ArticleBMJ open2022
Understanding how and why quality circles improve standards of practice, enhance professional development and increase psychological well-being of general practitioners: a realist synthesis.
Article in BMJ open, 2022. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 18 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
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Who cites it
18 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.
- Implementation of interprofessional quality circles on deprescribing in Swiss nursing homes: an observational study.BMC geriatrics · 2023Pooled it
- Optimizing colorectal cancer screening through quality circles of primary care physicians: a cluster randomized controlled trial.International journal of public health · 2026Trial
- Role of General Practitioners in European Health Technology Assessment, EU-HTA Innovation in Oncology as an Example.Journal of market access & health policy · 2026Article
- Article
- Reflections on Identity and Role Navigation of Continuous Medical Education Tutors in General Practice.The clinical teacher · 2026Article
- Implementation of medication reviews to optimize the use of medications in Swiss nursing homes: a mixed-methods study.BMC health services research · 2025Observational
- Promoting real-world evidence use for antimicrobial stewardship in Latin America: evaluation of impact of a two-part educational webinar series.JAC-antimicrobial resistance · 2025Article
- Continuous Reduction of Hypoglycemia Incidence Post-Endoscopic Polypectomy Through Quality Control Circle Implementation.Journal of multidisciplinary healthcare · 2025Article
- Effects of Rational Emotional Therapy on Anxiety and Delivery Outcome of Pregnant Women.International journal of women's health · 2025Article
- Organized Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs in Switzerland - Quo Vadis?International journal of public health · 2025Article
- Article
- Developing a typology of interventions to support doctors' mental health and wellbeing.BMC health services research · 2024Article
- Access to automated comparative feedback reports in primary care - a study of intensity of use and relationship with clinical performance among Swedish primary care practices.BMC health services research · 2024Article
- A realist synthesis of educational outreach visiting and integrated academic detailing to influence prescribing in ambulatory care: why relationships and dialogue matter.BMJ quality & safety · 2023Article
- Article
- Assessment of Labor Practices in Healthcare Using an Innovatory Framework for Sustainability.Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) · 2023Article
- Is Education Alone Enough to Sustain Improvements of Antimicrobial Stewardship in General Practice in Australia? Results of an Intervention Follow-Up Study.Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2023Article
- Factors Influencing the Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship in Primary Care: A Narrative Review.Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland) · 2022Review
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
4 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesTo understand how and why participation in quality circles (QCs) improves general practitioners' (GPs) psychological well-being and the quality of their clinical practice. To provide evidence-informed and practical guidance to maintain QCs at local and policy levels.
designA theory-driven mixed method.
settingPrimary healthcare.
methodWe collected data in four stages to develop and refine the programme theory of QCs: (1) coinquiry with Swiss and European expert stakeholders to develop a preliminary programme theory; (2) realist review with systematic searches in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINHAL (1980-2020) to inform the preliminary programme theory; (3) programme refinement through interviews with participants, facilitators, tutors and managers of QCs and (4) consolidation of theory through interviews with QC experts across Europe and examining existing theories. SOURCES OF DATA: The coinquiry comprised 4 interviews and 3 focus groups with 50 European experts. From the literature search, we included 108 papers to develop the literature-based programme theory. In stage 3, we used data from 40 participants gathered in 6 interviews and 2 focus groups to refine the programme theory. In stage 4, five interviewees from different healthcare systems consolidated our programme theory.
resultRequirements for successful QCs are governmental trust in GPs' abilities to deliver quality improvement, training, access to educational material and performance data, protected time and financial resources. Group dynamics strongly influence success; facilitators should ensure participants exchange knowledge and generate new concepts in a safe environment. Peer interaction promotes professional development and psychological well-being. With repetition, participants gain confidence to put their new concepts into practice.
conclusionWith expert facilitation, clinical review and practice opportunities, QCs can improve the quality of standard practice, enhance professional development and increase psychological well-being in the context of adequate professional and administrative support. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42013004826.
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