Unveiling the process behind quality indicator selection in Portuguese primary healthcare - a qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Since 2008, Portugal's primary healthcare (PHC) units have been evaluated and partially funded based on an extensive set of quality indicators. This study aimed to explore the process of quality indicator selection, and the criteria used to choose among indicators.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study from 2022 to 2023, combining documentary analysis of 38 meeting minutes and 19 appendices from the National Technical Committee (NTC) with semi-structured interviews of 10 NTC members responsible for selecting these indicators. Data were analysed using computer-assisted thematic analysis with an interpretive approach in MAXQDA, and findings were triangulated across sources. The study followed the Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR) guideline.

R

SUBMITTER: Pires-Vieira B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12648884 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature