scholarly journals An Agent-Based Model for Addressing the Impact of a Disaster on Access to Primary Care Services

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 386-393 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasan Guclu ◽  
Supriya Kumar ◽  
David Galloway ◽  
Mary Krauland ◽  
Rishi Sood ◽  
...  

AbstractObjectiveHurricane Sandy in the Rockaways, Queens, forced residents to evacuate and primary care providers to close or curtail operations. A large deficit in primary care access was apparent in the immediate aftermath of the storm. Our objective was to build a computational model to aid responders in planning to situate primary care services in a disaster-affected area.MethodsUsing an agent-based modeling platform, HAZEL, we simulated the Rockaways population, its evacuation behavior, and primary care providers’ availability in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Data sources for this model included post-storm and community health surveys from New York City, a survey of the Rockaways primary care providers, and research literature. The model then tested geospatially specific interventions to address storm-related access deficits.ResultsThe model revealed that areas of high primary care access deficit were concentrated in the eastern part of the Rockaways. Placing mobile health clinics in the most populous census tracts reduced the access deficit significantly, whereas increasing providers’ capacity by 50% reduced the deficit to a lesser degree.ConclusionsAn agent-based model may be a useful tool to have in place so that policy makers can conduct scenario-based analyses to plan interventions optimally in the event of a disaster. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:386–393)

CJEM ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (S1) ◽  
pp. S60-S60
Author(s):  
L. Krebs ◽  
S.W. Kirkland ◽  
K. Crick ◽  
C. Villa-Roel ◽  
A. Davidson ◽  
...  

Introduction: Some non-urgent/low-acuity Emergency Department (ED) presentations are considered convenience visits and potentially avoidable with improved access to primary care services. This study surveyed patients who presented to the ED and explored their self-reported reasons and barriers for not being connected to a primary care provider (PCP). Methods: Patients aged 17 years and older were randomly selected from electronic registration records at three urban EDs in Edmonton, Alberta (AB), Canada. Following initial triage, stabilization, and verbal informed consent, patients completed a 47-item questionnaire. Data from the survey were cross-referenced to a minimal patient dataset consisting of ED and demographic information. The questionnaire collected information on patient characteristics, their connection to a PCP, and patients' reasons for not having a PCP. Results: Of the 2144 eligible patients, 1408 (65.7%) surveys were returned and 1402 (65.4%) were completed. The majority of patients (74.4%) presenting to the ED reported having a family physician; however, the ‘closeness’ of the connection to their family physician varied greatly among ED patients with the most recent family physician visit ranging from 1 hour before ED presentation to 45 years prior. Approximately 25% of low acuity ED patients reported no connection with a family physician. Reasons for a lack of PCP connection included: prior physician retired, left, or died (19.8%), they had never tried to find one (19.2%), they had recently moved to Alberta (18.0%), and they were unable to find one (16.5%). Conclusion: A surprisingly high proportion of ED patients (25.6%) have no identified PCP. Patients had a variety of reasons for not having a family physician. These need to be understood and addressed in order for primary care access to successfully contribute to diverting non-urgent, low acuity presentations from the ED.


2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 215013271989197
Author(s):  
Mary M. Ford ◽  
Kirsten Weisbeck ◽  
Bonnie Kerker ◽  
Louise Cohen

Primary care is the foundation of health care systems and has potential to alleviate inequities in population health. We examined multiple measures of adult primary care access, health status, and socioeconomic position at the New York City Council District level—a unit of analysis both relevant to and actionable by local policymakers. The results showed significant associations between measures of primary care access and health status after adjustment for socioeconomic factors. We found that an increase of 1 provider per 10 000 people was associated with a 1% decrease in diabetes rates and a 5% decrease in rates of adults without an influenza immunization. Furthermore, higher rates of primary care providers in high-poverty districts accepted Medicaid and had Patient-Centered Medical Home recognition, increasing constituent accessibility. Our findings highlight the significant contribution of primary care access to community health; policies and resource allocation must prioritize primary care facility siting and provider recruitment in low-access areas.


Author(s):  
Emmanuel Allory ◽  
Ellie Duval ◽  
Marion Caroff ◽  
Candan Kendir ◽  
Raphaël Magnan ◽  
...  

