Stakeholders' perspectives of mobile x-ray services in support of healthcare-in-place in residential aged care facilities: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: There is interest in reducing avoidable emergency department presentations from residential aged care facilities (RACF). Mobile x-ray services may enable the delivery of healthcare in residential aged care facilities. Accordingly, the Australian Government in November 2019 introduced a Medicare Benefit Schedule rebate providing for a ‘call-out’ fee payable to radiology service providers. This study aims to understand stakeholder perspectives on the benefits of mobile x-ray services and the factors influencing their adoption by RACFs. Design, setting, participants: Twenty-two semi-structured interviews were conducted between October 2020 and February 2021 with a range of stakeholders involved in healthcare delivery to residents: a) general practitioners; b) emergency department clinicians; c) paramedic clinicians; d) a hospital avoidance clinician; e) radiology clinicians and managers; and f ) aged care clinicians and managers. Thematic analysis was conducted. Results: Mobile x-ray services were considered valuable for RACF residents. Lack of timely general practitioner in person assessment and referral, as well as staffing deficits in residential aged care facilities, reduces optimal use of mobile x-ray services and results in potentially unnecessary hospital transfers. Conclusions: The use of mobile x-ray services, as a hospital avoidance strategy, depends on the capacity of RACFs to provide more complex healthcare-in-place. However, this requires greater access to general practitioners for in-person assessment and referral, adequate staffing numbers and appropriately skilled nursing staff within residential aged care facilities.