Revista de práctica general

Patients Perceptions and Expectations of the General Practice Consultation and of the Doctors Prioritisation Skills of Multi-Morbidity

Abstract

Carter Singh

Purpose: Patients presenting with multiple problems during a single general practice consultation have been anecdotally referred to as ‘shopping list patients’. The aims of this study were to explore the factors that could help general practitioners develop effective strategies to manage these patients.

Methods: This is a questionnaire based study with a total sample size of (n=66). The study timeframe was July 2012 to Jan 2013 and the response rate was 82.5%.

Results: Irrespective of age or gender, most patients admitted to presenting to the GP with multiple problems approximately 30% of the time. Lack of timely access to GP appointments was the main reason cited by the majority of patients for presenting with multiple problems.

Conclusions: Improving access to GP appointments would reduce patients presenting with multiple problems during a single consultation. The reasons and explanations should be patient centered.

The findings from the research above may facilitate GP’s to increase levels of patient/GP satisfaction and safety, optimize rapport, reduce complaints, help to manage time more effectively (reduce late running of appointments) and increase practice productivity.