Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe the doctor–patient relationship as expressed in written comments to a retiring family physician.
Methods:All 200 of the written notes and e-mails to a single family physician retiring after 42 years in practice were examined using content analysis for general themes and meaning. No phone or personal verbal responses were included.
Results: Seven themes emerged with regards to what patients appreciated in their family physician relationship. These included “being there,” caring, medical expertise, personal characteristics, multiple roles/anything goes, family, and continuity.
Conclusion: Analyzing comments from actual patients at the end of a long-term relationship with an individual physician confirms beliefs of what patients consider important based on theoretical models, surveys, and interviews.
