Quality Indicators in Primary Healthcare

Abstract

Research Question (RQ): Which are the most commonly monitored and gaged quality indicators in primary healthcare?

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to study and research the grounds for quality indicators and measuring thereof in primary healthcare.

Method: For this research we used the method of existing knowledge on quality indicators in healthcare and on monitored quality indicators in primary healthcare by systematical review of existing literature. We used triangulation to ensure better understanding of the problem, check and confirm data, and thus ensure the integrity of the research

Results: Research showed the origin of quality indicators in primary healthcare and quality indicators which are measured by organizations in primary healthcare.

Organization: Primary healthcare organizations will get an overview over most commonly monitored quality indicators in primary healthcare and thus the possibility to compare success and efficiency.

Society: Data on measured quality indicators should be public. Users of primary healthcare services can choose the most successful healthcare organization based only on these data.

Originality: A systematical review of the most commonly monitored and measured quality indicators in primary healthcare.

Limitations/Future Research: The research is limited due to a smaller number of existing sources used and due to a smaller sample of interviewees. In the future it would be meaningful to research which quality indicators are measure by the majority of healthcare centers in Slovenia and establish a new model of monitored or obligatory quality indicators in primary healthcare based on the findings of this research.