Potential role of general practice in reducing emergency department demand: A qualitative study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To inform local, state and national strategies intended to reduce demand for ED care, the present study aimed to identify key factors influencing the current provision of acute care within primary healthcare (PHC) and explore the policy and system changes potentially required.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed through content and thematic approaches incorporating the Walt and Gilson health policy framework.

Results

Eleven interviews were conducted. Five key considerations were highlighted, namely the barriers and enablers for general practitioners (GPs) in providing acute care, barriers to patient use of PHC instead of ED, suggestions for new PHC models and improvements for current

SUBMITTER: Willson KA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9790648 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature