gms | German Medical Science

Background and current state of (inter)national research: Primary Care (PC) is the provision of first-contact and comprehensive, continuous and coordinated care for patients. PC plays a key role in tackling current health care challenges arising from ageing populations, an increase in chronic and life-style related diseases along with health-care expenditures and a lack of professionals. The influence of the system on, for example, outcomes or costs is assessed either based on aggregated data, on theoretical assumptions or professional views. Quality of care however, also includes how adaptive a system is to patients’ needs and their will or ability to adhere. Yet, patients’ experiences of care are less frequently assessed.

Research questions and objectives: By taking the patient perspective, InCept aims to assess which components of care coordination, continuity (e.g. intersectoral care provision) and access (e.g. gatekeeping) impact the personal care experience most.

Methods or hypothesis: This comparative study uses a qualitative approach to detect transnational similarities in the patient’s care experience, i.e. particular positive and negative aspects. We aim to conduct 10 patient interviews in each participating country (Sweden, Jersey, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Brazil and Germany). Information on health care structures and provider views was collected during site visits and completed by literature. Providers included GPs and their teams, senior researchers in PC and other professionals involved in the organization of care.

Results: We will present similarities and differences in the patient experience of care structures across participating countries. These will be linked to differences in national care organization as well as the patients’ pathways throughout the health care system. Structural aspects of care within each country were evaluated prior to the patient interviews during site visits.

Discussion and practical implications: Organization of PC affects patients’ experiences of care. Despite structural differences within the care setting, patients’ experiences of towards the care process are similar across countries. Cross-national comparisons in patients’ needs can help to guide future care planning.