A qualitative study of patients' views on quality of primary care consultations in Hong Kong and comparison with the UK CARE Measure
2009

Patients' Views on Primary Care Quality in Hong Kong

Sample size: 21 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Colman SC Fung, Stewart W Mercer

Primary Institution: Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hypothesis

What do Chinese patients in Hong Kong think about the quality of primary care consultations?

Conclusion

Chinese patients in Hong Kong value engaged, empathic primary care doctors and judge the quality of consultations largely on human skills and perceived treatment outcomes.

Supporting Evidence

  • Patients valued doctors who allowed them to tell their story and actively listened.
  • Many patients equated 'no eye contact' with 'not listening'.
  • Patients from the public clinic were least likely to expect holistic care or empowerment.

Takeaway

Patients in Hong Kong want doctors who listen and care about them, and they think a good consultation is when they feel understood and get better.

Methodology

The study involved semi-structured interviews with 21 patients from three different primary care clinics in Hong Kong.

Limitations

The study had a small sample size and was limited to three clinics in a less affluent area, which may not represent the general population.

Participant Demographics

Participants included a range of ages, genders, and socio-economic statuses, primarily Chinese patients.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2296-10-10

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