Quality improvement in chronic care by self-audit, benchmarking and networking in general practices in South Tyrol, Italy: results from an interventional study. (13th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Piccoliori, Giuliano; Mahlknecht, Angelika; Abuzahra, Muna E; Engl, Adolf; Breitenberger, Vera; Vögele, Anna; Montalbano, Carmelo; Sönnichsen, Andreas
• Is Part Of: Family practice. Volume 38:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 253
• Page End: 258
• Publication Date: 2020-11-13
• Subjects: Benchmarking -- chronic diseases -- computer communication network -- general practice -- health care quality -- health care quality indicators; Primary care (Medicine) -- Periodicals; Clinical medicine -- Periodicals; 616.005
• DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmaa123
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0263-2136

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Systematic strategies promoting quality of care in general practice are yet under-represented in several European countries. Objective: This interventional study assessed whether a combined intervention (self-audit, benchmarking, quality circles) improved quality of care in Salzburg, Austria and South Tyrol, Italy. The present publication reports the Italian results. Methods: We developed quality indicators for general practice in a consensus process based on pre-existing quality programmes. The indicators addressed diagnosis and treatment regarding eight common chronic conditions. A quality score comprising 91 indicators was calculated (0–5 points per indicator depending on fulfilment, maximum 455 points). We collected anonymous data from the electronic health records of the participating physicians in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for pre-post analysis. Results: Thirty-six GPs participated in the study. The median quality score increased significantly from 177.0 points at baseline to 272.0 points at the second follow-up ( P = 0.000). Improvements concerned process and intermediate outcome indicators particularly between baseline and the first follow-up. Conclusion: Performance was relatively low at baseline and improved considerably, mainly in the first study period. The intervention investigated in this study can serve as a model for future quality programmes. A customized electronic health record for the implementation of this intervention as well as standardized and consistent documentation by GPs is a prerequisite. Use of a limited set of quality indicators (QIs) and regular QI modification is probably advisable to increase the benefits. Long-term prospective studies should investigate the impact of QI-based interventions on end-result outcomes.