Initiation, choice and satisfaction of nursing appointments in general practice: a cross-sectional survey of patients and nurses.
OBJECTIVE
To compare patients' and nurses' perceptions regarding the initiation of appointments, and to assess patients' satisfaction with appointment provision.


BACKGROUND
Appointment provision is changing in primary care and no research has assessed the initiation of nursing appointments.


METHODS
Cross-sectional survey assessing patients' and nurses' perceptions of the same appointment.


METHODS
A survey distributed to a convenience sample of patients attending nursing appointments for a two-week period.


RESULTS
Patients are highly satisfied with appointment provision. There is little agreement between patients and nursing staff regarding the initiation of an appointment.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients are satisfied with appointment provision which can accommodate different perceptions regarding the initiation of an appointment.


CONCLUSIONS
It is important to acknowledge patients' perceptions regarding appointment management as the views of nursing staff differ regarding the initiation of the appointment.
Pascoe
Shane W
SW
Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. shanewpascoe@hotmail.com
Neal
Richard D
RD
Bedford
Yvonne E
YE
McMain
Sheena S
SS
D000328:Adult; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003142:Communication; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004739:England; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000523:psychology*; D024802:Nurse's Role / Q000523:psychology; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016526:Workload