in a regional setting. Overall there is support for the dominating discourse around healthy ageing and the policy approach of ageing in place to support wellness.

Systematic Review of Dementia Support Programs with Multicultural and Multilingual Populations.

BACKGROUND: Dementia care programs have become more common due to a growing number of persons living with dementia and lack of substantial benefit from pharmacologic therapies. Cultural and language differences may present barriers to access and efficacy of these programs. In this article, we aimed to systematically review the current literature regarding outcomes of dementia care programs that included multicultural and non-English speaking populations. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted using four scientific search engines. All studies included in the review are English language, randomized control trials evaluating various care coordination models. The initial search strategy focusing on studies specifically targeting multicultural and non-English speaking populations resulted in too few articles. We expanded our search to articles that included these populations although these populations may not have been the focus of the study. RESULTS: Seven articles met inclusion criteria for final review. Measured outcomes included emergency room use, hospitalizations, provider visits, quality of life indicators, depression scores, and caregiver burden. CONCLUSIONS: Dementia care programs demonstrate significant ability to provide support and improve outcomes for those living with dementia and their caregivers. There is limited research in this field and thus opportunity for further study in underserved and safety net populations including more high-quality randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes.