Features of good consultation in general practice: is time important?

OBJECTIVE

To relate specifically defined 'good consultations' (GC) to length of consultation, continuity, patients' age and sex, and different doctors.

DESIGN

A questionnaire about consultation length, communication and problem character, given to doctors and patients immediately after consultations.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The number of GCs for different doctors in relation to time, continuity, and patients' age and sex were calculated.

SETTING

581 consultations were registered with six male general practitioners working at three different health centres in Umeå, a university town in northern Sweden.

RESULTS

A significant difference in the number of GCs was only found between the doctors (p < 0.01). Length of consultation, patients' age and sex, and continuity and no impact on the GC frequency.

CONCLUSION

The doctor as a person and his working style is most important in achieving good consultations in general practice. Length of consultation is less influential.