Browsing by Author "Donald, Maoliosa"

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    Classification schemes for knowledge translation interventions: a practical resource for researchers
    (2017-12-06) Slaughter, Susan E; Zimmermann, Gabrielle L; Nuspl, Megan; Hanson, Heather M; Albrecht, Lauren; Esmail, Rosmin; Sauro, Khara; Newton, Amanda S; Donald, Maoliosa; Dyson, Michele P; Thomson, Denise; Hartling, Lisa
    Abstract Background As implementation science advances, the number of interventions to promote the translation of evidence into healthcare, health systems, or health policy is growing. Accordingly, classification schemes for these knowledge translation (KT) interventions have emerged. A recent scoping review identified 51 classification schemes of KT interventions to integrate evidence into healthcare practice; however, the review did not evaluate the quality of the classification schemes or provide detailed information to assist researchers in selecting a scheme for their context and purpose. This study aimed to further examine and assess the quality of these classification schemes of KT interventions, and provide information to aid researchers when selecting a classification scheme. Methods We abstracted the following information from each of the original 51 classification scheme articles: authors’ objectives; purpose of the scheme and field of application; socioecologic level (individual, organizational, community, system); adaptability (broad versus specific); target group (patients, providers, policy-makers), intent (policy, education, practice), and purpose (dissemination versus implementation). Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality of the development of each classification scheme using an adapted version of the AGREE II tool. Based on these assessments, two independent reviewers reached consensus about whether to recommend each scheme for researcher use, or not. Results Of the 51 original classification schemes, we excluded seven that were not specific classification schemes, not accessible or duplicates. Of the remaining 44 classification schemes, nine were not recommended. Of the 35 recommended classification schemes, ten focused on behaviour change and six focused on population health. Many schemes (n = 29) addressed practice considerations. Fewer schemes addressed educational or policy objectives. Twenty-five classification schemes had broad applicability, six were specific, and four had elements of both. Twenty-three schemes targeted health providers, nine targeted both patients and providers and one targeted policy-makers. Most classification schemes were intended for implementation rather than dissemination. Conclusions Thirty-five classification schemes of KT interventions were developed and reported with sufficient rigour to be recommended for use by researchers interested in KT in healthcare. Our additional categorization and quality analysis will aid in selecting suitable classification schemes for research initiatives in the field of implementation science.
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    Enhancing Self-management Support for Adults with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Person-centered, Theory-informed Approach
    (2019-11) Donald, Maoliosa; Hemmelgarn, Brenda; Beanlands, Heather J.; Ronksley, Paul Everett; Straus, Sharon E.
    Strategies to support patients to self-manage their chronic kidney disease (CKD) have been identified as one of the top 10 kidney research priorities internationally. Recognizing that this research priority is key to delivering person-centered care, this thesis examines enhancing adult CKD self-management support using patient-centered and theoretical approaches. We conducted three sequential studies: a scoping review to identify and describe self-management interventions for adult patients with CKD; a descriptive qualitative study to identify the needs of adults with CKD and their caregivers based on their experiences with managing CKD; and a one-day consensus workshop using personas to determine the preferences for content and features for a CKD patient self-management electronic health (eHealth) tool. We found a lack of patient engagement and application of behaviour change theories in the development of CKD self-management interventions. In addition, we identified the needs of patients and their caregivers regarding areas of knowledge, information sharing, and relevant supports for self-management in early stages of CKD. Patients, caregivers, health care professionals, and policy makers provided detailed subject matter for CKD topic areas, as well as preferred features to consider for a novel approach to supporting CKD self-management. This thesis work is pragmatic, as well as innovative in nature. To our knowledge, this is the first multi-phase study to meaningfully engage patients with CKD and caregivers as patient partners. Their involvement went beyond the role of consultation, where they actively participated in informing all phases of the research. To enhance CKD self-management support, our work offers evidence to inform the co-development of a tailored self-management support intervention for adults with CKD and their informal caregivers in Canada.
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    Healthcare provider perspectives on integrating peer support in non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease care: a mixed methods study
    (2022-04-18) Love, Shannan; Harrison, Tyrone G.; Fox, Danielle E.; Donald, Maoliosa; Verdin, Nancy; Hemmelgarn, Brenda R.; Elliott, Meghan J.
