Exploring user experiences in a novel primary care center: a qualitative grounded theory study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Primary care serves as the initial point of healthcare contact; however, the shortage of general practitioners can threaten equitable access to primary care, necessitating innovative models. In a district in the north of Italy, an alternative primary care model, as a primary care center (PCC), has been established to care for citizens unattached to a general practitioner. We aimed to explore the users' experience with the novel alternative primary care model.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. We interviewed a total of 33 participants, including 25 patients and eight informal caregivers.

Results

Findings suggest a core concept of the "Patient experience process at the PCC as a dynamic and interconnected journey" that

SUBMITTER: Longhini J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12403406 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature