Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41645304›Full record

ArticleImplementation science communications2026

Constructing the program theory: an implementation science approach to understanding a successful interdisciplinary team-based model of rheumatology care.

Lauren K King, Daphne To, Zeenat Ladak, Laura Oliva, Carrie Barnes, Catherine Hofstetter, Diane Tin, Carter Thorne, Noah Ivers, Jessica Widdifield and 2 more

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Implementation science communications, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

12 authors.

Lauren K KingDepartment of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. l.king@utoronto.ca.ORCID http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4721-5696
Daphne ToInstitute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Zeenat LadakApplied Psychology & Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Laura OlivaWomen's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, Canada.
Carrie BarnesPatient Partner, Barrie, Canada.
Catherine HofstetterPatient Partner, Toronto, Canada.
Diane TinCentre of Arthritis Excellence, Newmarket, Canada.
Carter ThorneDepartment of Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Noah IversWomen's College Hospital Institute for Health System Solutions and Virtual Care, Toronto, Canada.
Jessica WiddifieldInstitute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Celia LaurInstitute of Health Policy, Management, and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Canadian Rheumatology Implementation Science Team (CAN-RIST)

Funding

The Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) IT6-188079
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundTeam-based rheumatology care, with rheumatologists and interdisciplinary health professionals (IHPs) working collaboratively, is a promising solution to improve service capacity and patient outcomes. However, increasing the number of team members does not mean a team successfully improves care quality. We sought to identify the key ingredients of a successful team-based rheumatology model to inform spread and scale of effective team-based rheumatology care.

methodsInformed by implementation science frameworks, we used a case study approach to construct the program theory of a leading example of team-based rheumatology care in Ontario, Canada. We completed semi-structured interviews (patients [n = 15], health professionals [n = 11]), naturalistic observations (n = 3), and document reviews. We conducted framework analysis and iteratively developed an Implementation Research Logic Model, linking determinants of optimal team-based rheumatology care to implementation strategies, mechanisms of action, and outcomes.

resultsDiverse skill sets of team members enabled comprehensive, person-centered care. IHPs assumed expanded responsibilities, engaging in all aspects of rheumatology care, increasing care capacity and timely access. Training and mentorship were essential for IHP skill development to implement expanded responsibilities at the highest professional scope. Continuous evaluation and adaptations of the model were essential to address evolving care needs. Stable funding was critical for initiation and sustainability.

conclusionSuccessful team-based rheumatology care involves a patient-centered, adaptable care model supported by sustainable funding, skilled workforce, strong leadership and continuous evaluation. By identifying key components and understanding how they achieve their impact, we have gained valuable insights to inform implementation, spread, and scale of such models.

Indexed as

Diffusion of InnovationImplementation ScienceIntegrated CareModels of CareRheumatologyTeam-Based Care

Identifiers

PMID41645304
PMCPMC12973881

What OpenQuestion holds

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LicenceCC BY
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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.