RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Enhancing a primary care environment: a case study of effects on patients and staff in a single general practice JF British Journal of General Practice JO Br J Gen Pract FD British Journal of General Practice SP e1 OP e8 DO 10.3399/bjgp08X319422 VO 58 IS 552 A1 Gillian Rice A1 Jenny Ingram A1 Jacques Mizan YR 2008 UL http://bjgp.org/content/58/552/e1.abstract AB Background Few studies have examined the effect on patients and staff of the physical environment in primary care facilities.Aim To explore changes in patient and staff satisfaction, patient anxiety, and patient–doctor communication when a GP surgery moves from old premises to enhanced purpose-built accommodation.Design of study Questionnaire surveys, interviews, and focus groups preand post move.Setting An urban general practice in Bristol.Method Patient questionnaires assessed anxiety (Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; STAI), satisfaction with the environment, and communication during the consultation. Staff questionnaires assessed satisfaction with the environment and job satisfaction. Qualitative methods explored patient and staff views in more depth.Results A total of 1118 pre-move and 954 post-move patient questionnaires showed significant increases in satisfaction scores for reception/waiting areas (mean 6.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 5.97 to 6.95) and consulting rooms (mean 3.80, 95% CI = 3.44 to 4.15) in the new premises. Patients' satisfaction with patient–doctor communication also increased (mean 0.88, 95% CI = 0.30 to 1.46) and anxiety scores were significantly reduced before and after the consultation in the new premises compared with the old (STAI mean difference before consultation 0.72, 95% CI = 0.37 to 1.08; mean after consultation 0.37, 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.72). Patients highlighted the increased space and light, more modern appearance, greater comfort, and novel works of art in the new surgery. Staff workplace satisfaction increased significantly after moving and remained higher than in the old building.Conclusion This large-scale study examining the effects of a UK primary care environment on patients and staff shows that an enhanced environment is associated with improvements in patients' perception of patient–doctor communication, reduction in anxiety, and increases in patient and staff satisfaction.