[10 Years of Quality Management: Perception and Importance from GPs' Point of View]

Quality management (QM) became mandatory for the ambulatory sector of the German health care system 10 years ago.

The aim of this study was to find out how general practitioners (GPs) perceived the introduction of this measure, how they see it today and what they expect of the future concerning QM.

In a qualitative study, interviews following a semi-structured guideline with GPs were conducted. Following transcription, interviews were coded in triangulation, first inductively, then deductively until saturation was reached. Main topics and code families were agreed on after discussion.

There was consensus on the necessity of standardization of basic processes like hygiene. However, the application of QM to an activity that emphasizes personal relationships and communication was seen as barely possible. GPs stated that they reduced QM to a tolerable and for them reasonable minimum. GPs mostly refused certification. The next 10 years were seen with pessimism in terms of more bureaucratic guidelines.

The statutory introduction of QM was an attack on medical professionalism. Instead of passive resistance and reduction of QM to a minimum, engaged independent quality work might help to regain the trust of society we seem to have lost and restore the professional autonomy we need for our work.