Primary care patterns among dual eligibles with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.

BACKGROUND: Primary care is essential for persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). Prior research suggests that the propensity to provide high-quality, continuous primary care varies by provider setting, but the settings used by Medicare-Medicaid dual-eligibles with ADRD have not been described at the population level. METHODS: Using 2012-2018 Medicare data, we identified dual-eligibles with ADRD. For each person-year, we identified primary care visits occurring in six settings. We calculated descriptive statistics for beneficiaries with a majority of visits in each setting, and conducted a k-means cluster analysis to determine utilization patterns, using the standardized count of primary care visits in each setting. RESULTS: Each year from 2012 to 2018, at least 45.6% of dual-eligibles with ADRD received a majority of their primary care in nursing facilities, while at least 25.2% did so in physician offices. Over time, the share relying on nursing facilities for primary care decreased by 5.2 percentage points, offset by growth in Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and miscellaneous settings (2.3 percentage points each). Dual-eligibles relying on nursing facilities had more annual primary care visits (16.1) than those relying on other settings (range: 6.8-10.7 visits). Interpersonal care continuity was also higher in nursing facilities (97.0%) and physician offices (87.9%) than in FQHCs (54.2%), rural health clinics (RHCs, 46.6%), or hospital-based clinics (56.8%). Among dual-eligibles without care continuity, 82.7% were assigned to a cluster with few primary care visits. CONCLUSIONS: A trend toward care in different settings likely reflects improved access to patient-centered primary care. Low rates of interpersonal care continuity in FQHCs, RHCs, and physician offices may warrant concern, unless providers in these settings function as a care team. Nonetheless, every healthcare system encounter presents an opportunity to designate a primary care provider for dual-eligibles with ADRD who use little or no primary care.

Remote area nursing: best practice or paternalism in action? The importance of consumer perspectives on primary health care nursing practice in remote communities.

This paper reports on a study that aimed to understand how remote area nurses implemented primary health care principles in the Australian remote health care setting. Twenty-four Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners who worked in remote health services without inpatient facilities were interviewed using constructivist grounded theory methods. Findings revealed that nurses in this study aimed to practice in a way that was guided by Indigenous empowerment and social justice. However, some nurses questioned elements of their practice such as 'chasing' people for appointments or routine screening required by clinical guidelines that may not reflect the values of Indigenous peoples. Nurses expressed concern that they may be reinforcing past colonising practices and their actions may be considered paternalistic rather than empowering. Nurses in this study wanted to develop partnerships and provide nursing care that aligned with the health and wellbeing expectations of communities. However, ways of communicating the needs of communities and the development of partnerships between health providers and communities need to be developed. The present study calls for further research from the perspective of remote community members in order to develop ways of sharing knowledge about health and wellbeing between remote area nurses and communities.

Health benefits and costs of weight-loss dietary counselling by nurses in primary care: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the cost-effectiveness of brief weight-loss counselling by dietitian-trained practice nurses, in a high-income-country case study. DESIGN: A literature search of the impact of dietary counselling on BMI was performed to source the 'best' effect size for use in modelling. This was combined with multiple other input parameters (e.g. epidemiological and cost parameters for obesity-related diseases, likely uptake of counselling) in an established multistate life-table model with fourteen parallel BMI-related disease life tables using a 3 % discount rate. SETTING: New Zealand (NZ). PARTICIPANTS: We calculated quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) gained and health-system costs over the remainder of the lifespan of the NZ population alive in 2011 (n 4·4 million). RESULTS: Counselling was estimated to result in an increase of 250 QALY (95 % uncertainty interval -70, 560 QALY) over the population's lifetime. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was 2011 $NZ 138 200 per QALY gained (2018 $US 102 700). Per capita QALY gains were higher for Maori (Indigenous population) than for non-Maori, but were still not cost-effective. If willingness-to-pay was set to the level of gross domestic product per capita per QALY gained (i.e. 2011 $NZ 45 000 or 2018 $US 33 400), the probability that the intervention would be cost-effective was 2 %. CONCLUSIONS: The study provides modelling-level evidence that brief dietary counselling for weight loss in primary care generates relatively small health gains at the population level and is unlikely to be cost-effective.

