Regional differences in the patient population of general practices in northern Germany: results of a mixed-methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The aim of our study was to explore patient types in general practitioner (GP) practices and to quantify the regional differences of the frequencies of these patient types in northern Germany.

Design and setting

We conducted a mixed-methods study based on focus groups and standardised interviews with GPs. All counties and independent cities within a radius of 120 km around Hamburg were assigned one of three regional categories (urban areas, environs, rural areas). The focus groups were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Relative frequencies of consultations by patient types and differences between the regions were calculated. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify differences among regions.

Participants

Nine focus groups with 65 GPs (6

SUBMITTER: Hansen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7703430 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature