Advancing integrated paediatric care in Australian general practices: Qualitative insights from the SC4C GP-paediatrician model of care

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302815
• Publication Date: 2024-05-21T17:41:02Z
• Authors: Carmen Crespo-Gon...; Michael Hodgins; Yvonne Zurynski; Tammy Meyers Morris; Jane Le; Karen Wheeler; Sonia Khano; Stephanie Germano; Harriet Hiscock; Raghu Lingam
• Keywords: Thematic Analysis; Remuneration; Qualitative property; Best practice

The Strengthening Care for Children (SC4C) is a general practitioner (GP)-paediatrician integrated model of care that consists co-consulting sessions and case discussions in the practice setting, with email telephone support provided by paediatricians to GPs during weekdays. This was implemented 21 practices Australia (11 Victoria 10 New South Wales). Our study aimed identify factors moderating implementation SC4C from perspectives GPs, personnel, families. We conducted qualitative as part mixed-methods evaluation trial. collected data through virtual in-person focus groups at phone, interviews. Data analysed using an iterative hybrid inductive-deductive thematic analysis. Twenty-one thirty-seven interviews were conducted. Overall, participants found acceptable suitable practices, willing learn expand their paediatric role. cited improved confidence knowledge due model. Paediatricians reported enhanced understanding context strain under which work. this allowed them build trust-based relationships common goal improving children. Additionally, they felt some aspects, including lack remuneration work effort required deliver model, need be considered long-term success Families expressed satisfaction shared quality jointly delivered highlighted provides easy access specialty services without out-of-pocket costs. Future research should on finding strategies ensure Implementation particular individual stressors practices.