Up close - reasons why parents attend their general practitioner when their child is sick.
BACKGROUND
This study aimed to explore the reasons prompting Australian parents to seek medical advice for their sick children, and to define the factors influencing their decision. International data suggest non-clinical reasons for general practitioner (GP) visits.


METHODS
Twenty-two parents from eight general practices were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire while they waited to see their GP. The interviews were tape-recorded, de-identified, transcribed and analysed thematically.


RESULTS
Five emergent themes were fears about possible scenarios; personal and vicarious experiences; resources and convenience; being seen to do the right thing; and reassurance and guidance about management.


CONCLUSIONS
Parents reported several reasons for seeking medical advice for their sick child and often a combination of factors influenced their decision, consistent with research findings from other countries. Awareness and understanding of this decision-making process could significantly improve primary care for patients in Australia and contribute to training of medical students and GP registrars.
MBBS, FRACGP, MPH MBChB MPH FRACGP, General Practitioner and Lecturer - General Practice Placement Support, Department of General Practice, University of Sydney, NSW.
Mohna
M
Sharma
Tim
T
Usherwood
D000293:Adolescent; D001007:Anxiety; D001315:Australia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D058006:General Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D009819:Office Visits; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012941:Social Responsibility