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Vol 36, (1/2) 1–96

Quality improvement activities associated with organisational capacity in general practice

Cheryl Amoroso MPH, MSc(Hons), is Research Fellow, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales.

Judy Proudfoot PhD, MA, GradDip(SpEd), BEd(Hons), is Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales.

Tanya Bubner GDip(HSM), BSocSc, Department of General Practice, University of Adelaide, South Australia.

Edward Swan BA(Hons), GCMS, MiPH, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales.

Paola Espinel MD, MPH, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales.

Christopher Barton PhD, MMedSci, BSc, Department of General Practice, University of Adelaide, South Australia.

Justin Beilby MBBS, MD, MPH, FRACGP, is Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of General Practice, University of Adelaide, South Australia.

Mark Harris MBBS, FRACGP, MD, is Professor of General Practice and Director of Research, Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales.

BACKGROUND Clinical audit is recognised worldwide as a useful tool for quality improvement.

METHODS A feedback report profiling capacity for chronic disease care was sent to 97 general practices. These practices were invited to complete a clinical audit activity based on that feedback. Data were analysed quantitatively and case studies were developed based on the free text responses.

RESULTS Eighty-two (33%) of 247 general practitioners participated in the clinical audit process, representing 57 (59%) of 97 general practices. From the data in their feedback report, 37 (65%) of the 57 practices recognised the area most in need of improvement. This was most likely where the need related to clinical practice or teamwork, and least likely where the need related to linkages with other services, and business and finance. Only 25 practices (46%) developed an action plan related to their recognised area for improvement, and 22 (39%) practices implemented their chosen activity. Participating GPs judged that change activity focused on teamwork was most successful.

DISCUSSION The clinical audit process offered participating GPs and practices an opportunity to reflect on their performance across a number of key areas and to implement change to enhance the practice’s capacity for quality chronic disease care. The relationship between need and action was weak, suggesting a need for greater support to overcome barriers.

Publication Date: 29 January 2007
Authorised By: Australian Family Physician