Quality of life in the climacteric of nurses working in primary care.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the quality of life of primary care nurses in the climacteric. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study, performed with 98 female nurses, aged 40-65 years, using the WHOQOL-Bref questionnaire. RESULTS: the worst level of quality of life was observed for professionals aged 50-59 years, non-white, specialists, divorced or widowed, with children, a lower income, with another employment relationship, a weekly workload of more than 40 hours, who consumed alcoholic beverages weekly, with chronic disease, in continuous use of medications, sedentary, who did not menstruate and did not receive hormonal treatment, and who went through menopause between the ages of 43-47 years. CONCLUSION: Although the variables "physical activity" and "age" have a statistically significant association with quality of life, other variables seem to interfere in these professionals' lives, indicating the need for a more critical and deep reflection on these relations.

Challenges of primary healthcare nurses regarding the integration of HIV and AIDS services into primary healthcare in Vhembe district of Limpopo province, South Africa.

BACKGROUND:  Integration of human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV and AIDS) services into primary healthcare (PHC) is a key public health approach to achieving universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite the government's efforts of integrating HIV services into PHC, an insufficient number of PHC staff and inadequate infrastructure are challenging when integrating HIV and AIDS services into PHC. This study explored the challenges of PHC nurses regarding the integration of HIV and AIDS services into PHC. OBJECTIVES:  The aim of the study was to explore the challenges of PHC nurses regarding the integration of HIV and AIDS services into PHC. METHOD:  An exploratory, descriptive and contextual qualitative research design utilising face-to-face semi-structured interviews was conducted with 12 PHC nurses from selected clinics and health centres in the Vhembe district of Limpopo province. RESULTS:  Two main themes emerged from data analysis which included challenges related to healthcare recipients and challenges related to healthcare providers. CONCLUSION:  Clear policies on the integration of HIV and AIDS services into PHC should be available and should include strategies to promote HIV testing and counselling, adherence to ART and scheduled appointments, disclosure of HIV status as well as revising the human resource policy to reduce workload.

Eficiencia de la actividad de enfermería en consultorios del médico y la enfermera de la familia / Efficiency of Nursing Activity in Family Doctor and Nurse's Offices

RESUMEN Introducción: En Cuba, la enfermera de la familia se distingue por tener múltiples áreas de trabajo y para cada una son necesarios diferentes recursos. Se desconoce si es mucho o poco el recurso consumido de cara a las actividades realizadas. Objetivo: Caracterizar la eficiencia de la actividad de enfermería en consultorios del médico y enfermera de la familia. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo transversal con la totalidad de consultorios de tres policlínicos del municipio 10 de Octubre. Se resolvió un modelo de análisis envolvente de datos de maximización de resultados y rendimientos constantes a escala con seis indicadores de resultados y cuatro de recursos. Resultados: La media de la eficiencia estuvo entre 86,66 por ciento y 95,63 por ciento. Para mejorar la eficiencia se deben alcanzar los siguientes valores promedios de cumplimiento del seguimiento: atención materno infantil, entre 85,32 por ciento y 88,58 por ciento; para cada paciente con enfermedades crónicas, entre 8,99 por ciento y 41,67 por ciento; para pacientes con enfermedades transmisibles, entre 34,87 por ciento y 54,55 por ciento; para el adulto mayor, entre 65,70 por ciento y 90,23 por ciento; y para las citologías vaginales, entre 91,97 por ciento y 162,72 por ciento. Además, reducir en promedio el gasto en material gastable, entre 11,25 por ciento y 47,28 por ciento; en medicamentos, entre 15,31 por ciento y 107,22 por ciento; y en recursos humanos entre 15,01 por ciento y 32,72 por ciento. Conclusiones: Se determinaron niveles altos de eficiencia técnica pura para la actividad de enfermería en los consultorios, aunque se verificó la presencia de unidades ineficientes. Existen unidades con ineficiencia estructuralmente determinada, y para solucionarla es necesario un análisis del consumo de recursos(AU)

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Cuba, the family nurse is distinguished by having multiple work areas, and for each one different resources are necessary. It is not known if the resource consumed is too much or too little for the activities carried out. Objective: To characterize the efficiency of the nursing activity in family doctor and nurse's offices. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive study carried out with all the family medical offices of three outpatient polyclinics in Diez de Octubre Municipality. An analysis model was solved that involved maximization of results and constant returns to scale data with six results indicators and four resource indicators. Results: The average efficiency was between 86.66 percent and 95.63 percent. In order to improve efficiency, the following average values of monitoring compliance must be achieved: mother and child care, between 85.32 percent and 88.58 percent; for each patient with chronic diseases, between 8.99 percent and 41.67 percent; for patients with communicable diseases, between 34.87 percent and 54.55 percent; for the elderlies, between 65.70 percent and 90.23 percent; and for vaginal Pap smear tests, between 91.97 percent and 162.72 percent. In addition, there was an average reduction on consumption of materials that can be used, between 11.25 percent and 47.28 percent; in medicines, between 15.31 percent and 107.22 percent; and in human resources, between 15.01 percent and 32.72 percent. Conclusions: High levels of pure technical efficiency were determined for the nursing activity in the outpatient polyclinics, although the presence of inefficient units was verified. There are units with structurally determined inefficiency, and to solve it, an analysis of the consumption of resources is necessary(AU)

Avaliação da implantação do Programa de Valorização do Profissional da Atenção Básica no estado da Bahia / Evaluation of the implementation of the Primary Care Professional Valorization Program in the state of Bahia

RESUMO O Programa de Valorização do Profissional da Atenção Básica foi criado no Brasil, em 2011, para apoiar a atuação de profissionais de saúde, sob supervisão, em municípios com carência de profissionais. Este estudo avaliou o grau de implantação do programa no estado da Bahia. Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com membros da Comissão Coordenadora Estadual do programa e utilizadas fontes documentais para a produção dos dados. Os elementos críticos do processo de implantação foram analisados mediante o uso do triângulo de governo proposto por Matus. O programa, no estado da Bahia, alcançou 82,39% do grau de implantação de acordo com o modelo lógico elaborado a partir das normativas federais. O grupo de gestão executou as atividades do programa com êxito, em função de sua capacidade de governo e do apoio político e administrativo da Secretaria Estadual de Saúde, ainda que não tenha havido incremento de recursos financeiros para potencializar os componentes do programa. Evidenciou-se o envolvimento dos atores da coordenação da supervisão e da supervisão médica na tentativa de reorientar a formação médica, apostando em dispositivos pedagógicos e outros recursos educacionais.

ABSTRACT The Primary Care Professional Valorization Program was created in Brazil, in 2011, to support the performance of health professionals, under supervision, in municipalities with a shortage of professionals. This study evaluated the degree of implementation of the program in the state of Bahia. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of the State Coordinating Committee of the program and documentary sources were used to produce the data. The critical elements of the implementation process were analyzed through the use of the governance triangle proposed by Matus. The program, in the state of Bahia, reached 84% of the degree of implementation according to the logical model elaborated from the federal regulations. The management group successfully implemented the program's activities, due to its governance capacity and the political and administrative support of the State Health Secretariat, although there has been no increase in financial resources to leverage the components of the program. It was evidenced the involvement of the actors of the coordination of medical supervision and supervision in an attempt to reorient medical training, betting on pedagogical devices and other educational resources.

