Features of good consultation in general practice: is time important?
OBJECTIVE
To relate specifically defined 'good consultations' (GC) to length of consultation, continuity, patients' age and sex, and different doctors.


METHODS
A questionnaire about consultation length, communication and problem character, given to doctors and patients immediately after consultations.


METHODS
The number of GCs for different doctors in relation to time, continuity, and patients' age and sex were calculated.


METHODS
581 consultations were registered with six male general practitioners working at three different health centres in Umeå, a university town in northern Sweden.


RESULTS
A significant difference in the number of GCs was only found between the doctors (p < 0.01). Length of consultation, patients' age and sex, and continuity and no impact on the GC frequency.


CONCLUSIONS
The doctor as a person and his working style is most important in achieving good consultations in general practice. Length of consultation is less influential.
Andersson
S O
SO
Mariehem Health Centre, Umeå, Sweden.
Mattsson
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003625:Data Collection; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors