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BMC Primary Care

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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Strengthening general practice/family medicine in Europe—advice from professionals from 30 European countries

Authors: Natalia Zarbailov, Stefan Wilm, Howard Tandeter, Francesco Carelli, Mette Brekke

Published in: BMC Primary Care | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

Substantial variations are still to be found in the strength of general practice/family medicine (GP/FM) across Europe regarding governance, workforce competence and performance, as well as academic development and position. Governments are encouraged by the WHO to secure high quality primary health care to their population, a necessity for reaching the goal “Health for all”. The present study aimed at investigating the opinions of council members of the European Academy of Teachers in General Practice (EURACT) on necessary actions to strengthen the position of GP/FM in their country.

Methods

The study used a mixed methods exploratory sequential design. EURACT representatives from 32 European countries first participated in brain-storming on how to strengthen GP/FM in Europe. Later, representatives from 37 countries were asked to individually score the relevance of the proposed actions for their country on a 9-point Likert scale. They were also asked to evaluate the status of GP/FM in their country on four dimensions.

Results

Respondents from 30 European countries returned complete questionnaires. To build and secure GP/FM as an academic discipline comprising teaching and research was seen as essential, regardless the present status of GP/FM in the respective country. To build GP/FM as a specialty on the same level as other specialties was seen as important in countries where GP/FM held a strong or medium strong position. The importance of common learning objectives and a defined bibliography were stated by respondents from countries where GP/FM presently has a weak position.

Conclusions

In order to strengthen GP/FM throughout Europe, EURACT and other professional organizations must establish common goals and share expertise between countries. To influence decision makers through information on cost-effectiveness of a GP/FM-based health care system is also important.

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Title: Strengthening general practice/family medicine in Europe—advice from professionals from 30 European countries
Authors: Natalia Zarbailov
Stefan Wilm
Howard Tandeter
Francesco Carelli
Mette Brekke
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Primary Care / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 2731-4553
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12875-017-0653-x

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Strengthening general practice/family medicine in Europe—advice from professionals from 30 European countries

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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