    Abstract Background Peer support complements traditional models of chronic kidney disease (CKD) care through sharing of peer experiences, pragmatic advice, and resources to enhance chronic kidney disease self-management and decision-making. As peer support is variably offered and integrated into multi-disciplinary CKD care, we aimed to characterize healthcare providers’ experiences and views on peer support provision for people with non-dialysis-dependent CKD within Canada. Methods In this concurrent mixed methods study, we used a self-administered online survey to collect information from multi-disciplinary CKD clinic providers (e.g., nurses, nephrologists, allied health professionals) on peer support awareness, program characteristics and processes, perceived value, and barriers and facilitators to offering peer support in CKD clinics. Results were analyzed descriptively. We undertook semi-structured interviews with a sample of survey respondents to elaborate on perspectives about peer support in CKD care, which we analyzed using inductive, content analysis. Results We surveyed 113 providers from 49 clinics. Two thirds (66%) were aware of formal peer support programs, of whom 19% offered in-house peer support through their clinic. Peer support awareness differed by role and region, and most referrals were made by social workers. Likert scale responses suggested a high perceived need of peer support for people with CKD. Top cited barriers to offering peer support included lack of peer support access and workload demands, while facilitators included systematic clinic processes for peer support integration and alignment with external programs. Across 18 interviews, we identified themes related to peer support awareness, logistics, and accessibility and highlighted a need for integrated support pathways. Conclusions Our findings suggest variability in awareness and availability of peer support among Canadian multi-disciplinary CKD clinics. An understanding of the factors influencing peer support delivery will inform strategies to optimize its uptake for people with advanced CKD.
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    Online clinical pathway for chronic kidney disease management in primary care: a retrospective cohort study
    (2021-10-06) Donald, Maoliosa; Smekal, Michelle D.; Elliott, Meghan J.; McBrien, Kerry; Weaver, Robert G.; Manns, Braden J.; Tonelli, Marcello; Bello, Aminu; Straus, Sharon E.; Scott-Douglas, Nairne; Jindal, Kailash; Hemmelgarn, Brenda R.
    Abstract Background Clinical pathways aim to improve patient care. We sought to determine whether an online chronic kidney disease (CKD) clinical pathway was associated with improvements in CKD management. Methods We conducted a retrospective pre/post population-based cohort study using linked health data from Alberta, Canada. We included adults 18 years or older with mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. The primary outcome was measurement of an outpatient urine albumin creatinine ratio (ACR) in a 28-day period, among people without a test in the prior year. Secondary outcomes included use of guideline-recommended drug therapies (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers and statins). Results The study period spanned October 2010 to March 2017. There were 84 independent 28-day periods (53 pre, 31 post pathway implementation) including 345,058 adults. The population was predominantly female (56%) with median age 77 years; most had category 3A CKD (67%) and hypertension (82%). In adjusted segmented regression models, the increase in the rate of change of ACR testing was greatest in Calgary zone (adjusted OR 1.19 per year, 95% CI 1.16–1.21), where dissemination of the pathway was strongest; this increase was more pronounced in those without diabetes (adjusted OR 1.25 per year, 95% CI 1.21–1.29). Small improvements in guideline-concordant medication use were also observed. Conclusions Following implementation of an online CKD clinical pathway, improvements in ACR testing were evident in regions where the pathway was most actively used, particularly among individuals without diabetes.
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    Patient and provider experience and perspectives of a risk-based approach to multidisciplinary chronic kidney disease care: a mixed methods study
    (2019-03-29) Smekal, Michelle D; Tam-Tham, Helen; Finlay, Juli; Donald, Maoliosa; Thomas, Chandra; Weaver, Robert G; Quinn, Robert R; Tam, Kin; Manns, Braden J; Tonelli, Marcello; Bello, Aminu; Tangri, Navdeep; Hemmelgarn, Brenda R
    Abstract Background The Kidney Failure Risk Equation (KFRE) predicts risk of progression to kidney failure and is used to guide clinical decisions for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods The KFRE was implemented to guide access to multidisciplinary care for CKD patients in Alberta, Canada, based on their 2-year risk of kidney failure. We used a mixed methods approach to investigate patients’ and providers’ perspectives and experiences 1 year following KFRE implementation. We conducted post-implementation interviews with multidisciplinary clinic providers and with low-risk patients who transitioned from multidisciplinary to general nephrology care. We also administered pre- and post-implementation patient care experience surveys, targeting both low-risk patients discharged to general nephrology and high-risk patients who remained in the multidisciplinary clinic, and provider job satisfaction surveys. Results Twenty-seven interviews were conducted (9 patients, 1 family member, 17 providers). Five categories were identified among patients and providers: targeted care; access to resources outside the multidisciplinary clinics; self-efficacy; patient reassurance and reduced stress; and transition process for low-risk patients Two additional categories were identified among providers only: anticipated concerns and job satisfaction. Patients and providers reported that the risk-based approach allowed the clinic to target care to those most likely to experience kidney failure and most likely to benefit from multidisciplinary care. While some participants indicated the risk-based model enhanced the sustainability of the clinics, others expressed concern that care for low-risk patients discharged from multidisciplinary care, or those now considered ineligible, may be inadequate. Overall, 413 patients completed the care experience survey and 73 providers completed the workplace satisfaction survey. The majority of patients were satisfied with their care in both periods with no overall differences. When considering the responses “Always” and “Often” together versus not, there were statistically significant improvements in domains of access to care, caring staff, and safety of care. There were no differences in healthcare providers’ job satisfaction following KFRE implementation. Conclusions Patients and healthcare providers reported that the risk-based approach improved the focus of the multidisciplinary CKD clinics by targeting patients at highest risk, with survey results suggesting no difference in patient care experience or healthcare provider job satisfaction.
