The Role of Wearable Sensors in the Future Primary Healthcare - Preferences of the Adult Swiss Population: A Mixed Methods Approach.

Wearable sensors have the potential to increase continuity of care and reduce healthcare expenditure. The user concerns and preferences regarding wearable sensors are the least addressed topic in related literature. Therefore, this study aimed first, to examine the preferences of the adult Swiss population regarding the use of wearable sensors in primary healthcare. Second, the study aimed to explain and learn more about these preferences and why such wearable sensors would or would not be used. An explanatory sequential design was used to reach the two aims. In the initial quantitative phase preferences of a nationwide survey were analyzed descriptively and a multivariable ordered logistic regression was used to identify key characteristics, that influence the preferences. In the second phase, eight semi-structured interviews were conducted. The cleaned study sample of the survey included 687 participants, 46% of whom gave a positive rating regarding the use of wearable sensors. In contrast, 44% gave a negative rating and 10% were neutral. The interviews showed that sensors should be small, not flashy and be compatible with everyday activities. Individuals without a current health risk or existing chronic disease showed lower preferences for using wearable sensors, particularly because they fear losing control over their own body. In contrast, individuals with increased risk or with an existing chronic disease were more likely to use wearable sensors as they can increase the personal safety and provide real-time health information to physicians. Therefore, an important deciding factor for and against the use of wearable sensors seems to be the perceived personal susceptibility for potential health problems.

Accuracy of Trained Physicians is Inferior to Deep Learning-Based Algorithm for Determining Angles in Ultrasound of the Newborn Hip.

PURPOSE: Sonographic diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip allows treatment with a flexion-abduction orthosis preventing hip luxation. Accurate determination of alpha and beta angles according to Graf is crucial for correct diagnosis. It is unclear if algorithms could predict the angles. We aimed to compare the accuracy for users and automation reporting root mean squared errors (RMSE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used 303 306 ultrasound images of newborn hips collected between 2009 and 2016 in screening consultations. Trained physicians labelled every second image with alpha and beta angles during the consultations. A random subset of images was labeled with time and precision under lab conditions as ground truth. Automation predicted the two angles using a convolutional neural network (CNN). The analysis was focused on the alpha angle. RESULTS: Three methods were implemented, each with a different abstraction of the problem: (1) CNNs that directly learn the angles without any post-processing steps; (2) CNNs that return the relevant landmarks in the image to identify the angles; (3) CNNs that return the base line, bony roof line, and the cartilage roof line which are necessary to calculate the angles. The RMSE between physicians and ground truth were found to be 7.1° for alpha. The best CNN architecture was (2) landmark detection. The RMSE between landmark detection and ground truth was 3.9° for alpha. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of physicians in their daily routine is inferior to deep learning-based algorithms for determining angles in ultrasound of the newborn hip. Similar methods could be used to support physicians.

Treating insomnia in Swiss primary care practices: A survey study based on case vignettes.

Guidelines recommend cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, but it is not clear how many primary care physicians (PCPs) in Switzerland prescribe this treatment. We created a survey that asked PCPs how they would treat chronic insomnia and how much they knew about CBT-I. The survey included two case vignettes that described patients with chronic insomnia, one with and one without comorbid depression. PCPs also answered general questions about treating chronic insomnia and about CBT-I and CBT-I providers. Of the 820 Swiss PCPs we invited, 395 (48%) completed the survey (mean age 54 years; 70% male); 87% of PCPs prescribed sleep hygiene and 65% phytopharmaceuticals for the patient who had only chronic insomnia; 95% prescribed antidepressants for the patient who had comorbid depression. In each case, 20% of PCPs prescribed benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine receptor agonists, 8% prescribed CBT-I, 68% said they knew little about CBT-I, and 78% did not know a CBT-I provider. In the clinical case vignettes, most PCPs treated chronic insomnia with phytopharmaceuticals and sleep hygiene despite their lack of efficacy, but PCPs rarely prescribed CBT-I, felt they knew little about it, and usually knew no CBT-I providers. PCPs need more information about the benefits of CBT-I and local CBT-I providers and dedicated initiatives to implement CBT-I in order to reduce the number of patients who are prescribed ineffective or potentially harmful medications.

