Clinicians' perspectives on quality: do they match accreditation standards?

BACKGROUND: Quality of training is determined through programs' compliance with accreditation standards, often set for a number of years. However, perspectives on quality of training within these standards may differ from the clinicians' perspectives on quality of training. Knowledge on how standards relate to clinicians' perspectives on quality of training is currently lacking yet is expected to lead to improved accreditation design. METHODS: This qualitative study design was based on a case-study research approach. We analyzed accreditation standards and conducted 29 interviews with accreditors, clinical supervisors and trainees across Australia and the Netherlands about the quality and accreditation of specialist medical training programs. The perspectives were coded and either if applicable compared to national accreditation standards of both jurisdictions, or thematized to the way stakeholders encounter accreditation standards in practice. RESULTS: There were two evident matches and four mismatches between the perspectives of clinicians and the accreditation standards. The matches are: (1) accreditation is necessary (2) trainees are the best source for quality measures. The mismatches are: (3) fundamental training aspects that accreditation standards do not capture: the balance between training and service provision, and trainee empowerment (4) using standards lack dynamism and (5) quality improvement; driven by standards or intrinsic motivation of healthcare professionals. CONCLUSION: In our Australian and Dutch health education cases accreditation is an accepted phenomenon which may be improved by trainee empowerment, a dynamic updating process of standards and by flexibility in its use.

An analysis of 3105 Medico Legal Cases at Tertiary Care Hospital, Rawalpindi.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Medico legal cases are essential component of medical practice and comprise most important constituent of emergencies. The reporting of such cases is imperative to recognize theirsocioeconomic burden on any country. The present study was conducted to scrutinize different categories of medico legal cases and characteristics of the victims at casualty department oftertiary care hospital Rawalpindi. The objective of the study was to find out the frequency ofvarious categories of medico legal cases and major characteristics ofvictims at tertiary care hospital, Rawalpindi. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study on 3105 registered cases in medico legal record of the casualty department of Benazir Bhutto hospital, Rawalpindi from January 2015 to December 2015. The hospital is located on the main road in densely populated central area of the city. The data wascollected on age, sex, month-wise distribution of various medico legal cases, weapon inflicting the injury, blunt trauma or physical assault, firearm injuries and road traffic accidents. The data thus obtained was analyzed using SPSS; observations were presented in tables and graphs. RESULTS: Out of all 3105 registered medico legal cases, reported cases caused by Road Traffic Accident 1230 (40%) followed by blunt injury or physical assault 966 (32%) cases, 19% by sharp weapons, 5% by poisoning, and 4% by firearm injuries. In our study out of 3105 cases, almost three quarter of victims (73%) were below 30 years of age, with a decreasing frequency beyond this age, males were predominantly inflicted 2516(81%) as compared to females 589 (19%). The reported road traffic accidents cases from urban areas were high (74%) as compared to those from rural locality (37%). In cases of blunt trauma, sharp weapon injuries and firearm injuries, there was a huge preponderance of victims from rural areas (65%), (62%) and 61% respectively, with urban cases constituting less. CONCLUSION: Road traffic injuries are one of the foremost causes of medico legal cases followed by blunt trauma and sharp weapon injuries. The emerging medico legal cases are neglected epidemic in most of the developing countries comprising a considerable public health problem.

How do cultural elements shape speak-up behavior beyond the patient safety context? An interprofessional perspective in an obstetrics and gynecology department.

Introduction: Interprofessional working and learning thrives with speak-up behavior. Efforts to improve speak-up have mainly focused on isolated techniques and training programs within the patient safety scope, yet sustained improvement requires a cultural shift beyond this scope. This research investigates the influence of culture elements on speak-up behavior in interprofessional teams beyond the patient safety context. Methods: An exploratory qualitative study design was used in a Dutch hospital's Obstetrics and Gynecology department. A representative sample of stakeholders was purposefully selected, resulting in semi-structured interviews with 13 professionals from different professional backgrounds (nurses, midwifes, managers, medical specialists, and residents). A speak-up pledge was developed by the research team and used to prime participants for discussion. Data analysis involved three-step coding, which led to the development of themes. Results: This study has identified six primary cultural themes that enhance speak-up behavior. These themes encompass the importance of managing a shared vision, the role of functional hierarchy, the significance of robust interpersonal relationships, the formulation of a strategy delineating when to speak up and when to exercise restraint, the promotion of an open-minded professional mindset, and the integration of cultural practices in the context of interprofessional working and learning. Conclusion: Six crucial cultural elements have been pinpointed to boost the practice of speaking up behavior in interprofessional working and learning. Remarkably, hierarchy should not be held responsible as the wrongdoer; instead, can be a great facilitator through respect and appreciation. We propose that employing transformational and humble leadership styles can provide guidance on effectively integrating the identified cultural elements into the workplace and provide an IMOI framework for effective interprofessional speak-up beyond patient safety.

