Perceived outcome of quality improvement in GP-clusters in Denmark

Christian Hollemann Pedersen, Thomas Bo Drivsholm, Birgitte Harbo, Kenneth Zimmermann, Flemming Bro

Keywords: clusters, quality improvemnet

Introduction:

In 2018 a new system for quality improvement for general practice inspired by the Scottish clusters and “quality circles” was introduced in Denmark. 99 % of all Danish general practitioners participate in this.
Clusters complete 3-4 yearly meetings with self-elected data-driven topics. A national organization and five regional offices support the work of the clusters e.g., by offering data and comprehensive meeting materials.
The objective of this study was measuring GPs level of satisfaction with, and perceived outcome of cluster meetings. Results will furthermore be used to examine determinants for perceiving a high level of outcome and determinants for implementing quality improvement in clinics after cluster meetings.

Method:

An electronic questionnaire was sent to all 3.206 members of the quality improvement clusters with a of response rate 67 % (2.159). Descriptive and regression analysis was performed using RStudio.

Results:

Results showed a high level (79 %) of overall satisfaction with cluster meetings. 46 % reported a high level of professional outcome from attending cluster meetings, 38 % reported a medium level and 16 % a low level. Regression analysis showed that “relevance of topics chosen for the meetings” to be associated with a high level of perceived outcome of quality improvement work (OR=2.4). Other factors were a “feeling of cohesion within the cluster” (OR=2.0), “satisfaction with the steering committee of the cluster” (OR=1.8), “inclusion of data” (OR=1.5), whereas energy to take part in the cluster work showed to be of less importance (OR=1.3).

Conclusions:

General practitioners are generally supportive of the quality improvement system and consider it supportive for quality improvement of general practice. The results also reveal a way forward on how clusters can be further supported to ensure members perceive cluster meetings as valuable and to ensure better outcome of cluster meetings.

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