Training and scope of practice of GPs in Europe- A qualitative study in three European countries

General practitioners in front of COVID-19: Italy in European comparative perspective

“…Primary care services ( Greenhalgh et al, 2020 ) have played a key part in managing the pandemic at national and local levels ( Ares-Blanco et al, 2023 ; Khalil-Khan and Khan, 2023 ), with general practitioners (GPs) being a frontline emergency profession ( Adams and Walls, 2020 ), playing a key role of public leadership ( Suar et al, 2023 ). Despite the differences in their role and function in Europe ( Grielen et al, 2000 ; Glonti et al, 2015 ; Erlend et al, 2017 ; Groenewegen et al, 2020 ), GP offer and organization are crucial aspects of healthcare systems in the context of the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) policy frame ( Gulliford, 2002 ; Rico et al, 2003 ).…”

“…As patients’ first and main point of entry into the healthcare system, GPs play a strategic role in assessing health needs, as well as in coordinating with other health services ( Kringos et al, 2010 ). They also affect healthcare efficiency, which is a key profession in primary care ( Starfield et al, 2005 ; Haggerty et al, 2013 ): “Strong primary care is associated with better population health and lower rate of unnecessary hospitalizations” ( Kringos et al, 2013 ), considering the key role of GPs as gatekeeper to the rest of healthcare services ( Glonti et al, 2015 ). Assessing primary care organization and performance has been the focus of a recent study presenting a literature review synthesis and the proposal of a theoretical and practical framework ( Senn et al, 2021 ).…”