To explore barriers and facilitators for reducing low-value home-based nursing care.
Qualitative exploratory study.
Seven focus group interviews and two individual interviews were conducted with homecare professionals, managers and quality improvement staff members within seven homecare organizations. Data were deductively analysed using the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases checklist.
Barriers perceived by homecare professionals included lack of knowledge and skills, such as using care aids, interactions between healthcare professionals and general practitioners creating expectations among clients. Facilitators perceived included reflecting on provided care together with colleagues, clearly communicating agreements and expectations towards clients. Additionally, clients' and relatives' behaviour could potentially hinder reduction. In contrast, clients' motivation to be independent and involving relatives can promote reduction. Lastly, non-reimbursement and additional costs of care aids were perceived as barriers. Support from organization and management for the reduction of care was considered as facilitator.
Understanding barriers and facilitators experienced by homecare professionals in reducing low-value home-based nursing care is crucial. Enhancing knowledge and skills, fostering cross-professional collaboration, involving relatives and motivating clients' self-care can facilitate reduction of low-value home-based nursing care.
Implications for profession and patient care: De-implementing low-value home-based nursing care offers opportunities for more appropriate care and inclusion of clients on waitlists.
Addressing barriers with tailored strategies can successfully de-implement low-value home-based nursing care.
The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist was used.
No patient or public contribution.
High-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions are caused by persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infections and are subdivided into cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) lesions: CIN II (moderate) and CIN III (severe). Current treatment options for CIN II include large loop excision of the transformation zone, imiquimod and expectant management. Each treatment option has its drawbacks, and therefore, a non-invasive treatment is desirable. Preliminary evidence shows that medical-grade honey (MGH) has antiviral activity and might be able to modulate the vaginal microbiome, reduce local inflammation or directly influence the intralesional immune response within cervical tissues. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possible effect of MGH on hr-HPV clearance and to investigate the possible underlying mechanisms contributing to the regression of CIN II lesions.
This study is performed in the Zuyderland Medical Centre and Maastricht University Medical Centre+. A total of 60 eligible women with newly histologically confirmed CIN II will receive MGH (L-Mesitran Soft) for intravaginal use for 6 months. The primary objective is to investigate the effect of MGH on the hr-HPV clearance after 6 months. Secondary aims are the effect of MGH on the regression of CIN II lesions, clearance of hr-HPV at 12 and 24 months and the role of the vaginal microbiome, local immune system and intravaginal inflammatory status in response to MGH. Moreover, data on quality of life, side effects and compliance will be collected.
Ethical approval from the Medical Ethics Review Committee of the Zuyderland Medical Centre Heerlen has been obtained (NL86044.096.24 on 24 April 2024). The results will be presented to researchers and healthcare professionals through conferences, meetings and publications in international journals.