Marleen Smits1, Ellen Keizer, Linda Huibers, Paul Giesen. 1. Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare (IQ healthcare), Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre , Nijmegen , The Netherlands.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Out-of-hours primary care has been provided by general practitioner (GP) cooperatives since the year 2000 in the Netherlands. Early studies in countries with similar organizational structures showed positive GP experiences. However, nowadays it is said that GPs experience a high workload at the cooperative and that they outsource a considerable part of their shifts. OBJECTIVES: To examine positive and negative experiences of GPs providing out-of-hours primary care, and the frequency and reasons for outsourcing shifts. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational survey among 688 GPs connected to six GP cooperatives in the Netherlands, using a web-based questionnaire. RESULTS: The response was 55% (n = 378). The main reasons for working in GP cooperatives were to retain registration as GP (79%) and remain experienced in acute care (74%). GPs considered the peak hours (81%) and the high number of patients (73%) as the most negative aspects. Most GPs chose to provide the out-of-hours shifts themselves: 85% outsourced maximally 25% of their shifts. The percentage of outsourced shifts increased with age. Main reasons for outsourcing were the desire to have more private time (76%); the high workload in daytime practice (71%); and less the workload during out-of-hours (46%). CONCLUSION: GPs are motivated to work in out-of-hours GP cooperatives, and they outsource few shifts. GPs consider the peak load and the large number of (non-urgent) help requests as the most negative aspects. To motivate and involve GPs for 7 × 24-h primary care, it is important to set limits on their workload.
BACKGROUND: Out-of-hours primary care has been provided by general practitioner (GP) cooperatives since the year 2000 in the Netherlands. Early studies in countries with similar organizational structures showed positive GP experiences. However, nowadays it is said that GPs experience a high workload at the cooperative and that they outsource a considerable part of their shifts. OBJECTIVES: To examine positive and negative experiences of GPs providing out-of-hours primary care, and the frequency and reasons for outsourcing shifts. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational survey among 688 GPs connected to six GP cooperatives in the Netherlands, using a web-based questionnaire. RESULTS: The response was 55% (n = 378). The main reasons for working in GP cooperatives were to retain registration as GP (79%) and remain experienced in acute care (74%). GPs considered the peak hours (81%) and the high number of patients (73%) as the most negative aspects. Most GPs chose to provide the out-of-hours shifts themselves: 85% outsourced maximally 25% of their shifts. The percentage of outsourced shifts increased with age. Main reasons for outsourcing were the desire to have more private time (76%); the high workload in daytime practice (71%); and less the workload during out-of-hours (46%). CONCLUSION: GPs are motivated to work in out-of-hours GP cooperatives, and they outsource few shifts. GPs consider the peak load and the large number of (non-urgent) help requests as the most negative aspects. To motivate and involve GPs for 7 × 24-h primary care, it is important to set limits on their workload.
Entities:
Keywords:
emergency; experiences; general practitioners; out-of-hours care; primary care
Authors: Marie-Jeanne Giesen; Ellen Keizer; Julia van de Pol; Joris Knoben; Michel Wensing; Paul Giesen Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2017-05-09 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Linda Huibers; Ellen Keizer; Anders Helles Carlsen; Grete Moth; Marleen Smits; Oliver Senn; Morten Bondo Christensen Journal: BMJ Open Date: 2018-10-18 Impact factor: 2.692
Authors: Linda Huibers; Anders H Carlsen; Grete Moth; Helle C Christensen; Ingunn S Riddervold; Morten B Christensen Journal: BMC Emerg Med Date: 2020-03-17