# Experiences of quality cluster meetings in general practice – Findings from a national survey two years after initiation of quality clusters in Denmark

## TL;DR

Danish general practitioners found quality cluster meetings helpful for improving practice, with positive experiences linked to better outcomes.

## Contribution

This study evaluates the effectiveness of quality clusters in general practice through a national survey of Danish GPs.

## Key findings

- 89% of GPs perceived cluster meetings as well organized and focused on relevant topics.
- 67% of GPs found the data used in meetings to be useful.
- Productive meetings and high commitment were associated with higher reported benefits.

## Abstract

A new national model for quality improvement in general practice based on the concept of quality clusters was introduced in Denmark in 2018. A quality cluster is a local group of general practitioners (GPs) meeting regularly to engage in quality improvement on self-selected topics.

To explore (1) GPs’ experiences of cluster meetings, and (2) associations between meeting experiences and self-reported benefits of participation.

A national cross-sectional survey study in general practice. In 2020, a questionnaire regarding quality clusters was sent to all Danish GPs (n = 3432). GPs self-reported benefits from cluster participation comprised: overall benefit, changes in clinical organization and workflow, changes in drug prescriptions, improved knowledge of guidelines, and improved patient care.

1219 GPs (36%) participated. Results showed that cluster meetings were partly or fully perceived to be well organized (89%) and focused on relevant topics (89%), and that meetings took place in a friendly atmosphere (90%) where experiences were shared (93%). Two-thirds of the GPs found that the data was useful (67%), that their cluster showed a high level of commitment (66%), and that agreement was easily reached (61%). Meetings which were perceived as productive, with useful data, and with a high level of commitment were associated with statistically significantly higher odds for reporting benefits across all self-reported benefits investigated.

Overall, cluster meetings were perceived positively by the GPs and associated with benefits when experienced as productive, with useful data, and a high level of commitment.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-025-02759-4.

In general, the GPs evaluated the cluster meetings positively

30% of the GPs reported high or very high overall benefit from cluster participation

Two out of three of the GPs found that data was useful

Productive meetings, useful data, and a high level of commitment was mostly associated with benefit

It is important to continue with supporting the clusters in obtaining relevant data

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12875-025-02759-4.