1. Scaling-up an integrated care for patients with non-communicable diseases : an analysis of healthcare barriers and facilitators in Slovenia and BelgiumČrt Zavrnik, Katrien Danhieux, Miriam Hurtado Monarres, Nataša Stojnić, Majda Mori-Lukančič, Monika Martens, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Edwin Wouters, Josefien Van Olmen, Tonka Poplas-Susič, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: Although the concept of integrated care for non-communicable diseases was introduced at the primary level to move from disease-centered to patient-centered care, it has only been partially implemented in European countries. The aim of this study was to identify and compare identified facilitators and barriers to scale-up this concept between Slovenia and Belgium.
Methods: This was a qualitative study. Fifteen focus groups and fifty-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with stakeholders at the micro, meso and macro levels. In addition, data from two previously published studies were used for the analysis. Data collection and analysis was initially conducted at country level. Finally, the data was evaluated by a cross-country team to assess similarities and differences between countries.
Results: Four topics were identified in the study: patient-centered care, teamwork, coordination of care and task delegation. Despite the different contexts, true teamwork and patient-centered care are limited in both countries by hierarchies and a very heavily skewed medical approach. The organization of primary healthcare in Slovenia probably facilitates the coordination of care, which is not the case in Belgium. The financing and organization of primary practices in Belgium was identified as a barrier to the implementation of task delegation between health professionals.
Conclusions: This study allowed formulating some important concepts for future healthcare for non-communicable diseases at the level of primary healthcare. The results could provide useful insights for other countries with similar health systems. Ključne besede: scale-up, noncommunicable diseases, patientcentered care, primary healthcare, integrated healthcare Objavljeno v DKUM: 22.10.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 3 Celotno besedilo (428,11 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
2. Implementation of a savvy mobile ECG sensor for heart rhythm disorder screening at the primary healthcare levelStaša Vodička, Tonka Poplas-Susič, Erika Zelko, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: The Jozef Stefan Institute developed a personal portable electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor Savvy that works with a smartphone, and this was used in our study. This study aimed to analyze the usefulness of telecardiology at the primary healthcare level using an ECG personal sensor.
Methods: We included 400 patients with a history of suspected rhythm disturbance who visited their family physician at the Healthcare Center Ljubljana and Healthcare Center Murska Sobota from October 2016 to January 2018.
Results: The study found that there was no statistically significant difference between the test and control groups in the number of present rhythm disorders and actions taken to treat patients with either observation or administration of a new drug. However, in the test group, there were significantly fewer patients being referred to a cardiologist than in the control group (p < 0.001).
Discussion: The use of an ECG sensor helps family physicians to distinguish between patients who need to be referred to a cardiologist and those who can be treated by them. This method is useful for both physicians and patients because it shortens the time taken to start treatment, can be used during pandemics such as COVID-19, and reduces unnecessary cost. Ključne besede: heart rhythm disorders, palpitations, primary healthcare, personal mobile ECG sensor, referrals Objavljeno v DKUM: 21.10.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1 Celotno besedilo (1,09 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
3. The safety culture of the Ljubljana community health centre's employeesŠpela Tevžič, Tonka Poplas-Susič, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: Patient safety is one of the key aspects of healthcare quality and a serious global public health concern. Patient safety culture is a part of the patient safety concept. In Slovenia, primary care is easily accessible, and for medical care, it serves as a gatekeeper to hospital care. For several years, the quality and safety at the primary healthcare level have been the focus of several studies. The present study aimed to assess patient safety culture among all employees of the Community Health Centre Ljubljana.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 2017 using the Slovene version of “Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture” from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Mean percent positive scores on all items in each composite were calculated according to a user guide.
Results: The final sample contained 1021 participants (67.8% response rate), of which 909 (89.0%) were women. The mean age of the sample was 43.0±11.0 years. The dimensions most highly rated by the respondents were: teamwork and patient care tracking/follow-up. The lowest scores came from leadership support for patients’ safety and work pressure and pace.
