Satisfaction is not all--patients' perceptions of outcome of general practice consultations, a qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
Evaluation of outcome in general practice can be seen from different viewpoints. In this study we focus on the concepts patients use to describe the outcome of a consultation with a GP.


METHODS
Patients were interviewed within a week after a consultation with a GP. The interviews were made with 20 patients in 5 focus groups and 8 individually. They were analysed with a phenomenographic research approach.


RESULTS
From the patient's perspective, the outcome of a consultation is about cure or symptom relief, understanding, confirmation, reassurance, change in self-perception and satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
General practice consultations are often more important for patients than generally supposed. Understanding is the most basic concept.
Andén
Annika
A
Bergnäsets Vårdcentral, Box 80074, SE-97433 Luleå, Sweden. annika@anden.se
Andersson
Sven-Olof
SO
Rudebeck
Carl-Edvard
CE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D032882:Comprehension; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010465:Perception; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D036301:Qualitative Research; D019984:Quality Indicators, Health Care; D013548:Sweden; D016896:Treatment Outcome