University of Calgary: Measuring person-centered integrated care for CKD and multimorbidity
About University of Calgary
The University of Calgary is a leading Canadian research institution located in the province of Alberta. Known for its innovative approach to education and research, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 15 faculties. The University of Calgary excels in research areas such as energy, health sciences, engineering, and sustainability. It fosters a dynamic and diverse community dedicated to addressing global challenges through interdisciplinary research.
Project overview
- Target group: Patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease (non-dialysis, non-transplant) and multimorbidity, caregivers, and healthcare providers/administrators.
Region: Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Objective: To gain insight into the current state of person-centered integrated kidney care from the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.
Challenges for patients with chronic kidney disease
In Canada, one in ten people suffer from kidney disease. Patients with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) often face multimorbidity, meaning they are living with two or more chronic conditions. These patients require coordinated care from various healthcare providers, which increases the risk of fragmented care, particularly in the coordination between primary care and nephrology. Person-centered integrated care (PC-IC) is a promising approach to improve care for these patients, but there is limited evidence on how best to implement this approach for patients with mild to moderate CKD and multimorbidity.
This project aims to provide more insight into the perspectives of these patients, their caregivers, and the healthcare providers involved to improve the care experience.
Our approach
This research uses a cross-sectional approach with the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care Measurement Tools (RMIC-MTs). The project team reached out to patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers in Alberta through various channels, such as social media and referrals from healthcare professionals. Descriptive analyses were performed to investigate variations in perception based on the role of the participants and their background. The results were then compared with an international network of dialysis clinics in 23 countries.
Results
This research has provided valuable insights that serve as a foundation for improving care coordination and integrated care models for CKD patients in Alberta. The RMIC scores indicated that Alberta scored lower across all domains compared to international benchmarks. Healthcare providers and caregivers generally rated their experiences with integrated care less positively than patients. Additionally, clear differences in perceptions were found based on demographic factors such as age, gender, and geographic location.
Through a structured approach, involving validated questionnaires and advanced data collection, we have gathered valuable data that highlight areas where care coordination for CKD patients can be improved. These results form a solid basis for targeted action to enhance care quality and develop an integrated care model.
RMIC-scores: Alberta scored lower than international benchmarks in all domains.
Differences in perceptions: Healthcare providers rated integrated care less positively than patients.
Patients and caregivers: Significant differences were found in the assessment of care coordination, person-centeredness, and team-based care between patients and caregivers. Overall, caregivers rated these aspects less favorably than patients.
Care coordination insights: The results emphasize the need for a more coordinated approach to CKD care in Alberta.
The results of this study were also presented on the following conferences:
Next Steps
Based on the results, we will focus on identifying barriers and facilitators that affect PC-IC for CKD patients in Alberta. This will be done through qualitative interviews and a Delphi consensus process. Additionally, we will identify PC-IC strategies for this population through a scoping review and complete a jurisdictional scan of current strategies in Canada.
The ultimate goal is to co-create, together with healthcare providers and patients, a care model that addresses the current gaps in service delivery. This model will aim to improve care coordination and promote person-centered care for people with mild to moderate CKD and multimorbidity.
Reaction from University of Calgary
“It was a pleasure to work with Essenburgh. Their expertise, insights, and advice regarding an evidence-based approach to measuring integrated care provided our team with actionable data. We look forward to continued collaboration to look at innovative integrated care models that improve the care for individuals living with chronic kidney disease and other chronic diseases.”
Maoliosa Donald, Implementation ScientistAbout Essenburgh
Essenburgh offers strategic consultancy and research services that help organizations in the healthcare sector improve their performance and achieve sustainable results. Our expertise includes systematic literature reviews, meta-analyses, and the development of models such as the Rainbow Model of Integrated Care. We work closely with healthcare institutions to identify and implement effective interventions aimed at improving patient outcomes and optimizing care processes. Through data-driven insights and tailored solutions, we support healthcare organizations in their pursuit of quality, affordability, and accessibility of care.
Collaborating on data-driven healthcare
Do you want to improve and effectively measure integrated care? Utilize our RMIC tool, the ultimate instrument to gain insights into the quality and effectiveness of your care integration. Discover how this tool can help you optimize integrated care and enhance patient outcomes.
Visit the page below to learn more about the tool and request a demo to experience its insights and capabilities firsthand. Contact us today and take the next step in measuring and improving care.
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