The presented results contribute to an understanding of factors that influence levels of satisfaction of female and male physicians. Therefore, research and intervention about job satisfaction should consider gender as well as the stereotypes that come along with these social roles.

ObjectivesTo examine the effectiveness of the quality management programme—European Practice Assessment—in primary care in Switzerland.DesignLongitudinal study with three points of measurement.SettingPrimary care practices in Switzerland.ParticipantsIn total, 45 of 91 primary care practices completed European Practice Assessment three times.OutcomesThe interval between each assessment was around 36 months. A variance analyses for repeated measurements were performed for all 129 quality indicators from the domains: ‘infrastructure’, ‘information’, ‘finance’, and ‘quality and safety’ to examine changes over time.ResultsSignificant improvements were found in three of four domains: ‘quality and safety’ (F=22.81, p<0.01), ‘information’ (F=27.901, p<0.01) and ‘finance’ (F=4.073, p<0.02). The 129 quality indicators showed a significant improvement within the three points of measurement (F=33.864, p<0.01).ConclusionsThe European Practice Assessment for primary care practices thus provides a functioning quality management programme, focusing on the sustainable improvement of structural and organisational aspects to promote high quality of primary care. The implementation of a quality management system which also includes a continuous improvement process would give added value to provide good care.

The results are important for understanding patients' priorities with regard to general practice care. Patient assessment allows us to identify possible areas for quality improvement within the practice and could provide feedback.