Transitional care of adolescents with Multiple Osteochondromas: a convergent mixed-method study 'Patients', parents' and healthcare providers' perspectives on the transfer process'.

OBJECTIVES: Multiple osteochondromas (MO) is a rare hereditary disease characterised by numerous benign bone tumours. Its chronic aspect requires a well-organised transition from paediatric care to adult care; however, little is known on organising this care specific for patients with MO. This study aims to gain insight on this topic. DESIGN: Convergent mixed-method study. SETTING: This study was conducted at the orthopaedic and paediatrics department of an MO-expertise centre in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: 12 patients, 10 parents and 10 healthcare professionals were interviewed. An additional survey was completed by 2 young adults. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES: The (1) themes on transition, identified through template analysis and (2) transfer experience and satisfaction assessed by an 18-item On Your Own Feet-Transfer Experience Scale (OYOF-TES, range: 18-90) and by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS, range: 1-10). RESULTS: The following three key themes were identified in the qualitative analysis: (1) patient and parent in the lead can be encouraged by self-management tools, (2) successful transfers need interprofessional collaboration and communication and (3) how can we prepare patients for the transitional process? Stakeholders' insights to improve transition were listed and divided into these three themes.Several important aspects were underlined, particularly within the first theme; speaking-up was difficult for patients especially when parents were not directly involved. Moreover, the high psychological impact of the disease requires coaching of self-management and psychological counselling to facilitate stakeholders in their changing roles.Twenty patients completed the quantitative survey. Mean satisfaction score with the transfer process was poor, which was assessed with the NRS (mean=5.7±2.1; range: 1-9) and the OYOF-TES (mean=56.3±14.2; range: 32-85). The OYOF-TES only showed a negative correlation (R2=0.25; p=0.026) with the number of surgical interventions in the past. CONCLUSION: Overall, the transfer process was found unsatisfactory. Improvement can be achieved by supporting and guiding the patients to be in the lead of their care. Moreover, preparation for transfer and a multidisciplinary approach may enhance successful transition.

Open organisational culture: what does it entail? Healthcare stakeholders reaching consensus by means of a Delphi technique.

OBJECTIVES: Open organisational culture in hospitals is important, yet it remains unclear what it entails other than its referral to 'open communication' in the context of patient safety. This study aims to identify the elements of an open hospital culture. METHODS: In this group consensus study with a Delphi technique, statements were constructed based on the existing patient safety literature and input of 11 healthcare professionals from different backgrounds. A final framework consisting of 36 statements was reviewed on inclusion and exclusion, in multiple rounds by 32 experts and professionals working in healthcare. The feedback was analysed and shared with the panel after the group reached consensus on statements (>70% agreement). RESULTS: The procedure resulted in 37 statements representing tangible (ie, leadership, organisational structures and processes, communication systems, employee attitudes, training and development, and patient orientation) and intangible themes (ie, psychological safety, open communication, cohesion, power, blame and shame, morals and ethics, and support and trust). The culture themes' teamwork and commitment were not specific for an open culture, contradicting the patient safety literature. Thereby, an open mind was shown to be a novel characteristic. CONCLUSIONS: Open culture entails an open mind-set and attitude of professionals beyond the scope of patient safety in which there is mutual awareness of each other's (un)conscious biases, focus on team relationships and professional well-being and a transparent system with supervisors/leaders being role models and patients being involved. Although it is generally acknowledged that microlevel social processes necessary to enact patient safety deserve more attention, research has largely emphasised system-level structures and processes. This study provides practical enablers for addressing system and microlevel social processes to work towards an open culture in and across teams.

What do we really assess with organisational culture tools in healthcare? An interpretive systematic umbrella review of tools in healthcare.

INTRODUCTION: A toxic organisational culture (OC) is a major contributing factor to serious failings in healthcare delivery. Poor OC with its consequences of unprofessional behaviour, unsafe attitudes of professionals and its impact on patient care still need to be addressed. Although various tools have been developed to determine OC and improve patient safety, it remains a challenge to decide on the suitability of tools for uncovering the underlying factors which truly impact OC, such as behavioural norms, or the unwritten rules. A better understanding of the underlying dimensions that these tools do and do not unravel is required. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to provide an overview of existing tools to assess OC and the tangible and intangible OC dimensions these tools address. METHODS: An interpretive umbrella review was conducted. Literature reviews were considered for inclusion if they described multiple tools and their dimensional characteristics in the context of OC, organisational climate, patient safety culture or climate. OC tools and the underlying dimensions were extracted from the reviews. A qualitative data analysis software program (MAX.QDA 2007) was used for coding the dimensions, which resulted in tangible and intangible themes. RESULTS: Fifteen reviews met our inclusion criteria. A total of 127 tools were identified, which were mainly quantitative questionnaires covering tangible key dimensions. Qualitative analyses distinguished nine intangible themes (commitment, trust, psychological safety, power, support, communication openness, blame and shame, morals and valuing ethics, and cohesion) and seven tangible themes (leadership, communication system, teamwork, training and development, organisational structures and processes, employee and job attributes, and patient orientation). CONCLUSION: This umbrella review identifies the essential tangible and intangible themes of OC tools. OC tools in healthcare do not seem to be designed to determine deeper underlying dimensions of culture. We suggest approaching complex underlying OC problems by focusing on the intangible dimensions, rather than putting the tangible dimensions up front.