Conclusion: Patient safety culture in the Community Health Centre Ljubljana is high, but there are certain areas of patient safety that need to be evaluated further and improved. Our study revealed differences between professions, indicating that a customized approach per profession group might contribute to the successful implementation of safety strategies. Patient safety culture should be studied at national levels. Ključne besede: patient safety, safety culture, family medicine, primary healthcare, Slovenia Objavljeno v DKUM: 18.10.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1 Celotno besedilo (415,12 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
4. Factors that determine dependence in daily activities : a cross-sectional study of family practice non-attenders from SloveniaTonka Poplas-Susič, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Rok Blagus, Nina Ružić Gorenjec, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Background: Independence in daily activities is defined as the ability to perform functions related to daily living, i.e. the capacity of living independently in the community with little or no help from others.
Objective: We focused on non-attenders as a subgroup of patients whose health status is not well known to family practice teams. Our goal was to estimate the prevalence of dependence and its severity level in the daily activities of patients, and to determine the factors that are associated with the occurrence of dependence.
Design: Cross-sectional observational study.
Settings and participants: Data was obtained in family medicine settings. Participants in the study were adults living in the community (aged 18 or over) who had not visited their chosen family physician in the last 5 years (non-attenders) and who were able to participate in the study. Through the electronic system, we identified 2,025 non-attenders. Community nurses collected data in the participants' homes. The outcome measure was dependence in daily activities, assessed through eight items: personal hygiene; eating and drinking; mobility; dressing and undressing; urination and defecation; continence; avoiding hazards in the environment; and communication.
Results: The final sample consisted of 1,999 patients (98.7% response rate). The mean age was 59.9 (range 20 to 99). Dependence in daily activities was determined in 466 or 23.3% (95% CI: [21.5, 25.2]) of the patients. Older patients (over 60 years), with at least one chronic disease, increased risk of falling, moderate feelings of loneliness and a lower self-assessment of health were statistically significantly more likely to be dependent in their daily activities, according to our multivariate model.
Conclusions: A considerable proportion of family practice non-attenders were found to be dependent in daily activities, though at a low level. We identified several factors associated with this dependence. This could help to identify people at risk of being dependent in daily activities in the general adult population, and enable specific interventions that would improve their health status. Ključne besede: family medicine, ability to perform functions, daily activities Objavljeno v DKUM: 17.10.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 1 Celotno besedilo (910,89 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
5. Successful implementation of integrated care in Slovenian primary careTonka Poplas-Susič, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, 2021, predgovor, uvodnik, spremna beseda Opis: For the purpose of celebrating the 40th anniversary of Alma Ata declaration, the WHO published a successful model of integrated patient care being performed in Slovenia. After two years, the WHO experts evaluated the success in practise during a visit to the Slovenian primary care environment. This report showed that Slovenia was a notable exception regarding developing effective primary care systems. The country has an impressive primary care which performs very well. Ključne besede: primary care, integrated care, person-centred care, family medicine, Slovenia Objavljeno v DKUM: 11.10.2024; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 2 Celotno besedilo (220,28 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
6. Implementation of integrated primary care for patients with diabetes and hypertension : a case from SloveniaZalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Nataša Stojnić, Črt Zavrnik, Nina Ružić Gorenjec, Katrien Danhieux, Majda Mori-Lukančič, Tonka Poplas-Susič, 2021, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: Research on models of integrated health care for hypertension and diabetes is one of the priority issues in the world. There is a lack of knowledge about how integrated care is implemented in practice. Our study assessed its implementation in six areas: identification of patients, treatment, health education, self-management support, structured collaboration and organisation of care. Methods: This was a mixed methods study based on a triangulation method using quantitative and qualitative data. It took place in different types of primary health care organisations, in one urban and two rural regions of Slovenia. The main instrument for data collection was the Integrated Care Package (ICP) Grid, assessed through four methods: 1) a document analysis (of a current health policy and available protocols; 2) observation of the infrastructure of health centres, organisation of work, patient flow, interaction of patients with health professionals; 3) interview with key informants and 4) review of medical documentation of selected patients. Results: The implementation of the integrated care in Slovenia was assessed with the overall ICP score of 3.7 points (out of 5 possible points). The element Identification was almost fully implemented, while the element Self-management support was weakly implemented. Discussion: The implementation of the integrated care of patients with diabetes and/ or hypertension in Slovenian primary health care organisations achieved high levels of implementation. However, some week points were identified. Conclusion: Integrated care of the chronic patients in Slovenia is already provided at high levels, but the area of self-management support could be improved. Ključne besede: delivery of health care, integrated, primary care, self-care Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.08.2024; Ogledov: 105; Prenosov: 4 Celotno besedilo (1018,36 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
7. Fall risk in adult family practice non-attenders : a cross-sectional study from SloveniaNina Ružić Gorenjec, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Rok Blagus, Tonka Poplas-Susič, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: Not much is known about the fall risk among the adult population of those who rarely visit doctors. We wanted to determine the prevalence of increased fall risk in a population of family practice non-attenders and the factors associated with it.
