Assessing organisational development in European primary care using a group‐based method: A feasibility study of the Maturity Matrix

Abstract

Purpose

The Maturity Matrix is a tool designed in the UK to assess family practice organisational development and to stimulate quality improvement. It is practice‐led, formative and undertaken by a practice team with the help of trained facilitators. The aim of this study is to assess the Maturity Matrix as a tool and an organisational development measure in European family practice settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a convenience sample of 153 practices and 11 facilitators based in the UK, Germany, The Netherlands, Switzerland and Slovenia, feasibility was assessed against six criteria: completion; coverage; distribution; scaling; translation; and missing data. Information sources were responses to evaluation questionnaires by facilitators and completed Maturity Matrix profiles.

Findings

All practices taking part completed the Maturity Matrix sessions successfully. The Netherlands, the UK and Germany site staff suggested including additional dimensions: interface between primary and secondary care; access; and management of expendable materials. Maturity Matrix scores were normally distributed in each country. Scaling properties, translation and missing data suggested that the following dimensions are most robust across the participating countries: clinical performance audit; prescribing; meetings; and continuing professional development. Practice size did not make a significant difference to the Maturity Matrix profile scores.

Originality/value

The study suggests that the Maturity Matrix is a feasible and valuable tool, helping practices to review organisational development as it relates to healthcare quality. Future research should focus on developing dimensions that are generic across European primary care settings.

Citation

Edwards, A., Rhydderch, M., Engels, Y., Campbell, S., Vodopivec‐Jamšek, V., Marshall, M., Grol, R. and Elwyn, G. (2010), "Assessing organisational development in European primary care using a group‐based method: A feasibility study of the Maturity Matrix", International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, Vol. 23 No. 1, pp. 8-21. https://doi.org/10.1108/09526861011010640