Marius Brostrøm Kousgaard1, Thorkil Thorsen. 1. Forskningsenheden for Almen Praksis i København og Afdeling for Almen Medicin, Institut for Folkesundhedsvidenskab, Københavns Universitet, Øster Farimagsgade 5, P.O. 2099, 1014 Copenhagen K, Denmark. marbro@sund.ku.dk
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The use of facilitators for quality improvement in general practice has accelerated during the past decade. As general practitioners (GPs) or pharmacists have typically been used as facilitators, there is a lack of knowledge of how other professionals function as facilitators. This article explores the experiences and assessments of GPs and nurses participating in a project in which a medical specialist (endocrinologist) acted as a facilitator for quality improvement. METHODS: This study is based on observations of facilitation sessions and interviews with the health professionals (13 GPs, four nurses, one endocrinologist) participating in a facilitation project in the Capital Region of Denmark. RESULTS: The facilitator sessions primarily focused on pharmacological issues related to diabetes treatment. The respondents described the facilitation sessions as a positive and motivating learning experience, and the majority of them were able to point to specific learning outcomes. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that for selected medical issues, a trained medical specialist can act as a facilitator in general practice to the satisfaction of GPs and staff. Future studies should assess the clinical effects of such facilitation programmes.
INTRODUCTION: The use of facilitators for quality improvement in general practice has accelerated during the past decade. As general practitioners (GPs) or pharmacists have typically been used as facilitators, there is a lack of knowledge of how other professionals function as facilitators. This article explores the experiences and assessments of GPs and nurses participating in a project in which a medical specialist (endocrinologist) acted as a facilitator for quality improvement. METHODS: This study is based on observations of facilitation sessions and interviews with the health professionals (13 GPs, four nurses, one endocrinologist) participating in a facilitation project in the Capital Region of Denmark. RESULTS: The facilitator sessions primarily focused on pharmacological issues related to diabetes treatment. The respondents described the facilitation sessions as a positive and motivating learning experience, and the majority of them were able to point to specific learning outcomes. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that for selected medical issues, a trained medical specialist can act as a facilitator in general practice to the satisfaction of GPs and staff. Future studies should assess the clinical effects of such facilitation programmes.
Authors: Pauline Boeckxstaens; Judith Belle Brown; Sonja M Reichert; Christopher N C Smith; Moira Stewart; Martin Fortin Journal: CMAJ Open Date: 2020-04-06
Authors: Lisa A Cranley; Greta G Cummings; Joanne Profetto-McGrath; Ferenc Toth; Carole A Estabrooks Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2017-08-11 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Tina Drud Due; Thorkil Thorsen; Frans Boch Waldorff; Marius Brostrøm Kousgaard Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2017-08-23 Impact factor: 2.655