Methods: We included participants from family medicine practices in this cross-sectional study. To be included in the study, the participants had to be adults living in the community (home-dwelling people) who had not visited their chosen family physician in the last five years (non-attenders). The identification of the eligible persons was done through a search of electronic medical records, which yield 2,025 non-attenders. Community nurses collected data in the participants’ homes. The outcome measure was increased fall risk as assessed by the Morse fall scale: increased risk (≥25) vs. no risk.
Results: The sample consisted of 1,945 patients (96.0% response rate) with a mean age of 60.4 years (range 20.5 to 99.7 years). An increased fall risk was determined in 482 or 24.8% (95% CI: [22.9, 26.8]) of the patients. The multivariate model showed a significant association of increased fall risk with higher age (p<0.001), lower systolic blood pressure (p=0.047), poor family function (p=0.016), increased risk of malnutrition (p=0.013), higher number of chronic diseases (p=0.027), higher pain intensity (p<0.001), lower self-assessment of current health (p=0.002), and higher dependence in daily activities (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Non-attenders may have an increased risk of falling which depends on their health status and age. The inclusion of community nurses in primary healthcare teams could be of use not only to identify the non-attenders’ health needs, but also to better manage their health, especially the factors that were identified to be associated with greater fall risk. Ključne besede: fall risk, primary healthcare, family practice, non-attenders, cross-sectional studies Objavljeno v DKUM: 17.07.2024; Ogledov: 125; Prenosov: 4 Celotno besedilo (570,04 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
8. Peer support as part of scaling-up integrated care in patients with type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension at the primary healthcare level : a study protocolTina Virtič, Matic Mihevc, Črt Zavrnik, Majda Mori-Lukančič, Tonka Poplas-Susič, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and arterial hypertension (AH) are among the greatest challenges facing health systems worldwide and require comprehensive patient-centred care. The key to successful management in chronic patients is self-management support, which was found to be only weakly implemented in Slovenia. The aim of the study is to develop an evidence-based model of peer support for people with T2D and AH at the primary healthcare level in Slovenia, which could represent a potential solution for upgrading integrated care for these patients.
Methods: A prospective interventional, mixed-methods pilot study will begin by recruiting approximately 40 eligible people with T2D and AH through purposive sampling. The participants will receive structured training, led by a specialist nurse, to become trained peer supporters. Each will voluntarily share their knowledge and experience at monthly group meetings with up to 10 people with T2D and AH over a three-month period in the local community. Data will be collected through interviews and focus groups and questionnaires about socio-demographic and clinical data, knowledge about T2D and AH, participants’ quality of life, level of empowerment and acceptability of the intervention.
Expected results: The study will provide an evidence-based model for integrating peer support into the local community. It is expected that the intervention will prove feasible and acceptable with educational, psychosocial and behavioural benefits.
Conclusion: Peer support through empowerment of people with T2D and AH, family members and other informal caregivers in the local community could scale-up the integrated care continuum and contribute to sustainability of the healthcare system. Ključne besede: diabetes type 2, arterial hypertension, peer support, self-management, integrated primary, healthcare Objavljeno v DKUM: 17.07.2024; Ogledov: 103; Prenosov: 4 Celotno besedilo (304,20 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
9. Telemonitoring of elderly with hypertension and type 2 diabetes at the primary care level : protocol for a multicentric randomized controlled pilot studyMatic Mihevc, Črt Zavrnik, Majda Mori-Lukančič, Tina Virtič, Valentina Prevolnik Rupel, Marija Petek Šter, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Tonka Poplas-Susič, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction: Arterial hypertension (AH) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) represent a significant burden for the public health system, with an exceptionally high prevalence in patients aged ≥65 years. This study aims to test the acceptability, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of telemonitoring in elderly patients with AH and T2D at the primary care level.
