Satisfaction is not all - Patients' perceptions of outcome of general practice consultations, a qualitative study

Abstract

Background: 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. Method: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: General practice consultations are often more important for patients than generally supposed. Understanding is the most basic concept. © 2005 Andén et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.