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Achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a strategic objective of the Jordanian government and has been prioritized in its strategies and plans. However, there are several challenges affecting primary healthcare in Jordan and the health system in general that prevent Jordan from achieving UHC. This paper highlights the importance of team-based care in the form of Family Health Teams (FHTs) to realize Jordan’s goal of achieving UHC. FHTs are a team-based approach that brings together diverse professionals to provide a comprehensive, efficient, patient-centered primary care system that meets the changing needs of Jordan’s population and refugees. However, the implementation of FHT may encounter obstacles, including individual, organizational, institutional, and external barriers. To overcome such obstacles, several actions and processes need to be taken, including political commitment and leadership, implementing good governance and policy frameworks, allocating resources and funding, multisectoral collaboration, and engagement of communities and stakeholders. The successful implementation of FHTs requires participation from government officials, parliamentarians, civil society, and influential community, religious, and business leaders. A strategic policy framework, effective oversight, coalition building, regulation, attention to system design, and accountability are also essential. In conclusion, adopting the FHT approach in Jordan’s Primary Healthcare system offers a promising path towards achieving UHC, improving healthcare access, quality, and efficiency while addressing the unique challenges faced by the country’s healthcare system.

Background In 2014, a rural Family Health Team (FHT) in Ontario, Canada embedded a community paramedicine program into their primary care practice to improve care for their complex patients. Community paramedics are health care professionals who extend their role beyond emergency services to provide primary care in home and community settings. The study aims to evaluate the utility of having community paramedics embedded in a rural FHT. Methods In this qualitative study, we conducted 12 semi-structured interviews with the community paramedicine team ( n =4) and other staff from the FHT ( n =8), including physicians, nurse practitioners, allied health professionals (AHPs), and the program director. We conducted a deductive and thematic analysis using the RE-AIM framework. This allowed us to examine the strengths and challenges of incorporating community paramedics in a primary care model for providers and coordinating patient care in a rural setting. Results Reach: The community paramedicine program is primarily used by physicians to target older patients with multiple chronic conditions, frequent health care use, and limited social support. Effectiveness: In-home visits by community paramedics yield a detailed picture of patients' health-related behaviours, such as medication adherence and dietary habits, improving the FHT’s understanding of patient needs and informing care strategies. Adoption: Community paramedics value the opportunity to build long-lasting patient relationships. Implementation: The FHT’s rural location is a significant external barrier limiting the paramedic program’s ability to serve a larger patient caseload. Maintenance: The program aligns with the FHT’s mission to improve access to care for vulnerable patients. Conclusions Our findings highlight community paramedics' role in supporting high-needs patients, particularly in rural settings. The average age of patients in the program is 78, and they often have multiple comorbidities, including prevalent dementia. Such health conditions necessitate home visits to gather accurate health information often masked in clinic settings. Embedding community paramedics in a primary care model improves access to care and provides more support for patients with complex needs. Using these findings, we developed a “how to” blueprint for embedding community paramedics in primary care settings to address the care needs of high-risk older adults. Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Background We initially reported on the cost-effectiveness of a 6-month randomized controlled implementation trial which evaluated Health TAPESTRY, a primary care program for older adults, at the McMaster Family Health Team (FHT) site and 5 other FHT sites in Ontario, Canada. While there were no statistically significant between-group differences in outcomes at month 6 post randomization, positive outcomes were observed at the McMaster FHT site, which recruited 40% (204/512) of the participants. The objective of this post-hoc study was to determine the cost-effectiveness of Health TAPESTRY based on data from the McMaster FHT site. Methods Costs included the cost to implement Health TAPESTRY at McMaster as well as healthcare resource consumed, which were costed using publicly available sources. Health-related-quality-of-life was evaluated with the EQ-5L-5L at baseline and at month 6 post randomization. Quality-adjusted-life-years (QALYs) were calculated under an-area-under the curve approach. Unadjusted and adjusted regression analyses (two independent regression analyses on costs and QALYs, seemingly unrelated regression [SUR], net benefit regression) as well as difference-in-difference and propensity score matching (PSM) methods, were used to deal with the non-randomized nature of the trial. Sampling uncertainty inherent to the trial data was estimated using non-parametric bootstrapping. The return on investment (ROI) associated with Health TAPESTRY was calculated. All costs were reported in 2021 Canadian dollars. Results With an intervention cost of $293/patient, Health TAPESTRY was the preferred strategy in the unadjusted and adjusted analyses. The results of our bootstrap analyses indicated that Health TAPESTRY was cost-effective compared to usual care at commonly accepted WTP thresholds. For example, if decision makers were willing to pay $50,000 per QALY gained, the probability of Health TAPESTRY to be cost effective compared to usual care varied from 0.72 (unadjusted analysis) to 0.96 (SUR) when using a WTP of $50,000/QALY gained. The DID and ROI analyses indicated that Health Tapestry generated a positive ROI. Conclusion Health TAPESTRY was the preferred strategy when implemented at the McMaster FHT. We caution care in interpreting the results because of the post-hoc nature of the analyses and limited sample size based on one site.

