Office-Based Minor Surgery: An Ever-Increasing Challenge Not Only for the Dutch General Practitioner

Area of Science:

• Primary Care Medicine
• Surgical Procedures
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Office-based minor surgery (OBMS) is a cost-effective, safe, and patient-preferred alternative to hospital procedures.
• Growing patient demand for OBMS contrasts with variability in its adoption by general practitioners (GPs).
• Understanding factors influencing GP adoption of OBMS is crucial for expanding its availability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the facilitators and barriers impacting GPs' decisions to perform OBMS.
• To identify key influences on the provision of minor surgical procedures in primary care settings.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study design utilizing focus groups.
• Inclusion of general practitioners and GP trainers.
• Independent data analysis by two researchers.

Main Results:

• Key facilitators and barriers identified beyond financial and geographic factors.
• Significant influences include training, GP trainer role, fear of managing complications, and practice-level collaboration and organization.
• Practice facilities also play a role in the decision-making process.

Conclusions:

• Addressing training needs, fears, reimbursement for accreditation, and organizational support is vital for increasing OBMS.
• Implementing these changes can strengthen primary care, enhance patient safety, reduce referrals, and lower healthcare costs.