Scope of practice of Japanese primary care physicians and its associated factors: a cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The scope of practice (SOP) of primary care physicians (PCPs) has been narrowing, with declining comprehensiveness leading to fragmented care. Identifying SOP-associated factors can help improve comprehensiveness. This study aimed to describe the SOP of PCPs working in clinics and to identify SOP-associated factors.

Design

A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire.

Setting

Shizuoka, Japan.

Participants

PCPs working in clinics offering internal medicine.

Main outcome measures

The total number of services provided, covering 109 items, was categorised into 8 clinical areas, 78 clinical activities and 23 procedures.

Results

Questionnaires were mailed to 1191 clinics, and 389 valid responses were included in the analysis

SUBMITTER: Higuchi T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11795410 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature