[Implementation of a proactive integrated primary care program for frail older people: from science to evidence-based...

Multimorbidity, functional impairment and frailty among community-dwelling older people are causing increasing complexity in primary care. A proactive integrated primary care approach is therefore essential. Between October 2014-2015, an evidence-based proactive care program for frail older people was implemented in the region Noord-West Veluwe en Zeewolde, the Netherlands. This study evaluated the feasibility of the implementation, having a strong focus on the collaboration between the medical and social domain.

Using a mixed-methods design we evaluated several process indicators. Data were obtained from electronic routine medical record data within primary care, questionnaires, and interviews with older adults. The questionnaires provided information regarding the expectations and experiences towards the program and were sent to health care professionals at baseline and six months follow-up. Stakeholders from various domains were asked to fill in the questionnaire at baseline and twelve months follow-up. Interviews were conducted to explore the experiences of older adults with the program. Regional work groups were set up in each municipality to enhance the interdisciplinary and domain transcending collaboration.

The proactive primary care program was implemented in 42 general practices who provided care to 7904 older adults aged 75 years or older. A total of 101 health care professionals and 44 stakeholders filled in the questionnaires. The need for better structure and interdisciplinary cooperation seemed widespread among the participants. The implementation resulted in a positive significant change in the demand for a better regional healthcare-framework (34% p ≤ .001) among health care professionals, and the needs for transparency regarding the possibilities for referral improved (27% , p = .009). Half of the participants reported that the regional collaboration has been improved after the implementation. Health care professionals and stakeholders gained increased attention and awareness of frail elderly in their area compared to before the implementation. Older people and their caregivers were positive about the proactive approach. The nurses reported that the screenings questionnaire was too lengthy and therefore time consuming.

The implementation of the proactive primary care approach in daily practice was feasible. A strong interdisciplinary collaboration was realized. The program was easily adapted to the local context.