Core values and best practice criteria for interprofessional teams in primary care: a qualitative interview study with general practitioners and other health professionals from Bavaria, Germany

Background The German healthcare system is confronted with a shortage of general practitioners (GPs) due to demographic changes and an aging workforce. Concepts such as team-based care, which ensure high-quality primary care, are necessary to address these future challenges. This study aimed to identify values as well as best practices of such team-based concepts. Methods We conducted n = 15 individual interviews with health professionals primarily working in primary care settings, including GP trainees, employed or self-employed GPs, medical assistants, primary care management or physician assistant students, and other health professionals (mean age = 36.13 years, 66.67% female). The interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded using a deductive category system based on prior research. For data analysis, we used qualitative content analysis following the framework method. Results Participants emphasized patient-centred and continuous care as core values of primary care, highlighting the importance of establishing trusting relationships through sufficient time with patients. In this context, they rated interprofessional team-based care as particularly beneficial for patients who are chronically ill and disadvantaged. The participants supported primary care models characterized by GP-centredness and gatekeeping, a high degree of digitalization, cooperation with non-physician health professionals, and well-defined roles within interprofessional teams. They also stressed the importance of remuneration and work-life balance. To evaluate future concepts of primary care, the interviewees recommended using both staff- and patient-reported measures, as well as operational metrics. Conclusions Our results indicate that the core values of primary care, such as patient-centredness and continuity of care, may be enhanced through interprofessional teamwork. While these values contribute to the intrinsic motivation of high-quality care, structural factors such as fair remuneration and digitalization are crucial for effective practice. To evaluate care models, the patient perspective, along with staff satisfaction and team performance, is regarded as an essential outcome measure.