Traditional Mongolian swaddling and developmental dysplasia of the hip: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Mongolian traditional swaddling of infants, where arms and legs are extended with a tight wrapping and hips are in adduction position, may lead to abnormal maturation and formation of the hip joint; and is a contributing factor for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). This hypothesis was tested in this randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Eighty newborns with one or two hips at risk of worsening to DDH (Graf Type 2a; physiologically immature hips) at birth were randomized into 2 groups at a tertiary hospital in Ulaanbaatar. The "swaddling" group (n = 40) was swaddled in the common traditional Mongolian method for a month while the "non-swaddling" group (n = 40) was instructed not to swaddle at all. All enrollees were followed up on monthly basis by hip ultrasound and treated with an abduction-flexion splint if necessary. The groups were compared on the rate of Graf's "non-Type 1" hips at follow-up controls as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were rate of DDH and time to discharge (Graf Type 1; healthy hips). In addition, correlation between the primary outcome and swaddling length in days and frequency of swaddling in hours per day were calculated. RESULTS: Recruitment continued from September 2019 to March 2020 and follow-up data were completed in June 2020. We collected final outcome data in all 80 enrollees. Percentages of cases with non-Type 1 hip at any follow-up examination were 7.5% (3/40) in the non-swaddling group and 40% (16/40) in the swaddling group (p = 0.001). There was no DDH case in the non-swaddling group while there were 8 cases of DDH in the swaddling group. The mean time to discharge was 5.1 ± 0.3 weeks in the non-swaddling group and 8.4 ± 0.89 weeks in the swaddling group (p = 0.001). There is a correlation between the primary outcome and the swaddling frequency in hours per day (r = 0.81) and swaddling length in days (r = 0.43). CONCLUSIONS: Mongolian traditional swaddling where legs are extended and hips are in extension and adduction position increases the risk for DDH. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered, ISRCTN11228572 .

First contact of care for persons with spinal cord injury: a general practitioner or a spinal cord injury specialist?

BACKGROUND: Although general practitioners (GPs) are generally considered as the first point of contact for care, this may be different for persons with complex conditions, such as those with spinal cord injury (SCI). The objective of this study is to understand the differences in long-term care provision by GPs and SCI-specialists, by examining (1) the first contact of care for SCI health problems, (2) the morbidity profile and use of health-care services in relation to first contact, and (3) the factors associated with the choice of first contact. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study based on data derived from the Swiss Spinal Cord Injury Cohort Study Community Survey 2017, the main outcome measure was the reported first contact for SCI-specific care. This information was analysed using the chi-square test and logistic regression analysis of groups based on patient characteristics, use of health-care services and secondary health conditions assessed using the Spinal Cord Injury Secondary Conditions Scale (SCI-SCS). RESULTS: Out of 1294 respondents, 1095 reported their first contact for SCI-specific care; 56% indicated SCI-specialists and 44% specified GPs. On average, participants who first contacted a GP reported higher number of GP consultations (5.1 ± 5.2 vs. 3.9 ± 7.2), planned visits to ambulatory clinics (3.7 ± 7.3 vs. 3.6 ± 6.7) and hospital admissions (GP, 1.9 ± 1.7 vs. 1.5 ± 1.3), but lower number of visits to SCI-specialists (1.7 ± 1.8 vs. 2.6 ± 1.7) and of hospital days (22.8 ± 43.2 vs. 31.0 ± 42.8). The likelihood to contact a GP first was significantly higher in persons ≥75 years old (OR = 4.44, 95% CI = 1.85-10.69), Italian speakers (OR = 5.06, 95% CI = 2.44-10.47), had incomplete lesions (OR = 2.39, 95% CI = 1.71-3.35), experiencing pain (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.04-2.09) or diabetes mellitus (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.05-3.27), but lower for those situated closer to SCI centres (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51-0.93) or had higher SCI-SCS scores (OR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.86-0.99). CONCLUSION: Age, language region, travel distance to SCI centres, lesion completeness, and occurrence of secondary conditions play a significant role in determining the choice of first contact of care, however there is still some unwarranted variation that remains unclear and requires further research.

Prevalence and management of chronic insomnia in Swiss primary care: Cross-sectional data from the "Sentinella" practice-based research network.

We investigated the prevalence and treatment of patients with chronic insomnia presenting to Swiss primary care physicians (PCPs) part of "Sentinella", a nationwide practice-based research network. Each PCP consecutively asked 40 patients if they had sleep complaints, documented frequency, duration, comorbidities, and reported ongoing treatment. We analysed data of 63% (83/132) of the PCPs invited. The PCPs asked 76% (2,432/3,216) of included patients about their sleep (51% female); 31% (761/2,432) of these had had insomnia symptoms; 36% (875/2,432) had current insomnia symptoms; 11% (269/2,432) met the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for chronic insomnia (61% female). In all, 75% (201/269) of patients with chronic insomnia had comorbidities, with 49% (99/201) reporting depression. Chronic insomnia was treated in 78% (209/269); 70% (188/268) took medication, 38% (102/268) benzodiazepines or benzodiazepine receptor agonists, 32% (86/268) took antidepressants. Only 1% (three of 268) had been treated with cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). A third of patients presenting for a non-urgent visit in Swiss primary care reported insomnia symptoms and 11% met the DSM-5 criteria for chronic insomnia. Hypnotics were the most common treatment, but almost no patients received first-line CBT-I. Reducing the burden of insomnia depends on disseminating knowledge about and access to CBT-I, and encouraging PCPs to discuss it with and offer it as a first-line treatment to patients with chronic insomnia.

Effect of a patient-centred deprescribing procedure in older multimorbid patients in Swiss primary care - A cluster-randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Management of patients with polypharmacy is challenging, and evidence for beneficial effects of deprescribing interventions is mixed. This study aimed to investigate whether a patient-centred deprescribing intervention of PCPs results in a reduction of polypharmacy, without increasing the number of adverse disease events and reducing the quality of life, among their older multimorbid patients. METHODS: This is a cluster-randomised clinical study among 46 primary care physicians (PCPs) with a 12 months follow-up. We randomised PCPs into an intervention and a control group. They recruited 128 and 206 patients if ≥60 years and taking ≥five drugs for ≥6 months. The intervention consisted of a 2-h training of PCPs, encouraging the use of a validated deprescribing-algorithm including shared-decision-making, in comparison to usual care. The primary outcome was the mean difference in the number of drugs per patient (dpp) between baseline and after 12 months. Additional outcomes focused on patient safety and quality of life (QoL) measures. RESULTS: Three hundred thirty-four patients, mean [SD] age of 76.2 [8.5] years participated. The mean difference in the number of dpp between baseline and after 12 months was 0.379 in the intervention group (8.02 and 7.64; p = 0.059) and 0.374 in the control group (8.05 and 7.68; p = 0.065). The between-group comparison showed no significant difference at all time points, except for immediately after the intervention (p = 0.002). There were no significant differences concerning patient safety nor QoL measures. CONCLUSION: Our straight-forward and patient-centred deprescribing procedure is effective immediately after the intervention, but not after 6 and 12 months. Further research needs to determine the optimal interval of repeated deprescribing interventions for a sustainable effect on polypharmacy at mid- and long-term. Integrating SDM in the deprescribing process is a key factor for success. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials, prospectively registered ISRCTN16560559 Date assigned 31/10/2014. The Prevention of Polypharmacy in Primary Care Patients Trial (4P-RCT).

