Dutch GP care creaks but also shows resilience

A well-functioning general practitioner care system is important for society and the health care system as a whole. Whereas for decades GP care was a shining pearl in the firmament of the Dutch healthcare system, now this pearl needs to be polished to prevent further erosion.

In their article, Paul Giesen (IQ Health) and Kees in 't Veld describe how, as general practitioner auditors for the NHG Practice Accreditation Act (NPA), they visited about 300 practices. The authors describe 7 problems and related opportunities to prevent the threat of further erosion. This requires creativity, collaboration, entrepreneurship and resilience on the part of general practitioners. Chain partners, politics, municipalities and health insurers can contribute enormously to optimal preconditions. Furthermore, survey research is needed into, for example, the reasons why GPs drop out and the question of how the new generation wants to shape the core values of the GP profession. Finally, from the perspective of future practice, the authors call for the description of good practice examples for learning and inspiration.
 

Giesen PH, In 't Veld CJ. Dutch GP care is cracking and showing resilience. GP Law 2024;67(4):25-7.