Quality in primary care
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Quality in primary care · Jan 2009
Gender makes the difference: the influence of patients' gender on the delivery of preventive services in primary care in Poland.
General practitioners' (GPs') time and resources for preventive services needs to be delivered equitably. We aimed to study the effect of patients' gender on the delivery of preventive procedures to adult patients aged 40 years and over. ⋯ The annual delivery rate of preventive procedures in patients aged 40 years and above is below the recommended level set by the Polish Ministry of Health. Procedures based on clinical examinations or laboratory tests were offered and performed more frequently than lifestyle advice. More men than women received preventive services for tobacco use or alcohol screening and BMI measurements. Patients' gender and physicians' engagement may influence GPs' preventive attitude and performance. These elements should be incorporated in the development of guidelines concerning prevention in primary care.
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Quality in primary care · Jan 2009
Learning from four years of collaborative access work in Australia.
Through the three years of the first phase of the Australian Primary Care Collaborative there was considerable adaptation of the work to improve access translated from the UK to the Australian environment. Changes in four areas are described. ⋯ Four possible changes are offered for consideration to those planning to do access work with general practices based on the learning from the Australian Primary Care Collaborative.
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Quality in primary care · Jan 2009
Does appraisal enhance learning, improve practice and encourage continuing professional development? A survey of general practitioners' experiences of appraisal.
Revalidation of the medical profession is under review and a system has been proposed to ensure doctors meet standards of practice and professionalism. The current appraisal system allows clinicians to chart their progress and identify developmental needs in order to improve performance. Appraisal is now an annual compulsory requirement for all doctors. ⋯ Many doctors considered that the appraisal process had enhanced their learning, improved their practice and encouraged their CPD. A vital, independent role for the appraiser was emphasised as was a need to review the time-consuming nature of the current appraisal process, together with identifying protected time to complete this and CPD engagement. As the role of appraisal within the revalidation process changes it is recognised that ensuring the quality, consistency and nature of appraisal will be essential to maintain the confidence of patients and doctors.