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    Understanding the Complexities of Transition Readiness in Adolescents and Emerging Adults with Chronic Health Conditions: A Mixed Methods Study
    (2024-05-31) Punjwani, Zoya; Samuel, Susan; Dimitropoulos, Gina; Metcalfe, Amy; Donald, Maoliosa
    Background: The transition from pediatric to adult health care for adolescents and emerging adults (AEA) with chronic conditions is a complex time, associated with gaps in care, poor treatment adherence, and increases in emergency department (ED) visits. Various tools are available to assess AEA readiness to transition, such as the Transition Readiness Assessment Questionnaire (TRAQ). Research is needed to better understand the association between TRAQ scores and transition outcomes and identify gaps that remain in accurately and comprehensively assessing transition readiness. The objectives of this study were to quantitatively examine the associations between TRAQ scores and ED visit rates and utilization of a navigator intervention, as well as qualitatively explore the experiences of AEA related to social-ecological factors of transition readiness. Methods: A patient-oriented, embedded mixed methods study was conducted, with quantitative priority. This study was guided by the Social-Ecological Model of Adolescents and young adults’ Readiness to Transition (SMART) as identified by our patient partners. This model encompasses individual-level factors and the reciprocal interactions between AEA and their surrounding systems, including family, caregivers, healthcare providers, and medical system. Data was obtained from the Transition Navigator Trial (TNT), a pragmatic randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of a patient navigator for AEA undergoing transition from pediatric to adult healthcare in Alberta, Canada. Results: Quantitatively, higher TRAQ scores were associated with increased ED visit rates. A similar relationship was observed pre-pandemic, with higher TRAQ scores associated with higher navigator utilization. However, post-pandemic onset, higher TRAQ scores were associated with lower navigator utilization. TRAQ scores did not differ across sociodemographic factors such as age, sex, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, immigration status, urban/rural residence, and the presence of a co-occurring mental health condition. Qualitative results highlighted factors extending beyond what was assessed by TRAQ, including insurance barriers, psychosocial impacts of health condition, and the importance of relationships when undergoing transitions in care. Conclusion: This study underscored the multifaceted nature of transition readiness and the gaps in current readiness measures such as TRAQ. Patient partners advocated for improvements in readiness measures, developing recommendations regarding assessing insurance, mental health, skill development, contextual factors, and relationships in readiness measures.
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    “You need a team”: perspectives on interdisciplinary symptom management using patient-reported outcome measures in hemodialysis care—a qualitative study
    (2023-01-20) Baragar, Brigitte; Schick-Makaroff, Kara; Manns, Braden; Love, Shannan; Donald, Maoliosa; Santana, Maria; Corradetti, Bonnie; Finlay, Juli; Johnson, Jeffrey A.; Walsh, Michael; Elliott, Meghan J.
    Abstract Background Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are standardized instruments used for assessing patients’ perspectives on their health status at a point in time, including their health-related quality of life, symptoms, functionality, and physical, mental, and social wellbeing. For people with kidney failure receiving hemodialysis, addressing high symptom burden and complexity relies on care team members integrating their expertise to achieve common management goals. In the context of a program-wide initiative integrating PROMs into routine hemodialysis care, we aimed to explore patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives on the role of PROMs in supporting interdisciplinary symptom management. Methods We employed a qualitative descriptive approach using semi-structured interviews and observations. Eligible participants included adult patients receiving intermittent, outpatient hemodialysis for > 3 months, their informal caregivers, and hemodialysis clinicians (i.e., nurses, nephrologists, and allied health professionals) in Southern Alberta, Canada. Guided by thematic analysis, team members coded transcripts in duplicate and developed themes iteratively through review, refinement, and discussion. Results Thirty-three clinicians (22 nurses, 6 nephrologists, 5 allied health professionals), 20 patients, and one caregiver participated in this study. Clinicians described using PROMs to coordinate care across provider types using the resources available in their units, whereas patients tended to focus on the perceived impact of this concerted care on symptom trajectory and care experience. We identified 3 overarching themes with subthemes related to the role of PROMs in interdisciplinary symptom management in this setting: (1) Integrating care for interrelated symptoms (“You need a team”, conducive setting, role clarity and collaboration); (2) Streamlining information sharing and access (symptom data repository, common language for coordinated care); (3) Reshaping expectations (expectations for follow-up, managing symptom persistence). Conclusions We found that use of PROMs in routine hemodialysis care highlighted symptom interrelatedness and complexity and helped to streamline involvement of the interdisciplinary care team. Issues such as role flexibility and resource constraints may influence sustainability of routine PROM use in the outpatient hemodialysis setting.