RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Primary care physicians’ perspectives on facilitating older patients’ access to community support services
JF Canadian Family Physician
JO Can Fam Physician
FD The College of Family Physicians of Canada
SP e31
OP e42
VO 63
IS 1
A1 Ploeg, Jenny
A1 Denton, Margaret
A1 Hutchison, Brian
A1 McAiney, Carrie
A1 Moore, Ainsley
A1 Brazil, Kevin
A1 Tindale, Joseph
A1 Lam, Annie
YR 2017
UL http://www.cfp.ca/content/63/1/e31.abstract
AB Objective To understand how family physicians facilitate older patients’ access to community support services (CSSs) and to identify similarities and differences across primary health care (PHC) models.Design Qualitative, multiple-case study design using semistructured interviews.Setting Four models of PHC delivery, specifically 2 family health teams (FHTs), 4 non-FHTs family health organizations, 4 fee-for-service practices, and 2 community health centres in urban Ontario.Participants Purposeful sampling of 23 family physicians in solo and small and large group practices within the 4 models of PHC.Methods A multiple-case study approach was used. Semistructured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using within- and cross-case analysis. Case study tactics to ensure study rigour included memos and an audit trail, investigator triangulation, and the use of multiple, rather than single, case studies.Main findings Three main themes were identified: consulting and communicating with the health care team to create linkages; linking patients and families to CSSs; and relying on out-of-date resources and ineffective search strategies for information on CSSs. All participants worked with their team members; however, those in FHTs and community health centres generally had a broader range of health care providers available to assist them. Physicians relied on home-care case managers to help make linkages to CSSs. Physicians recommended the development of an easily searchable, online database containing available CSSs.Conclusion This study shows the importance of interprofessional teamwork in primary care settings to facilitate linkages of older patients to CSSs. The study also provides insight into the strategies physicians use to link older persons to CSSs and their recommendations for change. This understanding can be used to develop resources and approaches to better support physicians in making appropriate linkages to CSSs.