Reform design, institutional and workforce factors affecting the pace of change

Abstract

Abstract Background When implementing health care reforms the pace of change is often lacking behind the expectations of policy makers. This research is exploring in-depth the experiences of a primary care initiative from the perspective of general practitioners. The physicians' perspectives on design features, supporting environment and acceptance of the pilot are being explored. Enabling and constraining factors that may influence the pace of change of health care reforms are identified. Implications can be drawn for the strategic planning and smooth implementation of the change process. Methods 14 problem-focused interviews with general practitioners working in pilot projects and 2 focus group discussions with 4-6 general practitioners working in single practices have been conducted. In addition, document analysis of secondary qualitative data and relevant policy documents has been conducted. Results Analysis revealed 9 codes: (1) Status of the general practitioner; (2) Institutional and legal framework; (3) Between cooperation and competition; (4) Hesitation from the young generation; (5) Reluctance from sole practitioners; (6) Personal drivers for starting a pilot (7) Challenges during set-up phase; (8) Challenges during growth phase; (9) Working conditions in primary care pilot projects. Enabling factors were a strong desire to be pioneering primary care provision and improved working conditions. The main constraining factors were low status of the general practitioner, uncertainty about future directions, lack of information and advice, high perceived financial risk, fear of losing autonomy and uncertainty about functioning teamwork. Conclusions For a smooth implementation of the primary care reform, system changes should improve education and training, compensation schemes and competence profiles of the professional groups involved. Further, initiatives should provide information and advice for practitioners striving for participating in a pilot project. Key messages The success of health care reforms also depends on institutional and workforce factors that may affect the pace of change. Health care reforms need strategic planning for a smooth implementation.