Experiences of quality cluster meetings in general practice - Findings from a national survey two years after initiation of quality clusters in Denmark.

Abstract

Background: A new national model for quality improvement in general practice based on the concept of quality clusters was introduced in Denmark in 2018. A quality cluster is a local group of general practitioners (GPs) meeting regularly to engage in quality improvement on self-selected topics.

Aim: To explore (1) GPs' experiences of cluster meetings, and (2) associations between meeting experiences and self-reported benefits of participation.

Design: A national cross-sectional survey study in general practice. In 2020, a questionnaire regarding quality clusters was sent to all Danish GPs (n = 3432). GPs self-reported benefits from cluster participation comprised: overall benefit, changes in clinical organization and workflow, changes in drug prescriptions, improved knowledge of guidelines, and improved patient care.

Results: 1219 GPs (36%) participated. Results showed that cluster meetings were partly or fully perceived to be well organized (89%) and focused on relevant topics (89%), and that meetings took place in a friendly atmosphere (90%) where experiences were shared (93%). Two-thirds of the GPs found that the data was useful (67%), that their cluster showed a high level of commitment (66%), and that agreement was easily reached (61%). Meetings which were perceived as productive, with useful data, and with a high level of commitment were associated with statistically significantly higher odds for reporting benefits across all self-reported benefits investigated.

Conclusion: Overall, cluster meetings were perceived positively by the GPs and associated with benefits when experienced as productive, with useful data, and a high level of commitment.