Table 3 Role of GP care: patient types and characteristics

Long-term regular consulters

• GP central as first contact person

• Important role in chronic disease care

• GP as supporter and health advisor

Sporadic consulters

• Occasional GP visits, heterogeneous utilization

• Factors: skepticism concerning competence, lack of confidence, past negative experiences

Patients without GP

• GP has no important role

• Prevalent mistrust in regard to GPs’ skills and knowledge

• Limited demand due to good health condition