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[Is there a typical general practitioner?]
Schweizerische Rundschau Fur Medizin Praxis = Revue Suisse De Medecine Praxis
|January 19, 1993
Summary
General practitioners (GPs) in Switzerland were studied, revealing significant differences in practice patterns. Patients reported high satisfaction with consultations, despite underestimation of consultation length by both doctors and patients.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Health Services Research
- Qualitative Research
Context:
- Analysis of 300 unbiased general practitioner (GP) consultations in Switzerland.
- Inclusion of patient questionnaires and physician-recorded consultation data ('hard facts').
- Exploration of the 'family doctor' concept and home visit prevalence (26-54%).
Purpose:
- To analyze key aspects of Swiss general practice consultations.
- To compare patient and physician perceptions of consultation length.
- To assess patient satisfaction and the physician's emotional approach.
Summary:
- Average consultation length was 16.5 minutes, underestimated by 64% of doctors and 41% of patients.
- 81% of patients viewed their GP as a 'family doctor,' a term lacking clear definition.
- Patient satisfaction ranged from 80-90% with an optimal emotional approach reported.
Impact:
- Highlights significant inter-doctor variations in physician practice patterns.
- Underscores the discrepancy between perceived and actual consultation duration.
- Provides insights into patient expectations and satisfaction within Swiss general practice.