Do 'physicians in the lead' support a holistic healthcare delivery approach? A qualitative analysis of stakeholders' perspectives.

OBJECTIVES: Value-based healthcare implies that healthcare issues are addressed most effectively with the 'physicians in the lead' (PIL) strategy. This study explores whether PIL also supports a holistic care approach that patients are increasingly demanding. DESIGN: A qualitative research design was used. SETTING: This study was conducted in a general hospital in the Netherlands with an integrated PIL strategy. PARTICIPANTS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 hospital stakeholders: 13 stakeholders of an Obstetrics and Gynaecology department (the hospital's Patient Council (n=1), nurses (n=2), midwives (n=2), physicians (n=2), residents (n=2), the non-medical business managers of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department (n=2) the Board of Directors (n=2)) and a member of the Dutch National Healthcare Institute's Innovative Healthcare Professions programme. RESULTS: According to diverse stakeholders, PIL does not support a holistic healthcare delivery approach, primarily because of the strong biomedical focus of the physicians. Although physicians can be educated to place more emphasis on the holistic outcome, holistic care delivery requires greater integration and teamwork in the care chain. As different healthcare professions are complementary to each other, a new strategy of a 'team in the lead' was suggested to meet the holistic healthcare demands. Besides this new strategy, there is a need for an extramural care management coordination centre where patients are able to receive support in managing their own care. This centre should also facilitate services similar to the core function of a church or community centre. These services should help patients to deal with different holistic dimensions that are important for their well-being. CONCLUSIONS: The PIL strategy appears to be insufficient for holistic healthcare delivery. A 'team in the lead' approach should be considered to meet the holistic healthcare demands. Further research should focus on observing PIL in different cultures and exploring the effectiveness of the strategy 'team in the lead'.

Spontaneous hemoperitoneum in pregnancy (SHiP) and endometriosis - A systematic review of the recent literature.

Spontaneous Hemoperitoneum in Pregnancy (SHiP), an unprovoked (nontraumatic) intraperitoneal bleeding in pregnancy (up to 42days postpartum), is associated with serious adverse pregnancy outcomes. To evaluate the clinical consequences of SHiP and its association with endometriosis, a systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Embase.com and Thomson Reuters/Web of Science were searched for articles published since the latest review (August 2008) until September 2016. After assessment for eligibility, forty-four articles were included in this systematic review, describing 59 cases of SHiP. Endometriosis was present in 33/59 cases (55.9%), most often diagnosed prior to pregnancy. An association between the severity of SHiP and the stage of endometriosis could not be found. In the majority of cases, SHiP occurred in the third trimester of pregnancy (30/59 cases (50.8%)); women presented with (sub)acute abdominal pain (56/59 cases (94.9%)), hypovolemic shock (28/59 cases (47.5%)) and/or a decreased level of hemoglobin (37/59 cases (62.7%)). Signs of fetal distress were observed in 24/59 cases (40.7%). Imaging confirmed free peritoneal fluid in (37/59 cases (62.7%)). At time of surgery active bleeding was revealed in 51/56 cases (91,1%), originating from endometriotic implants (11/51 cases (21.6%)), ruptured utero-ovarian vessels (29/51 cases (56.8%)), hemorrhagic nodules of decidualized cells (1/51 cases (2.0%)) or a combination (10/51 cases (19.6%)). Median amount of hemoperitoneum was 1600mL (IQR 1000mL-2500mL). From the 45/59 cases (76.3%) in which surgical interventions was carried out during pregnancy, 7/45 cases (15.6%) reported a successful continuation of pregnancy. 5/59 cases reported recurrence of SHiP (recurrence rate 8.5%). The perinatal mortality rate was 26.9% (18/67 fetus), one maternal death was reported (1/59 cases (1,7%)). In conclusion, SHiP is a very serious complication of pregnancy, highly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes and particularly relevant to women with endometriosis. Currently preventive measures are lacking, therefore increasing the awareness and recognition of SHiP is crucial to improve pregnancy outcomes.