چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background:Reinforcing the gatekeeping role of general practitioners (GPs) by embedding specialist knowledge
into primary care is seen as a possibility for stimulating a more sustainable healthcare system and avoiding
unnecessary referrals to outpatient care. An intervention called Primary Care Plus (PC+) was developed to achieve
these goals. The objective of this study is to gain insight into: (1) the content and added value of PC+ consultations
according to stakeholders, and (2) patient satisfaction with PC+ compared to outpatient care.
Methods:A feasibility study was conducted in the southern part of the Netherlands between April 2013 and
January 2014. Data was collected using GP, medical specialist and patient questionnaires. Patient characteristics and
medical specialty data were collected through the data system of a GP referral department.
Results:GPs indicated that they would have referred 85.4 % of their PC+ patients to outpatient care in the
hypothetical case that PC+ was not available. Medical specialists indicated that about one fifth of the patients
needed follow-up in outpatient care and 75.9 % of the consultations were of added value to patient care. The
patient satisfaction results appear to be in favour of PC+.
Conclusion:PC+ seems to be a feasible intervention to be implemented on a larger scale, because it has the
potential to prevent unnecessary hospital referrals. PC+ will be evaluated on a larger scale regarding the effects on
health outcomes, quality of care and costs (Triple Aim principle).