[What is the most important for the patient in the meeting with a general practitioner?]

Efficient medical communication depends on an understanding of the patient perspective. The purpose of this study was to characterise the most important consultation elements as perceived by primary care patients. The experience of 31 patients regarding their most recent medical encounter were recorded in six focus groups. All groups were audiotaped and analysed by qualitative methodology. Five consultation themes emerged spontaneously in all groups: Interaction between doctor and patient (e.g. communication, emotional experiences, and personal relationship with the doctor) and consultation outcome were the most important elements. Information, continuity of care, and time with the doctor were considered reasonably important. Six other themes received limited attention in a few groups only (e.g. availability, doctor's gender, time in the waiting room, auxiliary personnel, the clinical examination, and technical skills). Patients value the personal, attentive, and listening doctor. The feeling of not having to hurry during the consultation is more important than the actual number of minutes. Patients' level of emotional involvement and their specific expectations are often undisclosed. There are large individual differences with regard to the meaning of and need for information.