[The actual role of general practice in the dutch health-care system. Results of the second dutch national survey of general practice].
A second Dutch National Survey of General Practice was carried out in 2001 with the aim of providing actual information about the role of general practice in the Dutch health-care system for researchers and policy makers. Data were collected on different levels (patients, general practitioners, practices) and included morbidity (self-report and presented to general practitioners), diagnostic and therapeutic interventions, doctor-patient communication, and background characteristics. Compared to 1987 (the first National Survey), Dutch general practitioners had organized their work more efficiently. Patients were less satisfied (78% satisfied) about the organizational aspects of general practice care than about the care actually provided (90% satisfied). Dutch general practitioners provide high-quality care: on average, their performance was in 74% of cases in accordance with national guidelines. Communication in general practice had become less social and more medically oriented compared to 1987. General practice still acts in a gatekeeper role; this is illustrated by 96% of contacts handled solely by the general practitioner.
Schellevis
François G
FG
NIVEL (Nederlands Instituut voor Onderzoek van de Gezondheidszorg), Utrecht, Niederlande. f.schellevis@nivel.nl
Westert
Gert P
GP
De Bakker
Dinny H
DH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005194:Family Practice / Q000639:trends*; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006291:Health Policy / Q000639:trends; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity / Q000639:trends*; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000639:trends*; D009426:Netherlands; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000639:trends*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000639:trends; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000639:trends