Formação e prática de enfermeiros para a Atenção Primária à Saúde - avanços, desafios e estratégias para fortalecimento do Sistema Único de Saúde / Training and practice of nurses for Primary Health Care - advances, challenges, and strategies to strengthen the Unified Health System

RESUMO Para o alcance dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável até 2030, o investimento em recursos humanos para a saúde é um dos componentes essenciais. Contudo, a formação desses recursos requer equilíbrio entre a oferta, a demanda e a capacidade dos profissionais para satisfazer às necessidades de atenção à saúde. A Atenção Primária à Saúde (APS) é a estratégia apoiada internacionalmente como elemento central e orientador de políticas que fortalecem o sistema de saúde. Ao celebrar 40 anos de Alma Ata e 30 anos do Sistema Único de Saúde, este artigo revisitou a história recente e destacou o profissional enfermeiro com um papel central para a consolidação da APS, sobretudo pelo potencial inovador, criativo e versátil. Os elementos aqui explorados são resultados de debates realizados pela Rede de Pesquisa em APS e reforçam a importância da construção de uma agenda política estratégica diante dos desafios presentes no cenário nacional e internacional, reafirmando a defesa da saúde e da educação pública. Organizado em três eixos, o texto aborda a expansão da enfermagem nas últimas décadas, o investimento na ampliação de escolas para formação de enfermeiros e finaliza com os desafios das práticas de enfermagem voltada à APS e potenciais estratégias de enfrentamento e melhoria, para garantir um futuro já presente no cuidado de indivíduos e populações.(AU)

ABSTRACT To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals until 2030, investment in human resources for health is one of the essential components. However, the formation of those resources requires a balance between the supply, the demand, and the ability of professionals to meet health care needs. Primary Health Care (PHC) is the internationally supported strategy as the central and guiding element of policies that strengthen the health system. Celebrating 40 years of Alma Ata and 30 years of Brazil's Unified Health System, this article revisits the recent history and emphasizes the professional nurse with a central role for the consolidation of PHC, especially by its innovative, creative, and versatile potential. The elements explored here are results of debates carried out by the PHS Research Network and reinforce the importance of building a strategic political agenda facing the challenges present in the national and international scenario, reaffirming the defense of public health and education. Organized in three axes, the text addresses the expansion of nursing in the last decades, the investment in expanding schools for training nurses, and ends with the challenges of nursing practices focused on PHC and potential coping and improvement strategies, to ensure a future already present in the care of individuals and populations.(AU)

The CIPRUS study, a nurse-led psychological treatment for patients with undifferentiated somatoform disorder in primary care: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Up to a third of patients presenting medically unexplained physical symptoms in primary care may have a somatoform disorder, of which undifferentiated somatoform disorder (USD) is the most common type. Psychological interventions can reduce symptoms associated with USD and improve functioning. Previous research has either been conducted in secondary care or interventions have been provided by general practitioners (GPs) or psychologists in primary care. As efficiency and cost-effectiveness are imperative in primary care, it is important to investigate whether nurse-led interventions are effective as well. The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a short cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)-based treatment for patients with USD provided by mental health nurse practitioners (MHNPs), compared to usual care. METHODS: In a cluster randomised controlled trial, 212 adult patients with USD will be assigned to the intervention or care as usual. The intervention group will be offered a short, individual CBT-based treatment by the MHNP in addition to usual GP care. The main goal of the intervention is that patients become less impaired by their physical symptoms and cope with symptoms in a more effective way. In six sessions patients will receive problem-solving treatment. The primary outcome is improvement in physical functioning, measured by the physical component summary score of the RAND-36. Secondary outcomes include health-related quality of life measured by the separate subscales of the RAND-36, somatization (PHQ-15) and symptoms of depression and anxiety (HADS). Problem-solving skills, health anxiety, illness perceptions, coping, mastery and working alliance will be assessed as potential mediators. Assessments will be done at 0, 2, 4, 8 and 12 months. An economic evaluation will be conducted from a societal perspective with quality of life as the primary outcome measure assessed by the EQ-5D-5L. Health care, patient and lost productivity costs will be assessed with the Tic-P. DISCUSSION: We expect that the intervention will improve physical functioning and is cost-effective compared to usual care. If so, more patients might successfully be treated in general practice, decreasing the number of referrals to specialist care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial Registry, identifier: NTR4686 , Registered on 14 July 2014.

