Shifting hospital care to primary care: An evaluation of cardiology care in a primary care setting in the Netherlands

BACKGROUND: In an attempt to deal with the pressures on the healthcare system and to guarantee sustainability, changes are needed. This study is focused on a cardiology Primary Care Plus intervention in which cardiologists provide consultations with patients in a primary care setting in order to prevent unnecessary referrals to the hospital. This study explores which patients with non-acute and low-complexity cardiology-related health complaints should be excluded from Primary Care Plus and referred directly to specialist care in the hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational stu... Mehr ...