Supporting professionals to implement integrated, person-centered care for people with chronic conditions: the TARGET pilot study

Rowan G M Smeets*, Dorijn F L Hertroijs, Dirk Ruwaard, Sophie L W Spoorenberg, Arianne M J Elissen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The TARGET program for integrated, person-centered care for people with chronic conditions offers primary care (PC) professionals a set of tools and trainings to actively engage in population segmentation and person-centered needs assessments (PCNAs). A pilot study was conducted to gain insight into the program's feasibility and acceptability, and identify preconditions for successful implementation. DESIGN AND SETTING: Seven Dutch PC practices participated in a half-year pilot study starting in August 2020. We performed a review of the population segmentation tool, observed four training sessions and 15 PCNAs, and interviewed 15 professionals and 12 patients. RESULTS: Regarding feasibility and acceptability, we found that the tools and trainings provided professionals with skills to use the segmentation tool and take a more coaching role in the well-appreciated PCNAs. Concerning implementation preconditions, we found that team commitment and network connections need improvement, although work pleasure increased and professionals generally wanted the program to continue. CONCLUSIONS: While the content of the TARGET program is supported by its users, the implementation process, for instance team commitment to the program, needs more attention in future upscaling efforts.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)377-391
Number of pages15
JournalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
Volume41
Issue number4
Early online date4 Sept 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Oct 2023

Keywords

  • Primary health care
  • chronic diseases
  • delivery of health care
  • feasibility studies
  • integrated
  • person-centered care
  • pilot projects

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