Potentially inappropriate testing for vitamin D deficiency: a cross-sectional study in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: There is consensus that vitamin D supplementation is often indicated but population-based screening by laboratory testing for vitamin D deficiency is inadequate. Testing should be restricted to people at high risk of severe deficiency. This study describes the current lab testing for vitamin D deficiency in the adult population of Switzerland. METHODS: We assessed Swiss health insurance data (SWICA) for incidence of lab testing for vitamin D levels, comparing the years 2015 and 2018. Claims were analyzed for associations between lab testing and age, sex, medical indications, insurance status and geographic location in multivariable regression analyses. We also estimated the costs of vitamin D testing. RESULTS: Data from 200,043 and 200,046 persons for 2015 and 2018, respectively, were analyzed. Vitamin D level was tested in 14% of the sample population in 2015 and 20% in 2018. Testing increased by 69% for individuals aged 26-30. Testing was associated with being middle-aged to young senior citizens, female, medical indications (pregnancy, renal disease, osteoporosis, hyperparathyroidism, HIV, glucocorticoid intake), more chronic conditions, having a mandatory insurance with a low deductible, additional insurance coverage, and living in urban areas. We estimate that the total laboratory cost to mandatory insurance was about 90 million Swiss francs in 2018. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recommendations for routine vitamin D supplementation, vitamin D testing of low risk individuals is common and increasing in Switzerland.

Outpatient and community care for preventing pressure injuries in spinal cord injury. A qualitative study of service users' and providers' experience.

STUDY DESIGN: Qualitative exploratory study. OBJECTIVES: Pressure injuries (PIs) are a major secondary condition occurring after spinal cord injuries (SCI). Optimization of outpatient and community care may be a promising approach to better support community-dwelling individuals with SCI in preventing PIs. The aim of this study was to examine the experiences of individuals with SCI, family caregivers and health professionals (HPs) in using or providing outpatient and community services for early treatment and prevention of PIs in SCI. SETTING: Switzerland. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews with a sample of Swiss residents community-dwelling individuals with SCI (n = 20), family caregivers (n = 5) and HPs (n = 22) were analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: General practitioners (GPs), home care providers, SCI-specialized outpatient clinics and an SCI-specialized nursing service are involved in the prevention and early treatment of PIs. Our findings show that the needs of individuals with SCI are not fully met: outpatient and community care is often fragmented, mono-professional and non-specialized, while persons with SCI and HPs prefer coordinated, inter-professional and specialized services for preventing and treating PIs. Our findings also highlight the challenges faced by HPs in providing care to individuals with SCI in the community. CONCLUSIONS: Although there seems to be a gap in service provision, there is the potential for improvement by better integrating the different providers in a network and structuring their collaborations. Concrete suggestions are: systematizing knowledge transfer to home care providers and GPs; redefining the role of involved HPs and individuals with SCI and reinforcing the role of the SCI-specialized nursing service.

The use of ultrasound in primary care: longitudinal billing and cross-sectional survey study in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound imaging is utilized in Swiss primary care; however, little is known regarding the extent to which it is performed. With this study, we aim to (1) provide an overview of ultrasound use by general practitioners (GPs), and (2) determine the clinical indications of ultrasound in Swiss general practice. METHODS: This is a quantitative study, analyzing 15 years of billing data from 213 GPs in Central Switzerland, and cross-sectional survey data completed by 61 GPs attending 26 certification and refresher courses offered by the Swiss Society of Ultrasound in Medicine (SGUM). RESULTS: According to billing data, 49% of the GPs used ultrasound and provided 130,245 exams to 67,180 patients between 2004 and 2018. Over the years, ultrasound use became more frequent among GPs. Male GPs provide more ultrasound exams than female GPs. Patients that are female, ≥65 years, and multi-morbid had more ultrasound exams compared to males, patients < 65 years, and those with only one morbidity, respectively. GPs provided a mean of 129 ultrasound exams per physician-year. Abdominal ultrasound comprised almost 69% of all exams. According to survey data, indications covered many organ systems and clinical conditions, with abdominal indications being most frequent among them. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ultrasound is high among general practitioners and it covers a wide range of clinical indications. Ultrasound is utilized primarily in the diagnosis of clinical indications of the abdomen, and more often for female than male patients.

