Quality control in primary care: an instrument for constructing a database
Liss, Z.; Zmora, I.; Elchayany, A.; Shvartzman, P.
Harefuah 122(10): 617
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 1526535 Document Number: 387950
An instrument for constructing a database and defining standards for quality control in primary care medicine is presented. A questionnaire adapted from a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services form will be used randomly at least twice a year for screening all patient-staff contacts in most Kupat Holim clinics in the Negev Region [Israel](small rural clinics excepted). Analysis of the responses will enable definition of standards for measuring the quality of primary care. The tool is simple, inexpensive, not too time-consuming, and can provide the required data. A pilot study to test the tool was carried out in 3 primary care clinics serving an insured population of 17,763. The study surveyed 474 patient visits to the clinics, of which 57% were consultations with a physician. The younger patients usually saw the physician, while the older tended to visit the nurse. The most common reason for clinic visits was an acute condition, and only 4% of visits were for administrative reasons. 28% of the patients were not prescribed any medication and 27% were prescribed only 1 drug. The majority of problems were dealt with at the clinical level and only a few were referred to specialists or to external diagnostic services.