Implementation of Interprofessional Digital Communication Tools in Primary Care for Frail Older Adults: An Interview Study

Overview

Journal J Interprof Care

Publisher Informa Healthcare

Specialty Health Services

Date 2022 Jul 21

PMID 35862572

Authors

Dorien L Oostra

Carlien Fierkens

Marloes E J Alewijnse

Marcel G M Olde Rikkert

Minke S Nieuwboer

Marieke Perry

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Communication and coordination between primary healthcare professionals and informal caregivers involved in the care for frail older adults is suboptimal and could benefit from interprofessional digital communication tools. Implementation in daily practice however frequently fails. We aim to identify generic barriers and facilitators experienced by healthcare professionals and informal caregivers during implementation of interprofessional communication tools to improve their long-term use. Qualitative content analysis using individual semi-structured interviews was used for evaluating three different digital communication tools used by interprofessional primary care networks for frail older adults by 28 professionals and 10 caregivers. After transcription and open coding, categories and themes were identified. Barriers and facilitators were related to: tool characteristics, context of use, involvement of professionals and caregivers. The tool improved availability, approachability and users' involvement. The large number of digital systems professionals simultaneously use, and different work agreements hampered tool use. The tools facilitated care coordination, and professionals declared to be better informed about patients' current situations. Overall, interprofessional digital communication tools can facilitate communication in networks for primary elderly care. However, integration between digital systems is needed to reduce the number of tools. Organizations and policy makers have an important role in realizing the tools' long-term use.

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