The use of quality information by general practitioners: does it alter choices? A randomized clustered study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Following the introduction of elements of managed competition in the Netherlands in 2006, General Practitioners (GPs) and patients were given the role to select treatment hospital using public quality information. In this study we investigate to what extent hospital preferences of GP's are affected by performance indicators on medical effectiveness and patient experiences. We selected three conditions: breast cancer, cataract surgery, and hip and knee replacement.

Methods

After an inquiry 26 out of 226 GPs in the region signed up to participate in our study. After a 2:1 randomization, we analyzed the referral patterns in the region using three groups of GPs: GPs (n=17) who used the report cards and received personal clarification, GPs that signed up for the study

SUBMITTER: Ikkersheim D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3707858 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature