Table 2. Patients' consultation experiences and reasons for consultations
Patient characteristics n (%) NPES a
Preferred GP
Yes107 (73.3)
No18 (12.3)
Prefer not to say or no response21 (14.4)
How long known the GP
First meeting today19 (13.0)
Second appointment16 (11.0)
<1 year25 (17.1)
About 1–5 years50 (34.2)
>5 years32 (21.9)
Prefer not to say2 (1.4)
No response2 (1.4)
Reasons for consultation b
Find out what’s wrong or diagnosis43 (29.5)
For reassurance9 (6.2)
Get results or investigations34 (23.3)
Treatment, prescriptions, or procedures46 (31.5)
Routine check20 (13.7)
Review18 (12.3)
Ask for a referral17 (11.6)
Attending the appointment with 74%a
Alone125 (85.6)
With a support person19 (13)
Prefer not to say1 (0.7)
No response1 (0.7)
Did GP listen carefully? 81%a
Yes144 (98.6)
No0
Prefer not to say2 (1.4)
Did GP spend enough time? 76%a
Yes142 (97.3)
No2 (1.4)
Prefer not to say2 (1.4)
Was consultation about chronic condition? 46 (31.5)
Yes72 (49.3)
No, the consultation was not about a chronic condition21 (14.4)
I don’t have a chronic condition7 (4.8)
Prefer not to say0
  • a2017–18 National Patient Experiences Survey, Australian Bureau of Statistics.28,31 bMore than one choice permitted.