engleski

What is the level of quality of interprofesional care in general practice in Croatia? Cross-sectional survey using Consultation Quality Index (CQI)

Consultation Quality Index(CQI), instrument based on patient enablement, continuity of care and consultation length, reflects weather the goals of holism and patient centeredness have been achieved during a routine GP consultation representing a measure of holistic interpersonal care. Research question: To investigate the quality of general practice care in Croatia, using CQI, and its association with patient, physician, and practice characteristics. Method: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed from Nowember 2003 to March 2004. A stratified random sample of 350 GPs was asked to collect data on 50 consecutive consultaitions with patients aged 18+. Patients provided data on patient enablement (patient Enablement Instrument, PEI), socio demographic data, how well they knew the physician, health self-assessment, quality of life, aand reason for visit. Physicians provided data on consultation length, age, sex, vocational training, working experience, educational work, average number of patients per day, and type of practice. CQI was calculated for individual physicians.Results. CQI scores for 125 physicians ranged from 4 to 16(mean 10.6, SD 2.4). Each component of CQI correlated significantly with total CQI score (Spearmen's p 0.17-0.38, P<0.0001 for each).CQI significantly corelated with patient's age, educational level, knowing the physician, health self assessment, number of chronic diseases, Quality of life, number of reasnons for visit, and physician's age (Fisher's test, P=0.002). In the next step, logistic regression analysis with below average CQI score (<25th percentile) as the dependent variable, with different patient, physician and practice predictor variables in the models, Will be performed. Conclusion: CQI scores in Croatia were high in comparison with UK. CQI was related to patient enablement, consultation length, continuity ofcare and other patient's and physician's characteristics. These relations are complex due to multiplicity of influences and need future analysis.

consultation quality index; patient enablement; general practice

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