Dijkers, Marlies

Korving, Kees Jan

Van Exel, Job

Background: Popular and scientific literature has paid a great deal of attention to the quality of after-hours general practice clinics, but hardly ever from the GP perspective. Aim: Explorative investigation of GP viewpoints on the quality of after-hours general practice clinics and of the quality aspects that play an important part in them. Method: Q-methodological study. Interviews were carried out with 29 GPs, selected according to working experience, gender and population density of practice location, from 11 different after-hours practices. Respondents rank-ordered 37 aspects of quality in 7 GP care quality themes: responsible care assistance, continuity of care, quality assurance, accessibility, organisation, facilities, service, according to their importance for the quality of after-hours general practice clinics. Results: There are two points of view among GPs regarding the quality of after-hours general practice clinics, which can be labelled as: 'Urgent matters must be well organised' and 'Accessibility of care is the main issue'. The quality themes of responsible care assistance, accessibility, and continuity of care were central to both viewpoints, but with differing priorities. The other quality themes seem to be of subordinate importance. The views show strong similarities, but differ structurally in their perception of the role of GPs in the organisation of primary care.</p

What does the GP consider important when he is on call? An exploratory study of the viewpoint of GPs regarding the quality of after-hours GP services

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