Generalist-Specialist Collaboration in Primary Care for Frail Older Persons: A Promising Model for the Future

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2021.12.016
• Publication Date: 2021-12-29T15:25:56Z
• Authors: Talitha Vrijmoeth; Annelies Wassenaar; Raymond T.C.M. Ko...; Minke S. Nieuwboer; Marieke Perry
• Keywords: Radboudumc 18: Healthcare improvement science RIHS: Radboud Institute for Health Sciences; Aged, 80 and over; Primary and Community Care - Radboud University Medical Center; Frail Elderly; Health Personnel; Geriatrics - Radboud University Medical Center; Radboud University Medical Center; 3. Good health; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Patient-Centered Care; Radboudumc 1: Alzheimer`s disease DCMN: Donders Center for Medical Neuroscience; Humans; Delivery of Health Care; Qualitative Research; Aged

The complex care needs of frail older persons living at home is a major challenge for health care systems worldwide. One possible solution is to employ a primary care physician (PCP) with additional geriatric expertise. In the Netherlands, elderly care physicians (ECPs), who traditionally work in nursing homes, are increasingly encouraged to utilize their expertise within primary care. However, little is known about how PCPs and ECPs collaborate. Therefore, we aimed to unravel the nature of the current PCP-ECP collaboration in primary care for frail older persons, and to identify key concepts for success.A qualitative multiple case study with semistructured interviews.A selection of 22 participants from 7 "established collaboration practices" within the primary care setting in the Netherlands, including at least 1 ECP, 1 PCP, and 1 other health care professional for every included established collaboration practice.Transcripts of individual interviews were analyzed using largely double and independent open and axial coding, and formulation of themes and subthemes.Data analysis revealed 4 key concepts for success: (1) clarification of roles and expectations (ie, patient-centered care and embedding in existing care networks), (2) trust, respect, and familiarity as drivers for collaboration (ie, mutual trust through knowing each other and having shared goals); (3) framework for regular communication (ie, structural meetings and a shared vision); and (4) government, payer, and organization support (ie, financial support and emphasis on the collaboration's urgency by organizations and national policy makers).For a successful generalist-specialist collaboration, health care professionals need to invest in building relationships and mutual trust, and incorporating their efforts in the existing care networks to guarantee patient-centeredness. When provided with reimbursement and appreciation, this collaboration is a promising change in general practice to improve the care and outcomes of frail older persons.