[The good general practice--Norwegian patients' evaluation and priorities].

Researchers from seven European countries are participating in a study where patients evaluate their experiences with regard to primary health care. The overall aim of this study is to develop a valid, reliable and user-friendly cross-cultural questionnaire, which will subsequently be used to gather patients' evaluations across Europe. This paper reports on the first step in this process, where Norwegian patients rate their experiences with regard to primary health care over the last six months. A total of 830 questionnaires were handed out by 12 practitioners located in different places in Norway. 431 (52%) answers were returned. Norwegian patients value first and foremost accessibility to the doctor and the practice, and then continuity of care, respect, confidentiality, competence and information in their encounters with the primary health service. These findings can be used by general practitioners in their quality improvement efforts.