'It’s just a way of approaching things now': staff perspectives of an anticipatory care programme in Edinburgh

Abstract

Background. Keep Well, an anticipatory care programme aimed at reducing health inequalities in Scotland, commenced in 2006. There is currently little evidence exploring how frontline staff respond to the delivery of anticipatory care. Aim. To understand how staff view changes in practice resulting from the implementation of Keep Well.  Methods. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposively selected sample of 12 Keep Well staff. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Results. Keep Well was viewed positively, especially in terms of increased knowledge and skills for staff and the benefits of a holistic health check to patients. Staff believed that Keep Well has improved their practice beyond the project. Concerns were raised, relating to potential inconveniences for patients, staff turnover, increased workload and procedures. There was a view that anticipatory care should continue to be delivered to deprived communities, provided that there are adequate resources, such as staff and funding, to do so. Conclusion. Keep Well staff believe that the project should continue to be offered as a 40-minute holistic health check targeted at patients in deprived areas.