Bmc Fam Pract
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Low back pain is a common reason for patients to seek medical care. Physician non-adherence to clinical guidelines has been observed. We investigated the extent to which patient expectations correspond to recommendations of the German national guideline for management of low back pain (G-LBP) and whether patient characteristics, history of LBP and previous treatment experience are associated with expectations. ⋯ Patient views regarding LBP management are partially concordant with guideline recommendations and are strongly influenced by previous treatment experiences and education level. Exploration of patient expectations and experiences in LBP treatment may help minimize dissatisfaction of patients expecting treatments not endorsed by guidelines and simultaneously increase physician guideline adherence.
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A growing demand for physicians exists worldwide. Due to political changes, economic incentives and new workplace expectations a trend from single-handed practices to group practices has been noticed in many countries over the last years. In view of this background, our study aimed to identify determinants for success or failure of inter-physician collaboration in order to positively influence future collaboration in anticipation of the important role group practices may play in future health care delivery. ⋯ There are several underlying themes beyond clinical expertise concerning success or failure of group practices. To influence future collaboration positively, it is important to focus on management and communication skills as well as to address basic understanding of economics.
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11.5 % of girls and 17.8 % of boys are affected by a mental health problem (MHP). The most prevalent problem areas are behavioural problems (girls/boys in %: 11.9/17.9), emotional problems (9.7/8.6) and hyperactivity problems (4.8/10.8). Primary care paediatricians are the first in line to be contacted. Nevertheless, even for less severely affected patients, referral rates to specialised care are constantly high. Therefore, a major statutory health insurance fund introduced a Health Coaching (HC) programme, including a training concept for paediatricians, standardised guidelines for actions and additional payments to strengthen primary care consultation for MHP and to decrease referrals to specialised care. The aim of this study was to examine how the HC is perceived and implemented in daily practice to indicate potential strengths and challenges. ⋯ The HC programme is perceived as a facilitator for more patient-centred care. However, structural barriers remain. Starting points for improvement are further options to strengthen families' resources and expanded interdisciplinary networking.
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Antimicrobial resistance remains a global challenge. In Germany, the national health agenda supports measures that enhance the appropriate, guideline-oriented use of antibiotics. The study "Converting Habits of Antibiotic Use for Respiratory Tract Infections in German Primary Care (CHANGE-3)" aimed at a sustainable reduction of antimicrobial resistance through converting patterns of prescribing practice and use of antibiotics and an increase in health literacy in primary care patients, practice teams, and in the general public. Embedded in a cluster-randomized trial of a multifaceted implementation program, a process evaluation focused on the uptake of program components to assess the fidelity of the implementation program in the CHANGE-3 study and to understand utilization of its educational components. ⋯ The process evaluation contributed to understanding the applicability of the delivered educational components with regards to the appropriate use of antibiotics. Future research efforts need to identify the best mode of delivery to reach the targeted population.
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In an earlier study, PRIM-CARE RCT, a care manager implementation at the primary care centre showed improved return to work and reduced sick leave for patients with CMD. To further improve return to work, the project Co-Work-Care added a person-centered dialogue meeting between the patient, the employer and the rehabilitation coordinator, preceded by an increased collaboration between care manager, rehabilitation coordinator and GP. In this first qualitative study of the Co-Work-Care project, we explored how care managers and rehabilitation coordinators experienced the Co-Work-Care model. The purpose of this study was to explore care managers' and rehabilitation coordinators' perceptions and experiences of a close collaboration and the use of the person-centred dialogue meeting. ⋯ The increased collaboration within the Co-Work-Care model created a common picture and understanding of the patient's situation. The person-centred dialogue meeting in the rehabilitation process became a bridge between the employer and the patient.