Abstract Aim: Our objective was to explore the difficulties experienced by transgender people in accessing primary health-care services and their expectations towards primary care providers to improve their health-care access. Background: Because transgender people are exposed to many discriminations, their health-care access is particularly poor. Guidelines recommend greater involvement of primary care providers in the processes because of the accessibility feature of primary care services. Methods: A qualitative study using semi-directed interviews was conducted among 27 transgender people (February 2018 – August 2018). These voluntary participants were recruited through different means: local trans or LGBTI (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and/or intersex) associations, primary care providers, and social networks. The data analysis was based on reflexive thematic analysis in an inductive approach. Findings: Difficulties in accessing health-care occurred at all the levels of the primary health-care system: primary care providers – transgender people interaction, access to the primary care team facility (starting with the secretariat), access to secondary care specialists, and continuity of care. Transgender people report ill-adapted health-care services as a result of gender-based identification in health-care settings. Their main expectation was depsychiatrization and self-determination. They supported mixed health network comprising primary care providers and transgender people with a coordinating role for the general practitioner. These expectations should be priorities to consider in our primary health-care system to improve access to health-care for transgender people.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5_suppl) ◽  
pp. 28-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
G J. Van Londen ◽  
Jill Weiskopf Brufsky ◽  
Ira Russell Parker

28 Background: Due to increasing numbers of individuals diagnosed with cancer, a burgeoning cohort of cancer survivors with significant medical co-morbidities, and oncology workforce challenges, the optimal integration of Primary Care Providers (PCPs) into the comprehensive cancer care paradigm is of timely importance. The goal of this investigation is to determine the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and practices of primary care clinicians -- pertaining to their existing and potential roles in cancer care. Methods: 1,069 clinical affiliates of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, who provide primary care services (e.g. Cardiology, Family Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Gynecology, and Internal Medicine), were invited to participate in a 77-question, IRB-approved, online survey questionnaire [Qualtrics (Provo, Utah)]. Three “reminder emails” were generated. Results: Note: These results reflect the analysis of an initial, preliminary subset of survey responders (N=90). The full data set will be utilized for the final poster presentation. Eighty percent of the responders are physicians. Seventy-one percent reported that 50%+ of their time is spent providing primary care services and 66% have been in-practice for 15+ years. 73%, 63% and 59% respectively have participated in “cancer surveillance”, “cancer treatment/disease-related adverse event (AE) monitoring”, and “AE management” activities. Cardiotoxicity (42%), lymphedema (61%), and vasomotor flushing (63%) represented those AEs that the responders felt least comfortable monitoring independently. Twelve percent were aware of the PCP-targeted December/2015 “ACS-ASCO Breast Cancer Guideline” and 24% of the term “Survivorship Care Plan”. Twenty-two percent were “very confident” with regard to conducting a “low dose CT” lung cancer screening decision-making patient conversation. Twenty-one percent felt that their formal training did not adequately prepare them and that their present educational opportunities are inadequate pertaining to PCP-Cancer Survivorship issues. “Communication between the Oncology Team and PCP” was noted as the most stated “major issue”. Conclusions: To fully optimize the interface between Oncologists and PCPs with regard to best practices cancer care, strategies targeting competency training, enhanced information/guideline dissemination, and the development of collaborative-based delivery models will likely be necessary.


2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Pamela V. Johnson,

More advanced practice registered nurses (APRN) are making primary care house calls to homebound patients. Coordinating primary care services for people confined to their place of residence is complex and requires multiple systems working in congruence to assure basic health needs of patients are met. Marilyn Ray’s theory of bureaucratic caring (Alligood & Tomey, 2010; Ray, 1998; Turkel, 2007) is being used as a conceptual framework for APRN primary care providers’ operating systems of care.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-76
Author(s):  
Eliana Elisabeth Diehl ◽  
Esther Jean Langdon

English abstract:In 1990, the Brazilian Unified Health System institutionalized new relationships between the government and society. In recognition of the inequalities and inequities inflicted upon Indigenous Peoples, the Indigenous Health Subsystem was established in 1999. Roles were created for the democratic exercise of Indigenous participation and prominence in three border spaces: Indigenous health agents as members of health teams; Indigenous representatives on health councils; and Indigenous organizations as primary care providers. This article explores these spaces based on ethnographic research from southern Brazil. It concludes that the roles created for Indigenous participation and governance are ambiguous and contradictory. When participating in new opportunities created by the government, Indigenous actors are subjected to a centralized and bureaucratized system that offers little possibility of autonomous decision- making or action.Spanish abstract:En 1990, el Sistema Único de Salud institucionalizó nuevas relaciones entre el gobierno y la sociedad, estableciendo en 1999 el Subsistema de Salud Indígena. Se crearon nuevos roles para el ejercicio democrático de la participación indígena con prominencia en tres espacios de frontera: agentes indígenas de salud como miembros de los equipos de salud; representantes indígenas en los consejos de salud; y organizaciones indígenas como proveedores de atención primaria. Este artículo explora estos espacios basado en investigación etnográfi ca del sur de Brasil. Se concluye que los roles creados para la participación y gobernanza indígena son ambiguos y contradictorios. Cuando se participa en nuevas oportunidades creadas por el gobierno, los actores indígenas son sometidos a un sistema que ofrece poca posibilidad de tomar decisiones autónomas o actuar.French abstract:1990 le système unique de santé brésilien, le SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde) institutionnalisait de nouvelles relations entre le gouvernement et la société en donnant aux usagers un rôle central et en leur att ribuant une large participation dans tous les secteurs des soins. En reconnaissance des inégalités et iniquités historiques infl igées aux peuples indigènes, le sous-système de soin indigène fut établi en 1999. De nouveaux rôles furent créés pour l’exercice démocratique de la participation indigène et sa reconnaissance dans trois zones d’action et de communication délimitées. Cet article explore ces espaces sur la base de recherches ethnographiques réalisées au Sud du Brésil et conclut que les rôles créés pour la participation indigène et la notion associée de gouvernance sont souvent ambigus et contradictoires.


