CQI-2--a new measure of holistic interpersonal care in primary care consultations.
BACKGROUND
The Consultation Quality Index (CQI) is a holistic quality marker for GPs based on patient enablement, continuity of the care and consultation length.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the CQI-2, a new version of the CQI incorporating a process measure of GP empathy (the Consultation and Relational Empathy Measure).


METHODS
Cross-sectional questionnaire study.


METHODS
General practice in the west of Scotland.


METHODS
Empathy, enablement, continuity, and consultation length were measured in 3044 consultations involving 26 GPs in 26 different practices in the west of Scotland. CQI-2 scores were calculated and correlated with additional data on GPs' and patients' attitudes. Comparisons were also made with the UK-wide data from which the original CQI had been calculated.


RESULTS
CQI-2 scores were independent of deprivation, access, demographics, and case-mix. GPs with lower CQI-2 scores valued empathy and longer consultations less than these GPs with higher CQI-2 scores. 'Below average CQI-2' GPs (those in the bottom 25%) also felt less valued by patients and colleagues. Patients' showed less confidence in and gained less satisfaction from these doctors. Data ranges from the study were comparable with the UK data ranges used to construct the original CQI.


CONCLUSIONS
The CQI-2 is a new measure of holistic interpersonal care. In a small but representative sample of GPs it appears to differentiate between below and above average doctors. CQI-2 scores may reflect important aspects of morale, core values and patient-centred care. There may be potential for its use as part of professional development and as a component of the general medical services contract.
Mercer
Stewart W
SW
General Practice and Primary Care, Division of Community-based Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow. stewmercer@blueyonder.co.uk
Howie
John G R
JG
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001294:Attitude to Health; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004645:Empathy; D005194:Family Practice / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006694:Holistic Health; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011787:Quality of Health Care / Q000592:standards*; D012606:Scotland