Physical activity prescription by primary care nurses using health assets: Study design of a randomized controlled trial in patients with cardiovascular risk factors.

AIM: To analyse the efficacy of a 12-month multifactorial intervention by primary care nurses in increasing adherence to physical activity prescription (150 min/week) in patients with two or more cardiovascular risk factors and with cardiovascular risk up to 15% determined by the REGICOR equation. BACKGROUND: In Spain, cardiovascular diseases are responsible for 30.5% of deaths. Regular physical activity decreases mortality risk due to cardiovascular diseases but the effectiveness of physical activity prescription in routine in primary care settings has been shown to be low. DESIGN: Multicentre, single-blind, parallel randomized (in two different branches) clinical trial. METHODS: At least 368 participants will be recruited (184 control and 184 intervention), to show an 8% increase in adherence to the physical activity prescription (1.2% control group and 9.2% intervention group). Participants will be patients aged 35-75 years with at least two cardiovascular risk factors and with a cardiovascular risk of up to 15% measured using the Framingham-REGICOR equation. Intervention will be performed throughout baseline and three follow-up visits. A motivational interview, the trans-theoretical stages of changes of Prochaska and DiClemente and an individualized prescription of physical exercise using physical activity assets will be used in the intervention. Data will be collected at baseline and after the 1-year intervention. DISCUSSION: The present study will allow us to find out whether this brief multifactorial intervention induces greater adherence to physical activity prescription than usual practice, improving the quality of patient care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number (ISRCTN): ISRCTN76069254. Protocol version 1.1, 6 July 2015.

Building nurses' capacity to address health inequities: incorporating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health content in a family nurse practitioner programme.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To describe our experience in incorporating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health content into the family nurse practitioner curriculum at a Midwestern college of nursing in the United States. BACKGROUND: Globally, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people face disparities in the domains of physical health, behavioural risks, mental health and victimisation. There remains a paucity of nursing research on most aspects of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health and access to care. To date, nursing leadership and curricular bodies have not provided clear guidance on the role of nurse educators in preparing nursing students to provide care to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. DESIGN: Discursive paper describing the development of a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender health learning module for inclusion in a family nurse practitioner programme. METHODS: We summarise health disparities experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, describe the process of module development and outline the learning content included in the module. We also discuss challenges faced in incorporating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender content into nursing curricula. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the lack of formal direction from the nursing sector, nursing faculty should prepare nursing students to provide culturally sensitive and competent care to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Our experience incorporating lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-specific content into the family nurse practitioner programme has proven to be positive for both students and faculty. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Given their large numbers and presence across systems of care, nurses are uniquely positioned to address barriers to care faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Modules such as the one described here can be used by nurse faculty to guide the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender-specific content in family nurse practitioner or other nursing courses-as well as to guide the development of nursing competencies in the care of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

A randomized controlled trial of the effect of an intensive 1-year care management program on measures of health status in independent, community-living old elderly: the Eldercare project.

BACKGROUND: Primary care practitioners are familiar with the frail elderly and commonly have to deal with their multi-morbidity and their functional decline, both physically and mentally. However, there are well elderly with high quality of life and very few co-morbidities who seldom seek medical care. OBJECTIVE: To determine if a nurse-based program of home-delivered care, linked directly with the primary care practitioner or primary care team, would improve quality of life, symptoms, satisfaction with care and utilization of community and medical services, in independent community living old elderly. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred and thirty-six independent, community-dwelling, cognitively functioning, people aged 80 years and older. INTERVENTION: A nurse-based program of care, carried out in the patients home, that involved a detailed assessment of needs, the development of a plan to meet the needs, and up to eight visits to the patients home during a 1-year period to facilitate the meeting of those needs. CONTROL GROUP: Usual care MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Quality of Life measured using the SF-36 and the CASP-19 scales; symptomology using the Comorbidity Symptom Scale; patient satisfaction using the PSQ-18; and assessment of health care services (community services, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, use of diagnostic services and family doctor visits) through patient recall, family physician chart review and assessment of hospitalization records. RESULTS: There were no statistical or meaningful differences between the intervention and control groups in any of the outcomes measured. CONCLUSION: The intensive, home-delivered, program of care for the well old elderly did not have an impact on the outcomes measured.

