[Primary health care through the eyes of the general practitioner; an international study]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2021 Apr 8:165:D5419.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

This study is based on a large international survey, which collected the views of general practitioners (GPs) in 11 different countries on their respective healthcare systems in 2019. Findings show that Dutch GPs are positive about the quality of GP care and that they are satisfied with their profession. However, findings also show that there is room for improvement. (i) Work pressure and work-related stress among GPs is high in the Netherlands, which may be due to moves to substitute primary care for some hospital care. (ii) Dutch GPs are behind other high-income countries in their uptake of some digital applications (e.g. video consultations). (iii) According to Dutch GPs, pressure from patients, lack of time, and fear of complaints contributes to provision of low-value care. The COVID-19 epidemic has created opportunities to improve Dutch GP care further, for example through wider uptake of digital health applications.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • COVID-19 / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • General Practitioners / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Netherlands / epidemiology
  • Pandemics*
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Surveys and Questionnaires