2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-184
Author(s):  
Hyunsung Oh ◽  
Mai P. Trinh ◽  
Cindy Vang ◽  
David Becerra

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 492-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rishi K. Sood ◽  
Angelica Bocour ◽  
Supriya Kumar ◽  
Hasan Guclu ◽  
Margaret Potter ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTObjectiveAssess Hurricane Sandy’s impact on primary care providers’ services in the Rockaways.MethodsIn-person surveys were conducted in 2014. A list of 46 health care sites in the area of interest was compiled and each site was called to offer participation in our survey. Respondents included physicians and practice administrators who remained familiar with Sandy-related operational challenges.ResultsOf the 40 sites that opted in, most had been in their current location for more than 10 years (73%) and were a small practice (1 or 2 physicians) before Hurricane Sandy (75%). All but 2 (95%) had to temporarily close or relocate. All sites experienced electrical problems that impacted landline, fax, and Internet. Less than one-quarter (n = 9) reported having a plan for continuity of services before Hurricane Sandy, and 43% reported having a plan poststorm. The majority (80%) did not report coordinating with other primary care stakeholders or receiving support from government agencies during the Sandy response.ConclusionsHurricane Sandy significantly disrupted access to primary care in the Rockaways. Severe impact to site operations and infrastructure forced many practices to relocate. Greater emergency response and recovery planning is needed, including with government agencies, to minimize disruptions of access to primary care during disaster recovery. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:492–495)


Author(s):  
Erin Ziegler ◽  
Ruta Valaitis ◽  
Nancy Carter ◽  
Cathy Risdon ◽  
Jennifer Yost

Abstract Background: Historically transgender adults have experienced barriers in accessing primary care services. In Ontario, Canada, health care for transgender adults is accessed through primary care; however, a limited number of practitioners provide care, and patients are often waiting and/or traveling great distances to receive care. The purpose of this protocol is to understand how primary care is implemented and delivered for transgender adults. The paper presents how the case study method can be applied to explore implementation of health services delivery for the transgender population in primary care. Methods: Case study methodology will be used to explore this phenomenon in different primary care contexts. Normalization Process Theory is used as a guide. Three cases known to provide transgender primary care and represent different Ontario primary care models have been identified. Comparing transgender care implementation and delivery across different models is vital to understanding how care provision to this population can be supported. Qualitative interviews will be conducted. Participants will also complete the NoMAD (NOrmalization MeAsure Development) survey, a tool measuring implementation processes. The tool will be modified to explore the implementation of primary care services for transgender individuals. Documentary evidence will be collected. Cross-case synthesis will be completed to compare the cases. Discussion: Findings will provide an Ontario perspective on the implementation and delivery of primary care for transgender adults in different primary care models. Results may be applicable to other primary care settings in Canada and other nations with similar systems. Barriers and facilitators in delivery and implementation will be identified. Providing an understanding and increasing awareness of the implementation and delivery of primary care may help to reduce the invisibility and disparities transgender individuals experience when accessing primary care services. Understanding delivery of care could allow care providers to implement primary care services for transgender individuals, improving access to health care for this vulnerable population.


Depression ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 459-474
Author(s):  
Robert S. Kinney ◽  
Radu Pop

Depression is a commonly occurring illness in the general population. Existing systems for identifying and treating depression vary greatly, and the adoption of a universal, standardized method of addressing the disorder within primary care is lacking. New guidelines and recommendations by accrediting bodies have resulted in the development of some initiatives and the increased recognition of depression, yet treatments continue to rely on referrals to specialty psychiatric care providers. Given that primary care may be the only point of health care access for many individuals, this serves as an opportune setting to initiate treatment at the time that depression screening is completed. With adequate support, guidance, and a systemic approach (i.e., measurement-based care), primary care providers can be as effective as psychiatric specialty care in treating depression. This chapter providers evidence for this approach, along with direct recommendations to primary care providers.


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