Complexity as a factor for task allocation among general practitioners and nurse practitioners: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: General practitioner (GP) shortages and increasing demand for care led to the introduction of nurse practitioners (NPs) to primary care. Many concepts for task sharing among health professionals feature complexity. The aim of this narrative review was to examine how complexity is used as a factor for task allocation between GPs and NPs. METHODS: According to the PRISMA statement, PubMed and CINAHL were searched systematically, and eligibility criteria were applied to detect literature concerning GPs and NPs in primary care and complexity in the context of task allocation. Relevant information was extracted, and a narrative analysis was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven studies from seven countries were included, comprising quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Complexity was used to describe patients, their needs, and health professionals' tasks. The understanding of the use of complexity as a factor for task allocation between NPs and GPs was based on the patient population (specific vs. unspecific), the setting (specific vs. unspecific), the numbers of health professionals involved (two vs. more than two), and the NP role (distinct model of care vs. no model). Despite similarities in these areas, the tasks which NPs perform range from providing minor to complex care. However, there is a slight trend towards NPs treating socially complex patients and GPs focusing on medically complex cases. CONCLUSION: Complexity as a concept is prominent in primary care but remains broad and inconsistent as a factor for task allocation between NPs and GPs. This review can be used as a point of reference when practitioners are seeking methods for task allocation in a collaborative primary care setting.

Differences in patient population and service provision between nurse practitioner and general practitioner consultations in Swiss primary care: a case study.

BACKGROUND: Primary care systems around the world have implemented nurse practitioners (NPs) to ensure access to high quality care in times of general practitioner (GP) shortages and changing health care needs of a multimorbid, ageing population. In Switzerland, NPs are currently being introduced, and their exact role is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to get insight into patient characteristics and services provided in NP consultations compared to GP consultations in Swiss primary care. METHODS: This case study used retrospective observational data from electronic medical records of a family practice with one NP and two GPs. Data on patient-provider encounters were collected between August 2017 and December 2018. We used logistic regression to assess associations between the assignment of the patients to the NP or GP and patient characteristics and delivered services respectively. RESULTS: Data from 5210 patients participating in 27,811 consultations were analyzed. The average patient age was 44.3 years (SD 22.6), 47.1% of the patients were female and 19.4% multimorbid. 1613 (5.8%) consultations were with the NP, and 26,198 (94.2%) with the two GPs. Patients in NP consultations were more often aged 85+ (OR 3.43; 95%-CI 2.70-4.36), multimorbid (OR 1.37; 95%-CI 1.24-1.51; p < 0.001) and polypharmaceutical (OR 1.28; 95%-CI 1.15-1.42; p < 0.001) in comparison to GP consultations. In NP consultations, vital signs (OR 3.05; 95%-CI 2.72-3.42; p < 0.001) and anthropometric data (OR 1.33; 95%-CI 1.09-1.63; p 0.005) were measured more frequently, and lab tests (OR 1.16; 95%-CI 1.04-1.30; p 0.008) were ordered more often compared to GP consultations, independent of patient characteristics. By contrast, medications (OR 0.35; 95%-CI 0.30-0.41; p < 0.001) were prescribed or changed less frequently in NP consultations. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative data from pilot projects provide valuable insights into NP tasks and activities in Swiss primary care. Our results provide first indications that NPs might have a focus on and could offer care to the growing number of multimorbid, polypharmaceutical elderly in Swiss primary care.

