Satisfaction is not all – patients' perceptions of outcome of general practice consultations, a qualitative study

• Main Authors: Andersson Sven-Olof, Andén Annika, Rudebeck Carl-Edvard
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2005-10-01
• Series: BMC Family Practice
• Online Access: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2296/6/43

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Evaluation of outcome in general practice can be seen from different viewpoints. In this study we focus on the concepts patients use to describe the outcome of a consultation with a GP.</p> <p>Method</p> <p>Patients were interviewed within a week after a consultation with a GP. The interviews were made with 20 patients in 5 focus groups and 8 individually. They were analysed with a phenomenographic research approach.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>From the patient's perspective, the outcome of a consultation is about cure or symptom relief, understanding, confirmation, reassurance, change in self-perception and satisfaction.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>General practice consultations are often more important for patients than generally supposed. Understanding is the most basic concept.</p>