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Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Implementing a Preclinic Vital Signs Assessment in Primary Care:
John Broughan1, Seán McMahon2, Steen Gordon2
1Clinical Research Centre, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Health Sciences Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4, Dublin, Ireland, + 353 868928972.
Background:
Vital signs are objective measurements of the body's most basic, essential functions, indicating overall health status. However, such assessments are time-consuming and so are not always prioritized. Measuring vital signs before doctor visits may, therefore, be an effective and efficient strategy.
Objective:
We piloted a preclinic vital signs assessment (PCVSA) procedure within a primary care center to determine its feasibility and acceptability.
Methods:
A mixed methods cross-sectional design was used for piloting the PCVSA procedure. Study participants included adult patients and practice staff. Patients had vital signs assessed by a primary care assistant before general practitioner (GP) visits. Collected data concerned participants' study engagement, the timings of PCVSA/GP visits, and surveys/interviews investigating participants' experiences.
Unlabelled:
A total of 16 patients and 4 staff participated. The mean duration for PCVSAs was 2 minutes and 23 seconds (SD 38.8 s), and the mean duration for GP visits was 9 minutes and 21 seconds (SD 252.4 s). Patients said the PCVSA was a "Positive experience" (n=14, 88%), "Helpful" (n=13, 81%), "Valuable" (n=7, 44%), and "Interesting" (n=6, 38%). The GP said the PCVSAs were either "Helpful" (8/15, 53%) or "Extremely Helpful" (7/15, 47%) in each of their consultations and that the PCVSAs improved engagement with patients (12/15, 80%), allowed them to spend more time gaining an understanding of the conditions of patients (14/15, 93%), and enhanced productivity during consultations (11/15, 73%). The GP strongly agreed that collecting PCVSA data before appointments would benefit patients over time. Qualitative interviews with practice staff yielded three themes: (1) improved patient engagement and efficient consultation, (2) time-saving potential, and (3) practicing in general practice and associated challenges.
Conclusions:
The PCVSA pilot showed good feasibility and acceptability as indicated by high participant engagement, short PCVSA and GP visit times (albeit GP visit times did not measure non-patient-facing clinical activity), and positive feedback from patients and staff. Introducing PCVSAs in health care settings may have potential in terms of improving the standard and efficiency of care.
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