The provision of mobile dental services to dependent elderly people in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE: This work aimed at describing mobile dental services provided by both the private sector and the universities in Switzerland to dependent elderly people. It also aimed at presenting the views of both sectors on the current status of these services. BACKGROUND: As people age and become more care-dependent, their oral health requirements increase, as access to dental care decreases. METHOD: A survey was sent to practitioners who potentially provided a mobile dental service (n = 253). Five interviews were conducted with six individuals who have a leading role in Geriatric dentistry in the four universities in Switzerland that provide dental training. RESULTS: The private sector provides a mobile dental service to the elderly mainly through the use of portable equipment, while university services are provided by different models. The interviewees discussed the reasons as to why these services were set up. They discussed the challenges associated with treating dependent elderly patients, which often makes work in this field hard and unattractive. Both sectors see the need for better collaboration with other professionals. CONCLUSION: The private sector in Switzerland provides a mobile dental service to elderly people mostly through the use of portable equipment, while university services are provided in a variable configuration of models. Better collaboration is required to improve dental care and service delivery to dependent elders. There is a potential for improvement of these services, in order to meet the demand of an ageing population, catering for both the institutionalised elders and those living at home.

Patients' experiences with the advanced practice nurse role in Swiss family practices: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Considering shortages of general practitioners (GP) and strategies for improving the quality of health care provision, many countries have implemented interprofessional care models with advanced practice nurses (APN). International evidence suggests that APN care results in high patient satisfaction. In Switzerland, the role is still new, and the patient perspective has not yet been researched. Our aim was therefore to explore patients' experiences with the APN role in Swiss family practices. METHODS: We conducted 22 semi-structured interviews in four different family practices with patients aged 18 to 97 suffering from minor acute to multiple chronic diseases, and who had at least one consultation with an APN. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in five themes: Despite the unfamiliarity, all patients were willing to be consulted by an APN because it was recommended by their GP (1); after several encounters, most participants perceived differences between the APN and the GP consultation in terms of the length and style of the consultations as well as the complexity of their tasks (2); the interviewees emphasised coaching, guidance, care coordination, and GP-assisting tasks as APN core competencies and attributed the characteristics empathetic, trustworthy, and competent to the APN role (3); most patients especially valued home visits and the holistic approach of the APNs, but they also noticed that in certain cases GP supervision was required (4); and due to the close collaboration between the APN and the GP, patients felt safe, well cared for and experienced improvements in physical and psychological well-being as well as in daily activities (5). CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that patients value the APNs' competencies, despite their initial lack of role knowledge. Trust in the GP seemed to be the most important factor for patients' receptiveness toward the APN role. Overall, patients perceived an added value due to the enlargement of the scope of practice offered by APNs. The patient perspective might provide valuable insights for further APN role implementation in Swiss family practices.

Communicating "cure" to pediatric oncology patients: A mixed-methods study.

BACKGROUND: Uncertainty about cure puts childhood cancer survivors at risk of mental distress. We asked survivors if they had been told they had been cured and investigated associated factors. PROCEDURE: We used nationwide registry data and a questionnaire survey for ≥five-year survivors of childhood cancer (n = 301), followed by online focus groups with a purposive sample of Swiss pediatric oncologists (n = 17). Discussions were coded by investigators using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 235 among 301 survivors (78%; 95% confidence interval, 73%-83%) reported having been told they were cured. The proportion was 89% (81%-97%) among lymphoma and 84% (77%-91%) among leukemia survivors, but only 49% (33%-65%) among central nervous system tumor survivors. Pediatric oncologists acknowledged that telling survivors they are cured may reassure them that their cancer lies behind them. However, many refrained from telling all patients. Reasons included the possibility of late effects (cure disrupted by a continued need for follow-up care) or late relapse (uncertainty of biological cure), case-by-case strategies (use of "cure" according to individual factors), and reluctance (substitution of noncommittal terms for "cure"; waiting for the patient to raise the topic). CONCLUSIONS: Not all physicians tell survivors they have been cured; their choices depend on the cancer type and risk of late effects.

