How people with chronic illnesses view their care in general practice: a qualitative study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the perceptions of patients with chronic conditions about the nature and quality of their care in general practice.


METHODS
Qualitative study using focus group methods conducted 1 June to 30 November 2002.


METHODS
76 consumers in 12 focus groups in New South Wales and South Australia.


METHODS
Recurring issues and themes on care received in general practice.


RESULTS
Three groups of priorities emerged. One centred on the quality of doctors, including technical competence, interpersonal skills, time for the patient in the consultation and continuity of care. A second concerned the role of patients and consumer organisations, with patients wanting (i) recognition of their knowledge about their condition and self-management, and (ii) for GPs to develop closer links with consumer organisations and inform patients about them. The third focused on the practice team and the importance of practice nurses and receptionists.


CONCLUSIONS
GPs should consider the amount of time they spend with chronically ill patients, and their interpersonal skills and understanding of patients' needs. They need to be better informed about the benefits of patient self-management and consumer organisations, and to incorporate them into their care. They also need to review how their practice nurses and receptionists can maximise the care of patients.
Infante
Fernando A
FA
School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
Proudfoot
Judith G
JG
Powell Davies
Gawaine
G
Bubner
Tanya K
TK
Holton
Chris H
CH
Beilby
Justin J
JJ
Harris
Mark F
MF
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D010358:Patient Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013021:South Australia