BACKGROUND: We describe general practitioners' (GPs') degree of satisfaction with the recently introduced Norwegian list patient system, based on information provided by GPs on the number of patients on their lists and their own assessment of their work situation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected by an extensive questionnaire survey among GPs in the list patient system during the autumn of 2002. A total of 2306 GPs returned the questionnaire (70% response rate). RESULTS: Most GPs were satisfied with the list patient system. 60% were satisfied with the number of patients on their list, 21% wanted more patients; 19% would have liked to have fewer patients. In general GPs feel that they have enough time for each patient and that it is not difficult to fit emergency cases into their daily schedule. About half of them are of the opinion that the list patient system has not given them a better insight into their patients' medical needs or better treatment options. INTERPRETATION: Most GPs were satisfied with the new system and with the number of patients on their list. The importance to patients of being assigned to one GP is highlighted by the fact that GPs think they can do a better job when the practice has a high proportion of regular patients.
BACKGROUND: We describe general practitioners' (GPs') degree of satisfaction with the recently introduced Norwegian list patient system, based on information provided by GPs on the number of patients on their lists and their own assessment of their work situation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected by an extensive questionnaire survey among GPs in the list patient system during the autumn of 2002. A total of 2306 GPs returned the questionnaire (70% response rate). RESULTS: Most GPs were satisfied with the list patient system. 60% were satisfied with the number of patients on their list, 21% wanted more patients; 19% would have liked to have fewer patients. In general GPs feel that they have enough time for each patient and that it is not difficult to fit emergency cases into their daily schedule. About half of them are of the opinion that the list patient system has not given them a better insight into their patients' medical needs or better treatment options. INTERPRETATION: Most GPs were satisfied with the new system and with the number of patients on their list. The importance to patients of being assigned to one GP is highlighted by the fact that GPs think they can do a better job when the practice has a high proportion of regular patients.