Primary health care nurses' management practices of common mental health conditions in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

BACKGROUND: Psychiatric conditions contribute to 13%of the global burden of diseases and account for one third of years lost because of disability (YLD). Despite the high prevalence of mental health problems, primary health care (PHC) services remain ineffective in managing patients with mental health conditions. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine the practices of PHC nurses in the management of psychiatric patients in primary health care clinics in one of the rural districts in South Africa. METHOD: A survey was conducted amongst nurses working in several PHC clinics in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) in order to determine their practices in the management of psychiatric patients. Mixed methods were used to determine the PHC nurses practices in the management of psychiatric patients. RESULTS: The findings revealed that in five sites (83.3%) treatments are not reviewed every six months, there were no local protocols on the administration of psychiatric emergency drugs, and none of the study sites provided psychiatric patients with education on their medication and its possible side effects. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study it is evident that psychiatric patients at PHC clinics in the district where the study was conducted do not receive quality treatment according to institutional mental health guidelines.

A conversation analysis of verbal interactions and social processes in interpreter-mediated primary care encounters.

Language asymmetry between patients with limited English proficiency and health care providers increases the complexity of patient-provider communication. In this research, we used conversation analysis to examine the content and processes of five triadic clinical communication encounters between Spanish-speaking adult patients, English-speaking nurse practitioners, and clinic-based interpreters. Data collection included audio-recordings of the triadic clinical encounters and self-administered post-encounter surveys of the nurse practitioners and interpreters. Our findings revealed communication trouble spots that, when directly addressed by the interactants, facilitated processes of negotiating relationships, and coming to a mutual understanding. Exemplars labeled Making Assumptions; Colloquialisms as Signaling Potential for Trouble; Repairing a Mis-Statement; and Turn-Taking, Silences, and Laughter illustrated how the parties identified and navigated such trouble spots. The final exemplar, Attaining Intersubjectivity, represented a successful multi-lingual triadic communication. While the role of the interpreter often is seen as a conduit of information from one language to another, in practice they also enacted roles of communication collaborators and coconstructors. Future interdisciplinary research can include closer examination of occurrences of communication trouble spots and further exploration of how interpretermediated communication is conceptualized and problematized in diverse clinical settings, to promote language interpretation policies and practices that contribute to reducing health disparities among limited-English-proficient populations.

Increasing preventive care by primary care nursing and allied health clinicians: a non-randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although primary care nurse and allied health clinician consultations represent key opportunities for the provision of preventive care, it is provided suboptimally. PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of a practice change intervention in increasing primary care nursing and allied health clinician provision of preventive care for four health risks. DESIGN: Two-group (intervention versus control), non-randomized controlled study assessing the effectiveness of the intervention in increasing clinician provision of preventive care. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Randomly selected clients from 17 primary healthcare facilities participated in telephone surveys that assessed their receipt of preventive care prior to (September 2009-2010, n=876) and following intervention (October 2011-2012, n=1,113). INTERVENTION: The intervention involved local leadership and consensus processes, electronic medical record system modification, educational meetings and outreach, provision of practice change resources and support, and performance monitoring and feedback. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was differential change in client-reported receipt of three elements of preventive care (assessment, brief advice, referral/follow-up) for each of four behavioral risks individually (smoking, inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, alcohol overconsumption, physical inactivity) and combined. Logistic regression assessed intervention effectiveness. RESULTS: Analyses conducted in 2013 indicated significant improvements in preventive care delivery in the intervention compared to the control group from baseline to follow-up for assessment of fruit and vegetable consumption (+23.8% vs -1.5%); physical activity (+11.1% vs -0.3%); all four risks combined (+16.9% vs -1.0%) and for brief advice for inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption (+19.3% vs -2.0%); alcohol overconsumption (+14.5% vs -8.9%); and all four risks combined (+14.3% vs +2.2%). The intervention was ineffective in increasing the provision of the remaining forms of preventive care. CONCLUSIONS: The intervention's impact on the provision of preventive care varied by both care element and risk type. Further intervention is required to increase the consistent provision of preventive care, particularly referral/follow-up.

