Quality of care in primary health care settings in the Eastern Mediterranean region: a systematic review of the literature

Purpose: This systematic review aims at offering a comprehensive synthesis of studies addressing quality of care in the primary healthcare (PHC) sector of the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR).

Data sources: A systematic search was conducted using Medline, Embase and Global Health Library (IMEMR) electronic databases to identify studies related to quality in PHC between years 2000 and 2012.

Study selection/data extraction: One hundred and fifty-nine (159) studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Each paper was independently reviewed by two reviewers, and the following information was extracted/calculated: dimension of care investigated (structure, processes and outcomes), focus, disease groups, study design, sample size, unit of analysis, response rate, country, setting (public or private) and level of rigor (LOR) score.

Results of data synthesis: Most of the studies were descriptive/cross-sectional in nature with a relatively modest LOR score. Assessment of quality of care revealed that the process dimension of quality, specifically clinical practice and patient-provider relationship, is an area of major concern. However, interventions targeting enhanced quality in PHC in the EMR countries had favorable and effective outcomes in terms of clinical practice.

Conclusion: These findings highlight gaps in evidence on quality in PHC in the EMR; such evidence is key for decision-making. Researchers and policy-makers should address these gaps to generate contextualized information and knowledge that ensures relevance and targeted high-impact interventions.