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Organisation of primary care services outside normal working hours
1Department of General Practice, University of Manchester, Rusholme Health Centre.
BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|December 17, 1994
Summary
Primary care out-of-hours services are changing, with many authorities lacking sufficient data to monitor quality. This impacts the effective oversight of evolving primary care delivery models.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Primary Care Management
- Healthcare Organization
Background:
- Out-of-hours services in primary care are evolving rapidly.
- Effective monitoring of these services is crucial for quality assurance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current use and organization of out-of-hours primary care services.
- To identify challenges in data collection and monitoring by authorities.
Main Methods:
- A telephone survey was conducted across Family Health Services Authorities in England and Wales.
- Key outcome measures included the rate of out-of-hours care use, provision methods, and the role of authorities.
Main Results:
- Significant data gaps were found, with 12-25% of authorities unable to answer key survey questions.
- The mean number of night visits was 35.3 per 1000 patients annually, with higher rates in urban areas.
- Commercial deputising services were utilized by 81 authorities, with over 75% of general practitioners in some districts having consent to use them.
Conclusions:
- Current methods for providing out-of-hours care are undergoing transformation.
- Robust information systems are essential for Family Health Services Authorities to effectively monitor the quality and cost-effectiveness of these changing services.