Perceptions of Community-dwelling Patients and Caregivers of Patient-Centered Care in Central Appalachia: An Exploratory Study

Authors' Affiliations

Kristy J. Gagnon, MPH, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; Mary Ann Littleton, PhD, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; Amy M. Poole, MSc., College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; Cynthia J. Blair, BA, Johnson City School System, Johnson City, TN; Timir K. Paul, MD, PhD, James H. Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; Ginny Kidwell, MA, Tennessee Institute of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; Liang Wang, MD, PhD, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; Vicki Casenburg, BA, Cumberland Marketing, Kingsport, TN; Lynn Frierson, BA, Mended Hearts, Johnson City Chapter, TN; Rob Gregory, BA, Karing Hearts Cardiology Services, Johnson City, TN; Carl Voigt, BA, Mended Hearts, Johnson City Chapter, TN; Hadii M. Mamudu, PhD, MPA, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.

Location

Ballroom

Start Date

4-12-2019 9:00 AM

End Date

4-12-2019 2:30 PM

Poster Number

83

Faculty Sponsor’s Department

Community & Behavioral Health

Name of Project's Faculty Sponsor

Dr. Mary Ann Littleton

Classification of First Author

Graduate Student-Doctoral

Type

Poster: Competitive

Project's Category

Health Services Delivery, Patient Care and Education, Public Health

Abstract or Artist's Statement

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.), accounting for one in three deaths annually. Within the U.S., disparities in CVD outcomes and risk factors exist across demographic groups and geographic areas, such as the Central Appalachian region where the burden is higher than state and national rates. Patient-centered care (PCC), is a model of health care delivery that has been shown to improves disease outcomes and quality of life, and is critical in addressing disparities in health care. However, little is known about how high-risk Central Appalachian populations understand or perceive such a model. As such, the objective of this study was to examine the perceptions of PCC among community-dwelling CVD patients/caregivers in the region. Methods: A qualitative study design applying thematic analysis was utilized for data collection and analysis. Seven focus group discussions across six states in Central Appalachia were conducted, and comprised of 78 middle-aged participants selected through purposive sampling. Sessions were guided by standardized instrument regarding current efforts in their communities concerning CVD; challenges and needs; appropriate approaches to their cardiovascular issues; understanding and views about patient-centeredness; and related priorities. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then coded for thematic analysis using NVivo qualitative data analysis software. Dependability of data analysis was achieved through an audit trail tracking the NVivo process. Results: Data analysis identified interpersonal relationships with health care providers (HCPs) as the most important aspect of PCC among participants. When asked what PCC meant to them, each group discussed the interpersonal relationship they wanted from HCPs, barriers that kept them from achieving this relationship, and how it impacted their care. Within this theme, two overarching subthemes emerged: (1) developing long-term relationships with HCPs, and (2) developing partnerships with HCPs. The first theme had subthemes that included: turnover of HCPs in their geographical location, the disappearance of family physicians, and preferences related to seeing a physician versus a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. The second theme’s subthemes included: communication, feeling cared for as an individual, and input into care. Conclusion: Patients/caregivers stressed the importance of interpersonal relationships with providers in the delivery of PCC. However, patients recognized when PCC was not being provided, provided examples of interactions that were not conducive to providing PCC, and reported feeling disempowered as a person and a patient. The results of this research can be utilized to understand patient/caregiver perceptions of PCC, and indicates the need for further research to reconcile these viewpoints with those of providers to improve the delivery of care, and health outcomes.

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Apr 12th, 9:00 AM Apr 12th, 2:30 PM

Perceptions of Community-dwelling Patients and Caregivers of Patient-Centered Care in Central Appalachia: An Exploratory Study

Ballroom

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain the leading cause of death in the United States (U.S.), accounting for one in three deaths annually. Within the U.S., disparities in CVD outcomes and risk factors exist across demographic groups and geographic areas, such as the Central Appalachian region where the burden is higher than state and national rates. Patient-centered care (PCC), is a model of health care delivery that has been shown to improves disease outcomes and quality of life, and is critical in addressing disparities in health care. However, little is known about how high-risk Central Appalachian populations understand or perceive such a model. As such, the objective of this study was to examine the perceptions of PCC among community-dwelling CVD patients/caregivers in the region. Methods: A qualitative study design applying thematic analysis was utilized for data collection and analysis. Seven focus group discussions across six states in Central Appalachia were conducted, and comprised of 78 middle-aged participants selected through purposive sampling. Sessions were guided by standardized instrument regarding current efforts in their communities concerning CVD; challenges and needs; appropriate approaches to their cardiovascular issues; understanding and views about patient-centeredness; and related priorities. The discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and then coded for thematic analysis using NVivo qualitative data analysis software. Dependability of data analysis was achieved through an audit trail tracking the NVivo process. Results: Data analysis identified interpersonal relationships with health care providers (HCPs) as the most important aspect of PCC among participants. When asked what PCC meant to them, each group discussed the interpersonal relationship they wanted from HCPs, barriers that kept them from achieving this relationship, and how it impacted their care. Within this theme, two overarching subthemes emerged: (1) developing long-term relationships with HCPs, and (2) developing partnerships with HCPs. The first theme had subthemes that included: turnover of HCPs in their geographical location, the disappearance of family physicians, and preferences related to seeing a physician versus a physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner. The second theme’s subthemes included: communication, feeling cared for as an individual, and input into care. Conclusion: Patients/caregivers stressed the importance of interpersonal relationships with providers in the delivery of PCC. However, patients recognized when PCC was not being provided, provided examples of interactions that were not conducive to providing PCC, and reported feeling disempowered as a person and a patient. The results of this research can be utilized to understand patient/caregiver perceptions of PCC, and indicates the need for further research to reconcile these viewpoints with those of providers to improve the delivery of care, and health outcomes.