"What makes a good doctor?" A cross sectional survey of public opinion.

Our understanding of the characteristics that 'make' a good doctor is continually changing. The aim of this study, therefore, was to determine the characteristics that the general public consider important in doctors who would 'treat them or a member of their family.' A cross sectional survey of 599 members of the general public was carried out. Interviewees were asked to identify three qualities, attributes or characteristics and a randomly selected 20% sample was then asked to rate the importance of previously determined characteristics in response to the same question. When presented with an open-ended question, interpersonal characteristics (eg 'someone who is friendly' and 'someone who listens') were identified as most important. When presented with a 'checklist,' however, cognitive characteristics (eg 'somebody who is intelligent and bright' and 'somebody who is knowledgeable about medical matters') were identified as most important. Both interpersonal and cognitive characteristics therefore are important qualities for doctors to possess.