Analysing equity in outpatient care in Stockholm county and the impact of using different data sources

Healthcare plays an important role in tackling inequalities in health by providing care to groups in need, and protecting lower income groups from further impoverishment due to ill health. Continually evaluating equity in healthcare is important as it changes with altered needs in the population and changes within the healthcare system itself. The aim of this thesis was to increase knowledge on equity in outpatient healthcare based upon data from Stockholm County in the period 2005-2013. The conclusions made are based upon the results from four different studies. In Study I, we investigated the non-response bias in a health survey with respect to socio-economic differences in healthcare utilisation by comparing data from a health survey with data of the general population in Stockholm County. In Study II, we investigated how the income gradient in healthcare utilisation changed when taking need into account, by comparing socioeconomic differences using register data on healthcare consumption and sociodemographic background characteristics, and linked survey data. In Study III, we compared socioeconomic differences in healthcare utilisation in Stockholm County before and after the introduction of a primary care reform in 2008 focusing on free choice of provider and free establishment for providers along with a change in reimbursement system from a need-weighted capitation based system to a system based primarily on fee-for-service. In Study IV, we investigated changes in resource allocation to primary care clinics in areas with different levels of median income over a period of nine year and whether the introduction of the 2008 primary care reform changed the trends in resource allocation. We also investigated whether a change in resource allocation was associated with changes in rates of ambulatory care sensitive conditions and emergency ward visits in areas with a decrease and increase of resources, respectively. The conclusions of this thesis is that although response rates in health surveys can be relatively low and differ between socioeconomic groups, relative differences in healthcare utilisation between different socioeconomic groups are representative of the source population and not biased, for most groups. Using health survey data to investigate equity in healthcare utilisation allows adjusting the analyses for healthcare needs. Using data where this is not possible is likely to underestimate socioeconomic differences. The 2008 primary care reform did not particularly benefit groups with higher healthcare needs, on the contrary there seems to be a decline in vertical equity in primary care in Stockholm from 2007 to 2011; especially among women with poor health and men with poor mental health as well as men living in disadvantaged areas. In addition, resources have been shifting from areas with populations with higher healthcare needs to areas with populations with lesser healthcare needs in this period (2005-2013). Further investigation is needed in order to fully understand the health effects of shifting resources from poorer to richer areas

Nurses’ Roles, Responsibilities and Actions in the Hospital Discharge Process of Older Adults with Health and Social Care Needs in Three Nordic Cities : A Vignette Study

The hospital discharge process of older adults in need of both medical and social care post hospitalisation requires the involvement of nurses at multiple levels across the different phases. This study aims to examine and compare what roles, responsibilities and actions nurses take in the hospital discharge process of older adults with complex care needs in three Nordic cities: Copenhagen (Denmark), Stockholm (Sweden) and Tampere (Finland). A vignette-based interview study consisting of three cases was conducted face-to-face with nurses in Copenhagen (n = 11), Stockholm (n = 16) and Tampere (n = 8). The vignettes represented older patients with medical conditions, cognitive loss and various home situations. The interviews were conducted in the local language, recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically. The findings show that nurses exchanged information with both healthcare (all cities) and social care services (Copenhagen, Tampere). Nurses in all cities, particularly Stockholm, reported to inform, and also convince patients to make use of home care. Nurses in Stockholm and Tampere reported that some patients refuse care due to co-payment. Nurses in these two cities were more likely to involve close relatives, possibly due to such costs. Not accepting care, due to costs, poses inequity in later life. Additionally, organisational changes towards a shift in location of care, i.e., from hospital to home, and from professional to informal caregivers, might be reflected in the work of the nurses through their initiatives to convince older patients to accept home care and to involve close relatives.Peer reviewe

Opportunities for transitional care and care continuity following hospital discharge of older people in three Nordic cities : A comparative study

Aim: To outline and discuss care transitions and care continuity following hospital discharge of older people with complex care needs in three Nordic cities: Copenhagen, Tampere and Stockholm. Methods: Data on potential pathways following hospital discharge of older people were obtained from existing literature and expert consultations. The pathways for each system were outlined and presented in three figures. The hospital discharge process of the systems was then compared. Results: In all three care systems, the main care path from hospital is to home. Short-term intermediate healthcare can be provided in all three systems, possibly creating additional care transitions; however, once home, extensive home healthcare may prevent further care transitions. Opportunities for continuity of care include needs assessments (all cities) and meetings with the patient about care upon return home (Copenhagen, Stockholm). Yet this is challenged by lack of transfer of information (Tampere) and patients’ having to apply for some services themselves (Tampere, Stockholm). Conclusions: Comparisons of the discharge processes studied suggest that despite individual care planning and short- and long-term care options, transitional care and care continuity are challenged by limited access as some services need to be applied for by the older person themselves.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

The organisation and responsibility for care for older people in Denmark, Finland and Sweden : outline and comparison of care systems

Aim: To outline the organisation and responsibility for health and social care provided to older people in Denmark, Finland and Sweden. Methods: Non-quantifiable data on the care systems were collated from the literature and expert consultations. The responsibilities for primary healthcare, specialised healthcare, prevention and health promotion, rehabilitation, and social care were presented in relation to policy guidance, funding and organisation. Results: In all three countries, the state issues policy and to some extent co-funds the largely decentralised systems; in Denmark and Sweden the regions and municipalities organise the provision of care services – a system that is also about to be implemented in Finland to improve care coordination and make access more equal. Care for older citizens focuses to a large extent on enabling them to live independently in their own homes. Conclusions: Decentralised care systems are challenged by considerable local variations, possibly jeopardising care equity. State-level decision and policy makers need to be aware of these challenges and monitor developments to prevent further health and social care disparities in the ageing population.publishedVersionPeer reviewe

