Wie stehen Bürgermeister und Hausärzte eines schwäbischen Landkreises zum Konzept einer Primärversorgerpraxis?

Abstract

Background: In 2009, the concept of a primary care practice was introduced as a model for the future. It meets many demands of young family practitioners (FPs), such as working part time and in a team respectively. As such practices are not widely implemented, the aim of this study was to explore barriers and enablers regarding a concrete setup. Methods: A qualitative interview-based study was performed with mayors and family practitioners from the federal state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Interviews were transcribed completely and qualitatively contentanalyzed by two independent researchers. Results: Nine mayors and seven family practitioners participated, one FP was female. The mayors considered longer and more constant consultation hours as particular benefits of a primary care practice, FPs mentioned the possibility of collegial exchange as to medical or business aspects as positive aspects. According to mayors and physicians, main barriers on the other hand are high expenses and the lack of a method to motivate communities agreeing on a location for such a practice. Conclusions: Primary care practices in general are assessed as an attractive model for future care. However, prior to implementing, the issues of location planning and financing of such projects, in particular, need to be solved.