Using quality indicators to strengthen crisis resilience in primary care

Regina Poß-Doering, Nicola Litke, Jan Koetsenruijter, Martina Köppen, Joachim Szecsenyi, Michel Wensing

Keywords: crisis resilience, quality indicators, primary care

Introduction:

In crisis situations such as waves of infection or heat, primary care practices must be adequately prepared and able to respond in a targeted manner, particularly to protect vulnerable patient groups and provide them with the best possible care. In the RESILARE project, quality indicators were developed to strengthen crisis resilience and subsequently piloted in primary care practices. A process evaluation explored their applicability and usefulness regarding preparation for crisis situations from the participants' perspective.

Method:

A two-part online survey and semi-structured interviews were conducted with General Practitioners and medical assistants who participated in piloting the indicators to explore their perceptions of relevance and usability of the indicators regarding crisis resilience. Piloting was carried out during a practice visit, which took place on-site or online. All participating practices received a feedback report with individual results and benchmarking. Qualitative data were analyzed inductively, quantitative data were analyzed descriptively.

Results:

Between April and September 2023, n=34 practices participated in piloting and process evaluation. Findings indicate a positive assessment of the indicators. By applying the indicators, participants reflected on their own status quo regarding individual preventive measures, ecological efficiency, self- and team-strengthening as well as risk identification and counselling on climate and health for patients. Initial and supplementary measures were planned to adapt care processes in an ecologically sustainable manner, strengthen crisis resilience and focus on crisis prevention. A broader use of the indicators was considered to be useful, for example through gradual integration into existing quality management programs.

Conclusions:

Crisis resilience and ecologically efficient processes provide sustainable support for day-to-day health services in primary care practices. The RESILARE indicators can be implemented in quality management programs for primary care practices in small steps and in the long term to prepare for potential crisis situations and strengthen crisis resilience.

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