Person-centred care and its outcomes in primary care. Selected Abstracts from the 96th EGPRN Meeting, Split–Croatia, 11–14 May 2023

Abstract

Background: The environment and furniture of a medical workplace can influence both patient and health team satisfaction and healthcare structures projected carefully are an important point for humanisation of care. Several studies have been performed in hospital settings but only a few in primary care. Research question : How do family physicians choose to equip their practice? What do they think about their practice equipment and furniture? Methods : We designed a qualitative pilot study inspired by the photovoice methodology. We collected data through an anonymous online survey using a snowball sampling approach. In the first part of the survey, we collected socio-demographic variables. In the second part, we asked participants to upload: first, one or two pictures of their practices and explain what they liked or not and what they would have changed, second, a picture of the most important thing in their opinion in the practice adding the explanation why they made that choice. Written answers were analysed using thematic analysis, while participants ’ characteristics through descriptive statistics. A pilot analysis of the visual material is ongoing. Results : In the survey, 140 GPs participated but we obtained only 30 complete responses (79.17% dropout rate). With the thematic analysis of the written responses, we identified five main themes: environment and atmosphere, customisation, furniture and objects, collaboration, hygiene. Each theme contains sub themes that describe positive and negative aspects. Conclusion : The participants ’ answers suggested helpful tips for setting up a GP practice. It is important to create a wel-coming environment, being careful in choosing colours and furniture and not forgetting to add plants. The practice should include a space for a bedvisit and a proper privacy and a space for consultation. Finally, a customised environment, including personal objects, resulted central for GP motivation.