Abstract
Following recent concerns about patients' inability to book appointments in advance, this study examined the relationship between the proportion of GP appointments reserved for same-day booking, and patient satisfaction with appointment systems. In a survey of 12 825 patients in 47 practices, it was found that a 10% increase in the proportion of same-day appointments was associated with an 8% reduction in the proportion of patients satisfied. Practices should be wary of increasing the level of same-day appointments to meet access targets.
- appointments and schedules
- family practice
- health services accessibility
- patient satisfaction
- primary health care
- Received November 14, 2007.
- Revision received January 9, 2008.
- Accepted April 22, 2008.
- © British Journal of General Practice, 2008.