Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

The purpose of this survey was to study patients' attitudes towards the health centre in general and, more specifically, towards `McKeownism' - the specialisation by doctors in the problems of specific age groups.

Main Topics:

Attitudinal/Behavioural Questions Registration details: length of time, which doctor, whether registered with doctor of choice, whether been asked to change doctor (attitude to). Number of visits in last year, availability of own doctor, preference for own doctor, advantages/disadvantages of health centre compared with ordinary practice. Family details: members of respondent's household, age, whether registered at health centre, which doctor. Preference for traditional family doctor or specialisation by age group (reasons for). Self-perception of health, specific health problems, whether any ailments not reported (reasons for). Nature of last visit, whether saw own doctor, opinion of appointments system, expectations of consultation, doctor's actual behaviour, satisfaction/dissatisfaction with consultation, whether enough time given. Necessity for seeing doctor rather than a nurse, whether repeat prescriptions required, ease of acquisition. Use of other medical facilities. Method of travel to health centre, length of journey. Perceived accessibility of doctors, type of problems appropriate for consultation, whether would like to consult nurse in first instance, preference of female respondents for female doctor. Whether would recommend health centre. Background Variables Age, sex, marital status, position in household, date of last visit to health centre, use of telephone/car, occupation of head of household, and respondent.

Systematic random sample drawn from doctors' list

Face-to-face interview