Communication between health care providers: An essential part of the patient-centered medical home model

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to improve information exchange by identifying the most important patient information, preferred methods of communication, and barriers between community pharmacists and other health care providers as we move toward an interprofessional patient-centered medical home (PCMH) model. According to the Patient-Centered Primary Care Collaborative, this model focuses on care that is patient-centered, comprehensive, coordinated, accessible, and dedicated to quality and safety. Coordination of patient care and communication among different health care settings and providers are central to the success of this model. Methods: An initial survey will be administered to a variety of health care providers throughout Arkansas including physicians, nurses, and physician assistants. Items include: general demographics, perceptions of participants' communication with community pharmacists, the type of information that needs to be shared among providers (medication list, drug interactions, adherence issues), the most common form of communication used in their practices, the preferred method of communication, and barriers with communication between participants and community pharmacists. Prior to administration, multiple health care professionals will review the survey items for validation. Survey participants also will be asked to participate in a follow-up focus group that will further investigate survey results. Results from the survey will be analyzed and used to tailor the questions for the focus groups. A minimum of two focus group sessions will be held and will include approximately 6-8 interprofessional participants per focus group. Each session will last approximately 1 hour and will be audio recorded and transcribed. The qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic content analysis methods. Results: Research in progress. Anticipated results of the study will enhance collaboration among health care providers as we work toward a PCMH model by identifying important patient information, preferred methods of communication, and current barriers.