Exploring agendas of patients attending family medicine clinics in Jordan. A qualitative content analysis study

OBJECTIVES: To explore concerns, beliefs, and expectations of patients who attend Family Medicine clinics in the University of Jordan Hospital, Amman, Jordan. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 143 patients (84% females, mean age 45.3±17.8 years) between September and December 2016. A validated patient’s agenda form included open-ended questions on patients’ main concerns, beliefs, and expectations was used. A qualitative content analysis of answers was completed by coding answers into categories. RESULTS: A good aggregate inter-rater reliability for coding categories was found (κ-values ranging from 0.76-0.88). The most common concern of participants were the need to receive treatment for an acute illness, followed by the desire for clarification on health condition. Forty percent of participants believed that their symptoms were caused by a health condition rather than lifestyle, while 32.5% had no speculations related to the causes behind their symptoms. The highest percentage of patients expected doctors to provide information related to their health condition. CONCLUSION: The most prominent needs of participants were the need for information and explanation regarding health condition. Family doctors are encouraged to use agenda forms to enhance patient communications and improve outcomes of consultations.