[Quality development in family practice--development and use of health indicators]. / Kvalitetsutvikling i allmennpraksis--utvikling og bruk av indikatorsett.

ABSTRACT

In 1995 the Norwegian general practitioners' associations embarked upon a three-year project to assess a new model for improving the quality of primary health care. Indicators are proposed for assessing quality and setting standards in local practice. Software has been developed to simplify collection of data and production of reports from computerized medical records. Peer groups of 5-10 practitioners discuss results, agree on local standards and plan improvements. General practitioners who participate in a cycle of quality improvement will be awarded credits for recertification as specialists in general practice. The initial topics are care of diabetics, use of laboratory tests, management of sore throat, and management of migraine. This national project will be evaluated both in terms of improvement in the quality of care, and of the views of the participating practitioners.