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BMC Primary Care
Published in: BMC Primary Care 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Research article

Trends towards stronger primary care in three western European countries; 2006-2012

Authors: Tessa van Loenen, Michael J. van den Berg, Stephanie Heinemann, Richard Baker, Marjan J. Faber, Gert P. Westert

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

Strong primary care systems are believed to have an important role in dealing with healthcare challenges. Strengthening primary care systems is therefore a common policy goal for many countries. This study aims to investigate whether the Netherlands, the UK and Germany have strengthened their primary care systems in 2006-2012.

Method

For this cross-sectional study, data from the International Health Policy surveys of the Commonwealth Fund in 2006, 2009 and 2012 were used. The surveys represent the experiences and perspectives of primary care physicians with their primary care system. The changes over time were researched in three areas: organization of primary care processes, use of IT in primary care and use of benchmarking and financial incentives for performance improvement.

Results

Regarding organization of primary care processes, in all countries the use of supporting personnel in general practice increased, but at the same time practice accessibility decreased. IT services were most advanced in the UK. The UK and the Netherlands showed increased use of performance feedback information. German GPs were least satisfied with how their system works across the 2006-2012 timeframe.

Conclusion

All three countries show trends towards stronger primary care systems, although in different areas. Coordination and comprehensive care through the assignment of assisting personnel and use of disease management programs improved in all countries. In the Netherlands and the UK, informational continuity is in part ensured through better IT services. All countries showed increasing difficulties upholding primary care accessibility.
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Metadata
Title
Trends towards stronger primary care in three western European countries; 2006-2012
Authors
Tessa van Loenen
Michael J. van den Berg
Stephanie Heinemann
Richard Baker
Marjan J. Faber
Gert P. Westert
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-016-0458-3

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