Advanced practice nurses' and general practitioners' first experiences with introducing the advanced practice nurse role to Swiss primary care: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Primary care is facing a multimorbid, ageing population and a lack of general practitioners (GPs), especially in rural areas. In many countries, advanced practice nurses (APNs) may be a potential solution for these challenges. Switzerland, however, is in the early stages of APN role development with a handful of pilot projects that are unresearched. Our aim was to explore the experiences of APNs and GPs involved in introducing the APN role to Swiss primary care. METHODS: We organised two focus group discussions with APNs (n = 9) engaged in primary care across German-speaking Switzerland and individual interviews with APNs (n = 2) and GPs (n = 4) from two pilot projects in remote areas. Data analysis followed an exploratory hybrid approach of thematic analysis and was guided by the PEPPA Plus framework. RESULTS: The analysis resulted in five main themes: The participants considered themselves pioneers developing a new model in primary care, seeking to shape and improve future health care ((1) pioneering spirit). Both nurses and doctors agreed on the additional value of the APN role, a role seen as having more time for and a different approach to patient care, bringing higher quality of care and flexibility to the practice ((2) added value from the APN role). Participants also emphasized the importance of asking for advice when unsure about diagnostic steps or appropriate treatment ((3) awareness of limited knowledge and skills). The main barriers identified included the impression that Swiss doctors have little knowledge about nurses in advanced roles ((4) GP's lack of knowledge regarding the APN role), and that further regulations will be important to foster role clarity and accountability ((5) political and legal obstacles in introducing the APN role). CONCLUSIONS: The early phase of introducing APNs to Swiss primary care is characterised by heterogeneous, small-scale projects of pioneering GPs and APNs recognising the added value and limits of APNs despite a lack of governance and knowledge regarding the APN role among GPs. Experiences gained from ongoing projects provide elements of good practice for political discussions and regulations.

General practitioners' attitudes towards early diagnosis of dementia: a cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Dementia is often underdiagnosed in general practice, which may be based on general practitioners' (GPs') knowledge and emotional factors as well as external problems. This study aimed to describe GPs' attitudes toward early diagnosis of dementia. METHODS: Cross-sectional postal survey in Switzerland in 2017. Members of the Swiss Association of General Practitioners (N = 4460) were asked to participate in the survey. The questionnaire assessed attitudes, enablers and barriers to early dementia diagnosis and post-diagnostic intervention strategies. Exploratory factor analysis and linear regression were used. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 21%. 85% of GPs agreed with enablers of early dementia recognition (e.g. "Plan for the future, organize support and care", "Minimize the strain and insecurity of patients and their informal family caregivers"). On the other hand, 15% of respondents perceived barriers towards early dementia recognition (e.g. "Time constraints in carrying out the necessary procedures to diagnose dementia"). GPs who were more likely to agree with barriers would less often counsel family members (ß = - 0.05, 95% CI = - 0.09 - -0.02) or test fitness to drive (ß = - 0.05, 95% CI = - 0.09 - -0.02), and more often choose a watchful waiting strategy (ß = 0.05, 95% CI = 0.02-0.09). CONCLUSIONS: The attitude of the majority of GPs is not characterized by diagnostic and therapeutic nihilism. However, negative attitudes were associated with sub-optimal management after the diagnosis. Thus, health systems are required to critically examine the use of available resources allowing GPs to look after patients and their relatives in a holistic way.

Improving Communication in Adolescent Cancer Care: A Multiperspective Study.

BACKGROUND: Professionals treating adolescents with cancer must communicate well with them and their parents. Evidence suggests that the communication needs of this population are rarely met. Skills training can improve professional communication, but has been criticized for not being based on the experience of the participants in the clinical encounter. We took a multiperspective approach, drawing on perspectives of former adolescents with cancer, patients' parents, physicians, and nurses with the aim to provide suggestions for improvement in communication in adolescent cancer care. METHODS: Adolescent cancer survivors (n = 16), parents (n = 8), pediatric oncologists (n = 12), and pediatric oncology nurses (n = 18) participated in 11 focus groups. They discussed their experiences communicating with each other. Transcripts were analyzed by thematic analysis. RESULTS: We identified themes within the following sections: (1) The framework in which professionals communicate with adolescents with cancer (regression in a time of detachment, adolescents' perception and knowledge of illness, cognitive versus legal maturity, "lost in transition" between pediatric and adult oncology); (2) communication difficulties between professionals and patients and parents (professionals and patients/parents identified the other party as the source of difficulties), and (3) effective professional communication (there was some overlap on how doctors and nurses should communicate, along with substantially different expectations for the two professions). CONCLUSIONS: The framework within which professionals communicate, the different perspectives on the factors that make communication difficult, and the different expectations regarding good communication by doctors and nurses should be considered when communication skills training courses are developed for professionals who work in adolescent oncology.

