Communication in general practice: differences between European countries

Results. Differences in communication between countries were found in: affective and instrumental behaviour; biomedical and psychosocial talk; GPs’ patient-directed gaze; and consultation length. The study showed that GPs’ gatekeeping role (with registered patients) was less important for doctor‐patient communication than was expected. Patient characteristics such as gender, age, having psychosocial problems, and familiarity between the doctor and the patient were the most important in explaining differences in communication. Conclusion. The gatekeeping role of GPs is hardly important in explaining doctor‐patient communication. The relationship is more complex than expected. Patient and GP characteristics are more important. Cultural factors should be included in future studies.