Characteristics of general practice care: What do senior citizens value? A qualitative study

P(Ine) Gj Berkelmans,Klaas Van Der Meer,Annette J Berendsen,Peter Fm Verhaak

doi:10.1186/1471-2318-10-80

P(Ine) Gj Berkelmans, Klaas Van Der Meer + Show 2 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2318-10-80

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Abstract

BackgroundIn view of the increasing number of senior citizens in our society who are likely to consult their GP with age-related health problems, it is important to identify and understand the preferences of this group in relation to the non-medical attributes of GP care. The aim of this study is to improve our understanding about preferences of this group of patients in relation to non-medical attributes of primary health care. This may help to develop strategies to improve the quality of care that senior citizens receive from their GP.MethodsSemi-structured interviews (N = 13) with senior citizens (65-91 years) in a judgement sample were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The analysis was conducted according to qualitative research methodology and the frame work method.ResultsContinuity of care providers, i.e. GP and practice nurses, GPs' expertise, trust, free choice of GP and a kind open attitude were highly valued. Accessibility by phone did not meet the expectations of the interviewees. The interviewees had difficulties with the GP out-of-office hours services. Spontaneous home visits were appreciated by some, but rejected by others. They preferred to receive verbal information rather than collecting information from leaflets. Distance to the practice and continuity of caregiver seemed to conflict for respondents.ConclusionsPreferences change in the process of ageing and growing health problems. GPs and their co-workers should be also aware of the changing needs of the elderly regarding non-medical attributes of GP care. Meeting their needs regarding non-medical attributes of primary health care is important to improve the quality of care.

Highlights

In view of the increasing number of senior citizens in our society who are likely to consult their general practice (GP) with age-related health problems, it is important to identify and understand the preferences of this group in relation to the non-medical attributes of GP care
We opted for a qualitative explorative investigation, because little is known about the preferences that senior citizens value, we used semi-structured interviews to gain as many personal insights as possible about citizens with regard to the non-medical characteristics of GP care
Regarding the role of the GP, waiting time in the waiting room and preference for the way information was given, our results differed from what we assumed based on the literature

Summary

Introduction

In view of the increasing number of senior citizens in our society who are likely to consult their GP with age-related health problems, it is important to identify and understand the preferences of this group in relation to the non-medical attributes of GP care. The aim of this study is to improve our understanding about preferences of this group of patients in relation to non-medical attributes of primary health care. This may help to develop strategies to improve the quality of care that senior citizens receive from their GP. National and international research has been conducted on the non-medical service and product characteristics (attributes) of general practice (GP) care, and addressed how patients prioritize these [3,4,5]. Priorities observed in the general population are e.g., quick service response to emergencies, adequate time for consultation, confidentiality of information about patients and informing patients adequately about their illness, offering preventive

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