چکیده (انگلیسی):

Background:Strong primary care systems are believed to have an important role in dealing with healthcare
challenges. Strengthening primary care systems is therefore a common policy goal for many countries. This study
aims to investigate whether the Netherlands, the UK and Germany have strengthened their primary care systems in
2006-2012.
Method:For this cross-sectional study, data from the International Health Policy surveys of the Commonwealth
Fund in 2006, 2009 and 2012 were used. The surveys represent the experiences and perspectives of primary care
physicians with their primary care system. The changes over time were researched in three areas: organization of
primary care processes, use of IT in primary care and use of benchmarking and financial incentives for performance
improvement.
Results:Regarding organization of primary care processes, in all countries the use of supporting personnel in
general practice increased, but at the same time practice accessibility decreased. IT services were most advanced in
the UK. The UK and the Netherlands showed increased use of performance feedback information. German GPs
were least satisfied with how their system works across the 2006-2012 timeframe.
Conclusion:All three countries show trends towards stronger primary care systems, although in different areas.
Coordination and comprehensive care through the assignment of assisting personnel and use of disease
management programs improved in all countries. In the Netherlands and the UK, informational continuity is in part
ensured through better IT services. All countries showed increasing difficulties upholding primary care accessibility.