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Consumer use of multiple general practitioners: an Australian epidemiological study
B M Veale1, J McCallum, D C Saltman
1Department of Public Health, Flinders University of South Australia, Australia.
Family Practice
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Patients seeing multiple general practitioners (GPs) were younger, female, and dissatisfied with previous consultations. Good communication with their GP reduced the likelihood of seeking care elsewhere.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- General Practice
- Patient Behavior
Background:
- Understanding patient choice of general practitioners (GPs) is crucial in healthcare systems with patient choice.
- Previous research has explored factors influencing initial GP selection, but less is known about factors driving multiple GP utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the reasons behind patient selection of a general practitioner (GP) in Australia.
- To identify factors associated with the utilization of more than one GP.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 555 participants in Australia.
- Data collected via questionnaires administered during hour-long interviews by trained research assistants.
- Analysis of sociodemographic factors, health status, and satisfaction with the last GP visit.
Main Results:
- Dissatisfaction with the last general practice visit, higher visit frequency, younger age, female gender, and higher qualifications were associated with seeing multiple GPs.
- Good communication was identified as a key factor for satisfaction and was linked to a lower likelihood of seeing more than one GP.
Conclusions:
- Patient satisfaction, particularly stemming from good communication, plays a significant role in general practitioner (GP) continuity.
- Healthcare providers should focus on enhancing communication to improve patient retention and satisfaction within general practice.