THE VIEWS OF SINGLEHANDED GENERAL-PRACTITIONERS - A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Objectives-To examine the concerns of single-handed general practitioners working in an inner London area and to compare the views of general practitioners in partnerships. Design-Qualitative analysis of semistructured interviews with a random sample of single-handed general practitioners and a sample of general practitioners from partnerships matched for age and sex. Setting-The area covered by Lambeth, Southwark, and Lewisham Family Health Services Authority. Results-The singlehanded general practitioners were more likely to be older, male, and first qualified abroad than general practitioners in partnerships. Their major concerns were inadequate premises, maintaining their singlehanded status, and coping with recent changes to their contract. Most were very satisfied with their solo status and did not see the provision of 24 hour care as stressful. Conclusion-Single handed general practitioners saw themselves as providing a unique service for patients, and their status as an alternative for general practitioners who were unhappy in partnerships. Such practices are unlikely to wither away as a pattern of provision. Any comprehensive development of primary care must take their needs into account.