Care and educational needs of general practitioners and primary care nurses to treat disabled patients

Abstract

Introduction In the northern part of Belgium, 21 518 of 129 021 disabled patients (DP) are waiting to receive residential care (in 2013). Due to these waiting lists, Belgian government promotes a shift towards primary care. Consequently, this requires specific skills of primary care professionals (general practitioners (GPs), primary care nurses (PCN) and informal caregivers). The objective of this research is to detect care and educational needs of GPs and PCN to treat DP and their informal caregivers. Methods A questionnaire was constructed by a multidisciplinary team of primary care professionals (4 general practitioners and 20 PCN) in different consensus meetings. Disabilities are defined as a physical and/or intellectual impairment. These can be congenital or non-congenital. Sensory disabilities and impairments attributed to normal ageing process in the elderly are excluded. The questionnaire was sent electronically to participants. Analysis is performed using SPSS 22.0. Results Questionnaires were sent to 545 GPs and 1547 PCN, with response rates of 7% (n= 37) and 40% (n= 617). The average number of DP treated by GPs is 20 DP (+/- 26) and 5 DP (+/-6) for PCN. PCN most frequently deliver hygienically care and administering medication (+/-injections). GPs most frequently address vaccination status and a balanced diet. Educational needs are: dealing with behavioral problems (65% GPs; 84% PCN). 57% GPs prefer information about muscle diseases, 84% PCN about dealing with functional loss. GPs report inadequate knowledge about procedures for admission in residential care facilities, PCN declare lacking knowledge about responsibilities of Flemish Agency for persons with disabilities (VAPH) organizing care for DP. Conclusion There is a significant need for education of both GPs and PCN to care for DP. These results will be used to design educational programs improving the skills of GPs and PCN to ensure high quality care to DP.