The CMS Annual Wellness Visit: bridging the gap.

In 2011, Medicare beneficiaries became eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit, which includes a health risk assessment and a customized wellness or personal prevention plan. This article discusses strategies for performing the exam in a primary care setting.

Detected health and well-being problems following comprehensive geriatric assessment during a home visit among community-dwelling older people: who benefits most?

BACKGROUND: Preventive home visits including comprehensive geriatric assessment for potentially frail older people are increasingly implemented in general practice. It remains unclear how to select older people who benefit most from it. OBJECTIVES: To determine which community-dwelling older people benefit most from a comprehensive geriatric assessment by a practice nurse during a home visit in terms of detected problems. METHODS: A cross-sectional study in 45 general practices in the Netherlands. Practice nurses visited 562 randomly selected older people (aged ≥ 75 years) and 1180 purposefully selected based on the following criteria: last visit to general practice >6 months ago; partner or child(ren) deceased within past 12 months; cognitive or psychosocial functioning unknown to GP; ≥2 chronic conditions; uses ≥5 medications and/or living alone. RESULTS: Mean age of older people was 82.50 years, 65.50% was female. More problems were detected among women, higher age groups, those living alone and the less educated (all P < 0.001). Overall, more problems were detected in purposefully selected older people than in randomly selected older people (P < 0.001). Selection of older people with ≥2 chronic conditions and those using ≥5 medications resulted in more detected problems in general (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although the findings are in favour of purposeful selection, observed differences in detected problems between the two selection procedures are relatively small. GPs should at least target older people with ≥2 chronic conditions, using ≥5 medications, being female, of an older age, living alone and the less educated.

A cluster-randomized controlled trial to study the effectiveness of a protocol-based lifestyle program to prevent type 2 diabetes in people with impaired fasting glucose.

BACKGROUND: Effective diabetes prevention strategies that can be implemented in daily practice, without huge amounts of money and a lot of personnel are needed. The Dutch Diabetes Federation developed a protocol for coaching people with impaired fasting glucose (IFG; according to WHO criteria: 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/l) to a sustainable healthy lifestyle change: 'the road map towards diabetes prevention' (abbreviated: Road Map: RM). This protocol is applied within a primary health care setting by a general practitioner and a practice nurse. The feasibility and (cost-) effectiveness of care provided according to the RM protocol will be evaluated. METHODS/DESIGN: A cluster randomised clinical trial is performed, with randomisation at the level of the general practices. Both opportunistic screening and active case finding took place among clients with high risk factors for diabetes. After IFG is diagnosed, motivated people in the intervention practices receive 3-4 consultations by the practice nurse within one year. During these consultations they are coached to increase the level of physical activity and healthy dietary habits. If necessary, participants are referred to a dietician, physiotherapist, lifestyle programs and/or local sports activities. The control group receives care as usual. The primary outcome measure in this study is change in Body Mass Index (BMI). Secondary outcome measures are waist circumference, physical activity, total and saturated fat intake, systolic blood pressure, blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and behaviour determinants like risk perception, perceived knowledge and motivation. Based on a sample size calculation 120 people in each group are needed. Measurements are performed at baseline, and after one (post-intervention) and two years follow up. Anthropometrics and biochemical parameters are assessed in the practices and physical activity, food intake and their determinants by a validated questionnaire. The cost-effectiveness is estimated by using the Chronic Disease Model (CDM). Feasibility will be tested by interviews among health care professionals. DISCUSSION: The results of the study will provide valuable information for both health care professionals and policy makers. If this study shows the RM to be both effective and cost-effective the protocol can be implemented on a large scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN41209683. Ethical approval number: NL31342.075.10.