Training providers to implement heart failure shared medical appointments: A qualitative evaluation

Area of Science:

• Healthcare delivery models
• Chronic disease management
• Health services research

Background:

• Shared medical appointments (SMAs) enhance patient self-management of chronic conditions and optimize healthcare resource utilization.
• Despite potential benefits, widespread implementation of SMAs faces challenges.
• Effective training is crucial for the successful adoption, implementation, and sustainability of SMAs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a developmental formative evaluation of a two-day training program for implementing Health-Focused Shared Medical Appointments (HF-SMAs).
• To adapt the existing training program to better meet the needs and resources of healthcare teams.
• To identify specific adaptations for improving the HF-SMA training program's effectiveness and scalability.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative formative evaluation was conducted involving healthcare team members at pre-training, post-training, and post-implementation stages.
• Data collection methods included interviews, observation of training sessions, and review of meeting minutes.
• Matrix analysis was employed to analyze qualitative data and identify key themes for program adaptation.

Main Results:

• Participants reported the training as comprehensive, useful, and beneficial, valuing the trainers' experience and shared lessons.
• Six key adaptations were identified: shortening the training to online modules, customizing curriculum for local needs, incorporating one-on-one coaching, tailoring content to team roles, enhancing team-building activities, and refining information delivery.
• The virtual format was noted as successful, and the adapted training model was presented.

Conclusions:

• The formative evaluation successfully identified and implemented adaptations to enhance the HF-SMA training program.
• The revised training model offers a more flexible, targeted, and potentially sustainable approach to implementing SMAs.
• Further research using comparative designs is recommended to measure the impact of these adaptations on SMA success and long-term sustainability.