Methods: A m ulti-centre, prospective, randomized, controlled t rial w ill be conducted. Patients a ged ≥ 65 y ears with AH and T2D will be randomized in a 1:1 proportion to a mHealth intervention or standard care group. Patients in the intervention group will measure their blood pressure (BP) twice weekly and blood glucose (BG) once monthly. The readings will be synchronously transmitted via a mobile application to the telemonitoring platform, where they will be reviewed by a general practitioner who will indicate changes in measurement regimen or carry out a teleconsultation. The primary endpoint will be a change in systolic BP (SBP) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) relative to standard care up to 12 months after inclusion. Secondary endpoints will be a change in other observed clinical variables, quality-of-life indexes, and costs.
Expected results: Telemonitoring will be an acceptable method of care associated with significant reductions in SBP and HbA1c levels and an increase in quality-of-life indexes in the intervention group. However, the cost-effectiveness threshold (incremental cost-effectiveness ratio below €25,000/quality-adjusted life year) might not be reached.
Conclusion: This study will provide new evidence for scaling up telemonitoring network at the primary care level and modifying telemonitoring protocols to achieve the best clinical and cost-effective outcomes. Ključne besede: mobile health, telemonitoring, blood pressure, blood glucose, HbA1c, aged, primary health care, costs Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.06.2024; Ogledov: 178; Prenosov: 8 Celotno besedilo (377,42 KB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |
10. Process evaluation of the scale-up of integrated diabetes and hypertension care in Belgium, Cambodia and Slovenia (the SCUBY Project) : a study protocolMonika Martens, Edwin Wouters, Josefien Van Olmen, Zalika Klemenc-Ketiš, Srean Chhim, Savina Chham, Verle Buffel, Katrien Danhieux, Nataša Stojnić, Črt Zavrnik, Tonka Poplas-Susič, Win Van Damme, Por Ir, Roy Remmen, Grace Marie V Ku, Kerstin Klipstein-Grobusch, Daniel Boateng, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Introduction Integrated care interventions for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and hypertension (HT) are effective, yet challenges exist with regard to their implementation and scale-up. The ‘SCale-Up diaBetes and hYpertension care’ (SCUBY) Project aims to facilitate the scale-up of integrated care for T2D and HT through the co-creation and implementation of contextualised scale-up roadmaps in Belgium, Cambodia and Slovenia. We hereby describe the plan for the process and scale-up evaluation of the SCUBY Project. The specific goals of the process and scale-up evaluation are to (1) analyse how, and to what extent, the roadmap has been implemented, (2) assess how the differing contexts can influence the implementation process of the scale-up strategies and (3) assess the progress of the scale-up.
Methods and analysis A comprehensive framework was developed to include process and scale-up evaluation embedded in implementation science theory. Key implementation outcomes include acceptability, feasibility, relevance, adaptation, adoption and cost of roadmap activities. A diverse range of predominantly qualitative tools—including a policy dialogue reporting form, a stakeholder follow-up interview and survey, project diaries and policy mapping—were developed to assess how stakeholders perceive the scale-up implementation process and adaptations to the roadmap. The role of context is considered relevant, and barriers and facilitators to scale-up will be continuously assessed.
Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been obtained from the Institutional Review Board (ref. 1323/19) at the Institute of Tropical Medicine (Antwerp, Belgium). The SCUBY Project presents a comprehensive framework to guide the process and scale-up evaluation of complex interventions in different health systems. We describe how implementation outcomes, mechanisms of impact and scale-up outcomes can be a basis to monitor adaptations through a co-creation process and to guide other scale-up interventions making use of knowledge translation and co-creation activities. Ključne besede: diabetes and hypertension care, Belgium, Cambodia, Slovenia Objavljeno v DKUM: 27.06.2024; Ogledov: 139; Prenosov: 8 Celotno besedilo (1,50 MB) Gradivo ima več datotek! Več... |