[Involvement of doctors' assistants in primary care for patients with long-term conditions. General practitioners' (GPs) perception of barriers and opportunities--a qualitative study].

Abstract

Care for patients with multiple and chronic diseases is an increasing challenge. The particular demands of chronically ill patients increase the complexity of primary care. Involvement of doctors' assistants is discussed as part of comprehensive frameworks for structured care like the Chronic Care Model (CCM). The aim of this qualitative study was to reveal perceived barriers and opportunities among German general practitioners (GPs) according to the involvement of their assistants in patient care.