The role of primary care in rare disorders: A qualitative study of parents and patients managing complex vascular anomalies

Abstract

Background: Patients with complex rare disorders often require the care of multiple specialists. Effective coordination between primary and specialty care is needed to ensure patients receive high-quality care. Previous research has documented the importance of primary care clinicians providing referrals to specialty care and the importance of specialists in helping patients reach a diagnosis. However, little is known about primary care clinicians’ roles in the ongoing care of patients with rare disorders. In the current study, we explored the role of primary care clinicians in the care of rare and complex vascular anomalies. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using semi-structured qualitative interviews with 34 parents and 25 adult patients recruited from advocacy groups for patients with complex vascular anomalies participated. We asked participants about their diagnosis, care experiences, and communication with clinicians. We used thematic analysis to identify themes illustrating the roles of primary care clinicians. Results: PCC roles were characterized by four behaviors. Supporting behaviors included learning more about vascular anomalies and asking participants about the care they received from specialists. Facilitating included providing referrals, ordering tests, and engaging in problem-solving. Interfering included failing to provide referrals or help participants coordinate care, ordering incorrect tests, or making inappropriate recommendations. Disregarding included focusing narrowly on primary care needs and not showing concern about the vascular anomaly. Conclusions: The results reveal opportunities to improve primary care for patients with vascular anomalies. Disregarding and interfering behaviors furthered the division between primary and specialty care for patients with vascular anomalies and prevented patients from receiving comprehensive primary care. Supporting and facilitating behaviors convey genuine interest in the care of the vascular anomaly and a commitment to helping the patient and parent.