Healthcare professionals’ perception of barriers and facilitators for care coordination of older adults with complex care needs being discharged from hospital: A qualitative comparative study of two Nordic capitals

Abstract Background The handover of older adults with complex health and social care from hospital admissions to homebased healthcare requires coordination between multiple care providers. Providing insight to the care coordination from healthcare professionals’ views is crucial to show what efforts are needed to manage patient handovers from hospitals to home care, and to identify strengths and weaknesses of the care systems in which they operate. Objective This is a comparative study aiming to examine healthcare professionals’ perceptions on barriers and facilitators for care coordination for older patients with complex health and social care needs being discharged from hospital in two capital cities Copenhagen (DK) and Stockholm (SE). Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 25 nurses and 2 assistant nurses involved in the coordination of the discharge process at hospitals or in the home healthcare services (Copenhagen n = 11, Stockholm n = 16). The interview guide included questions on the participants’ contributions, responsibilities, and influence on decisions during the discharge process. They were also asked about collaboration and interaction with other professionals involved in the process. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results Main themes were communication ways, organisational structures, and supplementary work by staff. We found that there were differences in the organisational structure of the two care systems in relation to integration between different actors and differences in accessibility to patient information, which influenced the coordination. Municipal discharge coordinators visiting patients at the hospital before discharge and the follow-home nurse were seen as facilitators in Copenhagen. In Stockholm the shared information system with access to patient records were lifted as a facilitator for coordination. Difficulties accessing collaborators were experienced in both settings. We also found that participants in both settings to a high degree engage in work tasks outside of their responsibilities to ensure patient safety. Conclusions There are lessons to be learned from both care systems. The written e-communication between hospitals and home health care runs more smoothly in Stockholm, whereas it is perceived as a one-way communication in Copenhagen. In Copenhagen there are more sector-overlapping work which might secure a safer transition from hospital to home. Participants in both settings initiated own actions to weigh out imperfections of the system

Additional file 3: of The impact of reimbursement systems on equity in access and quality of primary care: A systematic literature review

Summary of the 22 studies in included in the systematic review. (DOCX 19 kb

Socio-demographic differences in the frequent use of emergency department care by older persons: a population-based study in Stockholm County

Abstract Background In Sweden, the number of older people using emergency department (ED) care is rising. Among older persons an ED visit is a stressful event, which potentially could have been prevented or treated at other levels of care. Frequent ED use (> 4 visits a year) by older persons might reflect issues in the organisation of health care system to address their needs. We aimed to explore socio-demographic differences among older people seeking ED care in terms age and gender, and to investigate the association between income and frequent ED use. Methods A population-based study analysing the utilisation of ED care by (N = 356,375) individuals aged 65+ years. We linked register data on socio-demographic characteristics from 2013 to health care utilisation data in 2014. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the income differences in the frequent use of ED care, adjusting for living situation, country of birth, residential area, age in years, multi-morbidity and the use of other health care services. Results Those 65+ years accounted for (27%) of all ED visits in Stockholm County in 2014. In the study population (2.5%) were identified as frequent ED users, who were predominantly in the lower income groups, living alone or in an institution, had more multi-morbidity, and utilised more of other health care services. The lowest income groups had a three-fold greater odds of being a frequent ED user than those in the highest income group. In the adjusted models, the odds were reduced by 12–44% for those in the lowest income groups. However, age and gender differences were observed with men 65–79 years (OR 1.75 CI: 1.51–2.03) and women 80+ years (OR 1.50, CI 1.19–1.87) in the lowest income groups having a higher odds of frequent ED use. Conclusion This study observed that ED visits by older persons are driven by a need of care, and those that frequently visit hospital-based EDs are a socially disadvantaged group, which suggests that the organisation of care for older people should be reviewed in order to better meet their needs in other levels of care

Medical Doctors’ Perceptions of the Media Coverage during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Case Study in Stockholm

The strain on healthcare systems including emergency departments increased substantially during the Covid-19 pandemic,negatively affecting healthcare workers and their well-being. The emotional distress experienced by healthcare staff during the pandemic was worsened by confusion and conspiracy theories that circulated in the news and online media. Reports on the pandemic and general consumption of media intensified as the public’s demand for information increased. There is limited research on how doctors perceived media coverage, and how they were affected in their work. This study aimed to explore how medical doctors in emergency departments perceived the media coverage during the Covid-19 pandemic. Twelve doctors at two different emergency departments in Stockholm, Sweden, participated. Interview questions on media were asked as part of a more extensive questionnaire. Informants’ responses were analysed qualitatively. The results indicate that doctors to some extent used media as a source of information, due to limited access to knowledge about the virus. Results further suggest that media coverage triggered fear of infection, caused worry and job strain. The doctors percieved that the media coverage on Covid-19 affected patient-seeking behaviour as well as the doctor-patient relationship. The findings can be relevant in preparation for future pandemics and considered in development of policy for media and emergency departments