Abstract
The escalating prevalence of multimorbidity in aging populations necessitates the development of coordinated healthcare strategies capable of addressing the complex and interconnected health needs of patients with multimorbidity. In an action research design, we have developed and implemented the cross-sectoral intervention Virtual 4-party Meetings (V4M) to strengthen continuity of care, treatment, and patient involvement.
The intervention involves video meetings during the patient's hospitalization. Patients with multimorbidity, relatives, responsible doctors, and nurses participate physically, while general practitioners and municipal healthcare professionals participate on the video screen. The conversation is based on "What matters to you" and aims to create a joint plan for the patient's care and treatment after discharge.
Part of the research project is to examine the effect patients perceive V4M has had on their situation and how the intervention has impacted their subsequent need for hospitalization, contact with general practitioners, and municipal healthcare services.
Method: Patients and their relatives who participated in V4M were interviewed, and a thematic analysis was conducted. Data on the patient's hospitalization rate and contact with the health service were recorded 30 days and 3 months before and after receiving the intervention.
Results: Qualitative interviews.
We conducted 11 qualitative interviews with patients and relatives who received the V4M intervention.
The thematic analysis reveals four themes:
1) Everyone has heard the same information
"It was important to me that everyone had heard the same about my situation. It meant that my treatment was coordinated across the hospital and municipality. I felt that a great responsibility was taken off my shoulders."
2) Comprehensive understanding of the situation
"I gained a better understanding of my situation. Now I know that my symptoms are related to my diabetes."
3) Enhanced flexibility
"It was my experience that I finally got the help I needed because the healthcare professional from the municipality was part of the conversation and could hear what the hospital had assessed I needed. They coordinated my treatment - so I could have blood tests taken at one location"
4) Improved relationships
"There was a good atmosphere, and all voices were heard. It meant a lot for my relationship with them (healthcare professionals) to be involved."
Data from 49 Virtual 4-party Meetings
We have followed 49 video meetings, recording the number of the patient's hospitalizations three months before and three months after the intervention. We have also conducted an audit study of patient contacts with municipal healthcare professionals and general practitioners.
Data collection is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Results will be presented at the ICIC2025.
Conclusion: V4M significantly improves coordination and communication across healthcare sectors. Patients experience that "everyone has heard the same information," resulting in a more coherent treatment plan and reducing the patient's sense of responsibility. The intervention increases patients' understanding of their health situation, potentially leading to better self-care and active participation in treatment. We are still awaiting data analysis on V4M's impact on patients' need for hospitalization in the follow-up period and contacts with healthcare actors.