Did changing primary care delivery models change performance? A population based study using health administrative data
2011

Impact of Primary Care Delivery Models on Performance

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Jaakkimainen R, Barnsley J, Klein-Geltink J, Kopp A, Glazier R H

Primary Institution: Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hypothesis

Did changing primary care delivery models change performance?

Conclusion

Some improvements in preventive screening and diabetes management were seen among people after they enrolled in a Family Health Group (FHG) or Family Health Network (FHN).

Supporting Evidence

  • Performance measures did not vary consistently between models.
  • Colorectal cancer screening increased in both FHNs and FHGs.
  • Prescribing performance measures for diabetes care improved after enrolling in either a FHG or FHN.

Takeaway

This study looked at how different ways of providing primary care affected patient care. It found that some changes helped patients get better screenings and diabetes care.

Methodology

The study used Ontario administrative claims data to compare performance measures in Family Health Groups (FHGs) and Family Health Networks (FHNs).

Potential Biases

Potential confounding factors such as socioeconomic status and comorbidity were not controlled for.

Limitations

The study was limited to enrolled patients and may not reflect the entire population; also, using administrative data alone poses challenges in assessing quality of care.

Participant Demographics

The study included physicians and patients from Ontario, Canada, with a focus on those enrolled in FHGs and FHNs.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.001

Statistical Significance

p<0.001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2296-12-44

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