Digital interaction in practice (DIP) between patient, general practitioner and home care services. Evaluation of a...

A shortage of healthcare personnel, an aging population and insufficient collaboration between services are highlighted as the greatest challenges in the Norwegian healthcare system. Digital Interaction in Practice (DIP) is a digital collaboration model involving the general practitioner (GP), home care nurses, patient and relatives. The aim is improved coordination and tailored treatment for frail elderly patients with complex needs. The model is developed in close collaboration with healthcare personnel and is being piloted in a large Norwegian municipality.

This qualitative study included GPs, nurses, and managers in Trondheim municipality, who have actively participated in the development of the DIP model in cooperation with researchers. Focus groups were used to gather experiences of the development and early pilot phase from the views of GPs, nurses and managers. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarks thematic content analysis framework.

DIP required changes in work practices and allocation of resources, particularly for home care nurses. Furthermore, the participants reported improved interdisciplinary collaboration and viewed DIP as a potential to increase the quality of healthcare services. The workflow chart describing the DIP model was useful but required adaption to local work practices. General practitioners and nurses valued closer collaboration and experienced a more holistic and patient-centred follow-up.

The findings underline the importance of collaboration between GPs, nurses, managers and researchers in the development and local adaptation of the DIP model. Despite some resource challenges and a need for role clarification, DIP may impact resource use in the long term, improve collaboration and coordination among those involved, and achieve more comprehensive, individually tailored patient pathways. Further research on the DIP model's impact is warranted following broader implementation.