Quality improvement work in general practice; a Norwegian focus group study

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• General Practice Research
• Quality Improvement Science

Background:

• Quality improvement (QI) is crucial in healthcare, particularly general practice.
• Understanding GP motivation for QI is essential for effective implementation.
• Current knowledge on GP perspectives regarding QI motivation and feasibility is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore general practitioners' (GPs) motivations for engaging in quality improvement (QI) work.
• To identify specific measures perceived as motivating and feasible by GPs.
• To understand the contextual factors influencing GP participation in QI.

Main Methods:

• Conducted five focus group interviews with 21 Norwegian general practitioners (GPs).
• Included GPs of diverse demographics (age, gender, experience, location).
• Analyzed transcribed data using Systematic Text Condensation (thematic analysis).

Main Results:

• GPs often had a broad and imprecise understanding of quality improvement.
• Feasible, practice-relevant, and manageable QI initiatives were favored.
• Professional communities (practice-based or in continuing education) and support staff (nurses, health secretaries) were vital for motivation.
• External, needs-unaware programs elicited negative reactions.

Conclusions:

• GP motivation for quality improvement is contingent on feasibility within general practice.
• Effective professional communities and supportive staff are essential for successful QI.
• Small-scale, needs-driven QI programs are well-received and should be prioritized for development.