The Care Coordinator’s Tasks During the Implementation of an Integrated Care Pathway for Older Patients: A Qualitative Study Based on the French National “Health Pathway of Seniors for Preserved Autonomy” Pilot Program

BACKGROUND: Although integrated care and care coordination are known to be beneficial for older adults’ population, the specific tasks of a Care Coordinator (CC) for integrated care pathways for this population have not been studied in detail. SETTING & SUBJECTS: The French national pilot program PAERPA provided an integrated care pathway for older adults. In North France, a CC was recruited to support patients and professionals. OBJECTIVES: (i) To analyse the CC’s tasks in an integrated care pathway for older patients, and (ii) to record perceptions on the CC’s tasks among the participating general practitioners (GP) and community pharmacists. DESIGN & METHODS: Qualitative, two-phase study: (i) Task analysis of the CC’s tasks, to compare the planned and actual tasks; (ii) semi-structured interviews among GPs and community pharmacists involved in the pathway. RESULTS: (i) The task analysis showed that the CC’s actual tasks differed from planned tasks. The CC was only meant to be involved in the early stages of the process; actually, the CC undertook more or even unforeseen tasks in coordination, communication, and administrative support throughout the care pathways. (ii) The 28 interviewed healthcare professionals considered the CC’s tasks to be essential to the success of pathways. They appreciated the CC’s administrative support. However, CC’s tasks related to interprofessional communication, and patient and family information, were controversially perceived among GPs and pharmacists. CONCLUSIONS: The CC’s tasks in an integrated care pathway for older adults showed that the CC’s overall workload was greater than expected and appreciated by healthcare professionals.