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ABSTRACT: Background
Health care delivery is often poorly coordinated and fragmented. Integrated care (IC) programs represent one solution to improving continuity of care. The aim of this study was to understand experiences and reported outcomes of patients and caregivers in an IC Program that coordinates hospital and home care for thoracic surgery.Methods
A process evaluation was undertaken using qualitative methods. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 patients and 8 caregivers who received IC for thoracic surgery and were discharged between June 2019 and April 2020. A phenomenological approach was used to understand and characterize patient and caregiver experiences. Thematic analysis began with a deductive approach complemented by an inductive approach.Results
Four major themes evolved from patient and caregiver interviews, including 1) coordination and timeliness of patient care facilitated by an IC lead; 2) the provision of person-centred care and relational continuity fostered feelings of partnership with patients and caregivers; 3) clear communication and one shared digital record increased informational continuity; and 4) impacts of IC on patient and caregiver outcomes.Conclusions
Patients and caregivers generally reported this IC Program met their health care needs, which may help inform how future IC programs are designed.
SUBMITTER: O'Neill M
PROVIDER: S-EPMC10162348 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr-Jun
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
O'Neill Meghan M Kornas Kathy K Liang Catherine C Diemert Lori L Ayanian Tsoleen T Chang Melissa M Rosella Laura C LC
International journal of integrated care 20230401 2
<h4>Background</h4>Health care delivery is often poorly coordinated and fragmented. Integrated care (IC) programs represent one solution to improving continuity of care. The aim of this study was to understand experiences and reported outcomes of patients and caregivers in an IC Program that coordinates hospital and home care for thoracic surgery.<h4>Methods</h4>A process evaluation was undertaken using qualitative methods. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 patients and 8 caregiver ...[more]