Source: BMC Health Services Research 2009, 9:105
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Date of publication: June 2009
Publication type: Journal article
In a nutshell: Internationally, different organizational models are used for providing out-of-hours care. This study used a survey across 25 countries to assess prevailing models and identify their potential strengths and weaknesses. In most countries several different models existed alongside each other, including Accident & Emergency, rota groups and GP cooperatives. The perceived strengths and weaknesses of these models are discussed. GP cooperatives combine size of scale advantages with high accessibility, continuity and coordination of care. While specific patients require other organizational models, the co-existence of different models for out-of-hours care in a country may be less efficient for health systems.
Length of publication: 21 pages
