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dc.contributor.authorMalterud, Kirsti
dc.contributor.authorAamland, Aase
dc.contributor.authorFosse, Anette
dc.date.accessioned2020-01-24T10:13:54Z
dc.date.available2020-01-24T10:13:54Z
dc.date.issued2020-01-23
dc.description.abstract<i>Objective</i>: To describe experiences among general practitioners (GPs) in Norway regarding horizontal task shifting experiences associated with adverse events that potentially put patient safety at risk.<p> <p><i>Design and contributors</i>: We conducted a qualitative study with data from a retrospective convenience sample of consecutive, already posted comments in a restricted Facebook group for GPs in Norway. The sample consisted of 43 unique posts from 38 contributors (23 women and 15 men), presenting thick and specific accounts of potentially adverse events in the context of horizontal task shifting. Analysis was conducted with systematic text condensation, a method for thematic cross-case analysis.<p> <p><i>Results</i>: Contributing GPs reported several types of adverse events associated with horizontal task shifting that could put patient safety at risk. They described how spill-over work dispatched to GPs may generate administrative hassle and hazardous delay of necessary examinations. Overdiagnosis, reduced access and endangered accountability occur when time-consuming procedures and pre-investigation before referral are pushed upon GPs. Resource-draining chores beyond GPs’ proficiency is also dispatched without appropriate instruction or equipment. Furthermore, potential malpractice is imposed by hospital colleagues who overrule the GPs’ medical judgement.<p> <p><i>Implications</i>: Patient safety is endangered when horizontal task shifting is initiated and performed without a systematic process involving all stakeholders that considers available resources. A risk and vulnerability analysis, securing competent staff, resources, time and equipment before launching such reforms is necessary to protect patient safety. Infrastructure comprised of local coordination groups may facilitate dialogue between health care service levels and negotiate responsibilities and workload.<p> <p><i>Key points</i><p> <ul> <li>Task shifting between different levels of health care is a relevant and legitimate strategy for planning and policy.</li> <li>GPs in Norway report adverse events related to task shifting from specialist colleagues without proper resource allocation.</li> <li>Patient safety may be put at risk by hazardous delay, overdiagnosis, endangered accountability and potential malpractice.</li> <li>Planning and implementation of task shifting must involve all system levels and relevant stakeholders to ensure patient safety.</li>en_US
dc.identifier.citationMalterud K, Aamland AA, Fosse A. How can task shifting put patient safety at risk? A qualitative study of experiences among general practitioners in Norway. Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care. 2020:1-9en_US
dc.identifier.cristinIDFRIDAID 1780698
dc.identifier.doihttps://doi.org/10.1080/02813432.2020.1714143
dc.identifier.issn0281-3432
dc.identifier.issn1502-7724
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10037/17216
dc.language.isoengen_US
dc.publisherTaylor & Francisen_US
dc.relation.journalScandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
dc.rights.accessRightsopenAccessen_US
dc.rights.holderCopyright 2020 The Author(s)en_US
dc.subjectVDP::Medical disciplines: 700::Health sciences: 800en_US
dc.subjectVDP::Medisinske Fag: 700::Helsefag: 800en_US
dc.titleHow can task shifting put patient safety at risk? A qualitative study of experiences among general practitioners in Norwayen_US
dc.type.versionpublishedVersionen_US
dc.typeJournal articleen_US
dc.typeTidsskriftartikkelen_US
dc.typePeer revieweden_US


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