Risk of late effects of treatment in children newly diagnosed with standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of patients with paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia has evolved such that the risk of late effects in survivors treated in accordance with contemporary protocols could be different from that noted in those treated decades ago. We aimed to estimate the risk of late effects in children with standard-risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia treated with contemporary protocols. METHODS: We used data from similarly treated members of the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study cohort. The Childhood Cancer Survivor Study is a multicentre, North American study of 5-year survivors of childhood cancer diagnosed between 1970 and 1986. We included cohort members if they were aged 1·0-9·9 years at the time of diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and had received treatment consistent with contemporary standard-risk protocols for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. We calculated mortality rates and standardised mortality ratios, stratified by sex and survival time, after diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. We calculated standardised incidence ratios and absolute excess risk for subsequent neoplasms with age-specific, sex-specific, and calendar-year-specific rates from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program. Outcomes were compared with a sibling cohort and the general US population. FINDINGS: We included 556 (13%) of 4329 cohort members treated for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Median follow-up of the survivors from 5 years after diagnosis was 18·4 years (range 0·0-33·0). 28 (5%) of 556 participants had died (standardised mortality ratio 3·5, 95% CI 2·3-5·0). 16 (57%) deaths were due to causes other than recurrence of acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Six (1%) survivors developed a subsequent malignant neoplasm (standardised incidence ratio 2·6, 95% CI 1·0-5·7). 107 participants (95% CI 81-193) in each group would need to be followed-up for 1 year to observe one extra chronic health disorder in the survivor group compared with the sibling group. 415 participants (376-939) in each group would need to be followed-up for 1 year to observe one extra severe, life-threatening, or fatal disorder in the group of survivors. Survivors did not differ from siblings in their educational attainment, rate of marriage, or independent living. INTERPRETATION: The prevalence of adverse long-term outcomes in children treated for standard risk acute lymphoblastic leukaemia according to contemporary protocols is low, but regular care from a knowledgeable primary-care practitioner is warranted. FUNDING: National Cancer Institute, American Lebanese-Syrian Associated Charities, Swiss Cancer Research.

Information provision and information needs in adult survivors of childhood cancer.

BACKGROUND: Knowledge about their past medical history is central for childhood cancer survivors to ensure informed decisions in their health management. Knowledge about information provision and information needs in this population is still scarce. We thus aimed to assess: (1) the information survivors reported to have received on disease, treatment, follow-up, and late effects; (2) their information needs in these four domains and the format in which they would like it provided; (3) the association with psychological distress and quality of life (QoL). PROCEDURE: As part of the Follow-up survey of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we sent a questionnaire to all survivors (≥18 years) who previously participated to the baseline survey, were diagnosed with cancer after 1990 at an age of <16 years. RESULTS: Most survivors had received oral information only (on illness: oral: 82%, written: 38%, treatment: oral: 79%, written: 36%; follow-up: oral: 77%, written: 23%; late effects: oral: 68%, written: 14%). Most survivors who had not previously received any information rated it as important, especially information on late effects (71%). A large proportion of survivors reported current information needs and would like to receive personalized information especially on late effects (44%). Survivors with higher information needs reported higher psychological distress and lower QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Survivors want to be more informed especially on possible late effects, and want to receive personalized information. Improving information provision, both qualitatively and quantitatively, will allow survivors to have better control of their health and to become better decision makers.