Extending appointment length--the effect in one practice.

The effects of extending appointment length from 7.5 to 10.0 minutes in the evening surgeries of two general practitioners in one general practice were examined. The mean consultation length increased from 7.4 to 8.4 minutes. Most of this change appeared to be due to a small increase in the length of shorter consultations and was true for all age groups. The time that patients had to wait did not decrease and for one doctor actually increased. However, the results suggest that with longer appointments there is more discussion of lifestyle factors and more screening activity.