Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
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Piccoliori, G; Mahlknecht, A; Abuzahra, ME; Engl, A; Breitenberger, V; Vögele, A; Montalbano, C; Sönnichsen, A.
Quality improvement in chronic care by self-audit, benchmarking and networking in general practices in South Tyrol, Italy: results from an interventional study.
Fam Pract. 2021; 38(3):253-258
Doi: 10.1093/fampra/cmaa123
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- Co-Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz
- Paier-Abuzahra Muna
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- Abstract:
- Systematic strategies promoting quality of care in general practice are yet under-represented in several European countries. This interventional study assessed whether a combined intervention (self-audit, benchmarking, quality circles) improved quality of care in Salzburg, Austria and South Tyrol, Italy. The present publication reports the Italian results. We developed quality indicators for general practice in a consensus process based on pre-existing quality programmes. The indicators addressed diagnosis and treatment regarding eight common chronic conditions. A quality score comprising 91 indicators was calculated (0-5 points per indicator depending on fulfilment, maximum 455 points). We collected anonymous data from the electronic health records of the participating physicians in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for pre-post analysis. Thirty-six GPs participated in the study. The median quality score increased significantly from 177.0 points at baseline to 272.0 points at the second follow-up (P = 0.000). Improvements concerned process and intermediate outcome indicators particularly between baseline and the first follow-up. Performance was relatively low at baseline and improved considerably, mainly in the first study period. The intervention investigated in this study can serve as a model for future quality programmes. A customized electronic health record for the implementation of this intervention as well as standardized and consistent documentation by GPs is a prerequisite. Use of a limited set of quality indicators (QIs) and regular QI modification is probably advisable to increase the benefits. Long-term prospective studies should investigate the impact of QI-based interventions on end-result outcomes. © The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- Benchmarking
- chronic diseases
- computer communication network
- general practice
- health care quality
- health care quality indicators