Resumo A pesquisa teve como objetivo identificar como acontece o Apoio Matricial realizado entre o Centro de Atenção Psicossocial (CAPS) e as equipes de Saúde da Família. Ocorreu a partir de uma revisão narrativa da literatura feita através de uma busca utilizando como descritores “apoio matricial AND saúde mental”, nas bases da SciELO e PubMed, entre 2016 e 2020, com 12 estudos selecionados. Após a leitura do conjunto do material, dois eixos temáticos foram construídos: apoio CAPS-ESF na prática e seus alcances e elementos facilitadores e desafiadores. O Apoio Matricial é ferramenta essencial à Reforma Psiquiátrica; recurso de fortalecimento entre os serviços de saúde mental especializada e Atenção Básica. Os desafios envolvem o campo das relações entre os sujeitos implicados nos serviços de saúde mental, incluindo a gestão, nas limitações do próprio trabalho em equipe, e nas fragilidades estruturais da rede de saúde mental. Por fim, os estudos convergem em destacar que o cuidado compartilhado entre apoiadores só é possível por meio de encontros e desencontros entre as equipes, sendo trabalho complexo por seu caráter de construção. Abstract The research aimed to identify how the Matrix Support carried out between the Psychosocial Care Center (CAPS) and the Family Health teams takes place. It occurred from a narrative review of the literature carried out through a search using “matrix support AND mental health” as descriptors, in the SciELO and PubMed databases, between 2016 and 2020, with 12 studies selected. After reading the set of material, two thematic axes were constructed: CAPS-ESF support in practice and its scope and facilitating and challenging elements. Matrix Support is an essential tool for Psychiatric Reform; strengthening resource between specialized mental health services and Primary Care. The challenges involve the field of relationships between subjects involved in mental health services, including management, the limitations of teamwork itself, and the structural weaknesses of the mental health network. Finally, the studies converge in highlighting that shared care between supporters is only possible through meetings and disagreements between teams, being a complex work due to its construction nature.

Few studies have examined the role of occupational therapy working in a primary care setting. The objective of the study was to describe the emerging role of occupational therapy in Family Health Teams, a model of interprofessional primary care. A multiple case study design was used to provide in-depth description of the occupational therapy role. Data collection included interviews, document analyses, and questionnaires. Each case was first analyzed individually, followed by cross-case analyses to determine common themes. The role of occupational therapy in Family Health Teams epitomizes that of a generalist, whose overarching focus is on function. Occupational therapists are working across the life span with a wide range of client populations. Older adults and individuals with complex chronic conditions are two prominent areas of occupational therapy focus. Understanding the impact of health conditions on daily function and enabling participation in activities are unique and important contributions of occupational therapy.

The primary aim of this study was to determine the characteristics and develop a predictive model describing low acuity users of the emergency department (ED) by patients followed by a family health team (FHT). The secondary aim was to contrast this information with characteristics of high acuity users. We also sought to determine what factors were predictive of leaving without being seen (LWBS). This retrospective descriptive correlational study explored characteristics and factors predictive of low acuity ED utilization. The sample included all FHT patients with ED visits in 2011. The last ED record was chosen for review. Sex, age, Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), presenting complaint(s), time of day, day of week, number of visits, and diagnosis were recorded. Of 1580 patients who visited the ED in 2011, 56% were CTAS 1-3 visits, 24% CTAS 4-5 and 20% had no CTAS recorded. Patients who were older than age 65 were approximately half as likely to have a CTAS level of 4-5 compared to younger patients (OR=0.605, CI=0.441,0.829). Patients older than age 65 were 1.75 times more likely to be CTAS level 1-2 (OR=1.745, CI=1.277, 2.383). Patients who went to the ED during the day were less likely to LWBS compared to night visits (OR=0.697, CI=0.532, 0.912). Interpretation Most low acuity ED utilization is by patients under the age of 65, while high acuity ED utilization is more common among patients older than age 65. Patients are more likely to LWBS during late evening and overnight periods (9 pm-7 am).

