Issues in quality of high‐tech home care: sources of information and staff training in Quebec primary care organizations and relationships with hospitals

This study examined the provision of high‐tech home care by Quebec primary care organizations (CLSCs). Four technologies were selected: IV antibiotic therapy, oxygen therapy, parenteral nutrition, and peritoneal dialysis. A postal survey was sent to all CLSCs and a response rate of 69 percent was obtained; 57 percent of CLSCs have been involved in the provision of services related to three of the high‐tech interventions. The most frequently used sources of information are written material provided by manufacturers or by hospitals. CLSCs relied heavily on peer‐to‐peer training and training provided by manufacturers and hospitals. Formal agreements with hospitals regarding patient flow management were established; aspects related to the “content” of care were much less formalized. CLSCs have integrated high‐tech home care to a substantial extent. Our findings raise quality‐of‐care issues. The interface with hospitals needs to be reinforced and emphasis given to the appropriate use of technology.