[Goal analysis of participants and moderators of general practice quality circles]

Quality circles (peer review) are a process of a continuous, systematic and critical reflection of care providers on their own and colleagues' performance by using structured procedures with the aim of achieving a continuous improvement. Main goal of the topic-oriented quality circle model in Sudbaden (Germany) is the development of guidelines for primary health care. The quality circle programme of the society of health insurances of Sudbaden is currently given a systematic evaluation. The results presented refer to 246 participants and moderators of 25 groups who have completed questionnaires. Attention is given to the general goals of the doctors participating in quality circle groups. When asked about the most important goals of peer review the participants scored the highest ranking on (1) exchanging practice experiences with colleagues (2) the personal reflection of one's way of working (3) agreeing on guidelines and targets for desirable performance and (4) developing guidelines for general practice. From the results, conclusions regarding the concept of quality circles and the methods for developing practice guidelines are drawn.