Resumo O apoio matricial (AM) se divide em duas dimensões: assistencial e técnico-pedagógica. O interesse desta revisão está no caráter técnico-pedagógico (CTP) do AM, por seu potencial para a transformação das práticas em saúde e da organização do trabalho. Este estudo pretende analisar, por meio de revisão bibliográfica exploratória, como o CTP vem sendo abordado na literatura. Parte-se da hipótese de que assim como tal dimensão tem sido pouco operada no cotidiano, ela também tem sido pouco detalhada na literatura. Foi realizada busca ampla do termo “apoio matricial” na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde e identificados os estudos que abordavam o CTP. Os trechos de artigos que tratavam do assunto, 65 no total, compuseram o corpus submetido à análise temática. Foram identificados quatro grandes eixos na abordagem do CTP do AM: aspecto conceitual do apoio matricial; processos de ensino e aprendizagem no CTP; operacionalização do caráter técnico-pedagógico; efeitos do caráter técnico-pedagógico. Os achados comprovam a hipótese de que, apesar de o CTP ser parte fundamental do conceito e da prática do AM, há pouca produção sobre a temática. Predominam as referências ao CTP como aspecto constituinte do AM, sem maiores esclarecimentos quanto a sua natureza, especificidade ou operacionalização. Abstract The matrix support (AM) has two dimensions: assistance and technical-pedagogical. This interest of this review is the Technical-Pedagogical Character (CTP) of AM, because of its potential to transform health practices and work organization. Through an exploratory bibliographic review, this study aims to analyze how the CTP of AM has been approached in the literature. It starts from the hypothesis that just as this dimension has not been much operated in daily life, it has also been little detailed in the literature. A broad search of the term \"matrix support\" was carried out in the Virtual Health Library and the studies that addressed the CTP were identified. The 65 articles on the subject composed the corpus submitted to thematic analysis. Four major axes have been identified: conceptual aspect of matrix support; teaching and learning processes in the CTP; operationalization of the technical-pedagogical character; effects of the technical-pedagogical character. The findings confirmed the hypothesis that, although CTP is a fundamental AM’s concept and practice, there is a few productions about this subject. There is a predominance of references in which CTP appears as a constituent aspect of AM, without further explanations of its nature, specificities, and operationalization.

Aim To understand the frequency, urgency, and rationale of emergency department and urgent care (ED/UC) use by diabetic patients of a Family Medicine Health Team (FHT). A retrospective, observational study with comparison control groups was conducted from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2014. A total of 693 diabetic patients were compared with two, age-standardized non-diabetic groups: one with a higher disease burden based on International Classification of Diseases 9 diagnoses and the other from a randomized patient pool. Findings The diabetic group utilized ED/UC services 1.25 and 1.92 times more often than the two control populations, consistent with that observed in other studies. Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale scores were essentially the same for the diabetic population. Only 3.1% of visits were for diabetic related emergencies, in contrast to the expected 23% by surveyed physicians of the FHT. Diabetic patient's sought treatment for cellulitis, wounds, abscesses, and infections more often than the control populations.

Background Malaysia has committed to the global call to achieve universal health coverage, and with the adoption of Sustainable Development Goals, is further strengthening the health system through the primary health care services, particularly the family doctor concept. The Enhanced Primary Health Care (EnPHC) initiative was implemented to address the worrying upward trend of non-communicable disease prevalence, and incorporates the Family Health Team (FHT) concept. The aim of this paper is to describe the implementation of the FHT as part of the EnPHC intervention. Methods In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with the intervention design team, healthcare providers and patients in two rounds during the implementation period. A total of 121 individuals in the two rounds, split into different groups, where some of the participants of the FGD were also interviewed individually. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis, with codes being organised into larger themes. Results Themes that emerged from the data were around the process of FHT implementation and the advantages of the FHT, which included continuity of health care and improved quality of care. Patients and health care providers were receptive to the FHT concept, and took the effort to adapt the concept in the local settings. Conclusions The FHT concept implemented at 20 public primary health clinics has benefits appreciated by health care providers and patients. Addressing the viable shortcomings would better prepare the current primary healthcare system to scale up the FHT concept nationwide and enhance its feasibility and sustainability. Trial registration The study is registered with the National Medical Research Register, Ministry of Health Malaysia (NMRR-17-295-34711).

Support is considered an important factor for realizing the benefits of health information technology, but there is a dearth of research on the topic of support, especially in primary care. We conducted a qualitative multiple case study of four family health teams and one family health organization in Ontario, Canada in an attempt to gain insight into users' expectations and needs, and the realities of end-user support for primary care electronic medical records. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews, document review, and observation of training sessions. The analysis highlights the important role of on-site information technology staff and super-users in liaising with various stakeholders to solve technical problems and providing hardware and functional (how to) support; the local development of data support practices to ensure consistent documentation; and the gaps that exist in users' and support personnel's understanding of each other's work processes.