CHAPTER SEVEN: CONCLUSION
Background
7.1 The General Medical Services contract was introduced to tackle the problems of General Practitioners' ( GPs) recruitment, pay and working hours. The contract is linked to a Quality and Outcomes Framework. Revisions to the Quality and Outcome Framework (2008) have included the introduction of two new patient experience indicators: PE7 and PE8.
7.2 To assess these indicators, the Scottish Government carried out a postal survey of the general public in October 2008. To ensure the necessary information was collected, the Government commissioned Ipsos MORI to design and cognitively test the questionnaire and covering letter.
7.3 Ipsos MORI proposed an initial draft questionnaire and covering letter. This was discussed at an initial Stakeholder meeting attended by Scottish Government and the Scottish General Practitioners Committee of the BMA. Following this meeting Ipsos MORI proposed 2 further questionnaire design options. Following feedback from stakeholders a final covering letter and questionnaire was agreed upon for use throughout the cognitive testing.
Cognitive testing
7.4 The main changes implemented to the letter and questionnaire as a result of cognitive testing are outlined below.
Covering letter
7.5 The cognitive testing resulted in a significantly shortened and simplified final letter recommended for use in the GP Access Survey. This document is contained in Annex C.
Questionnaire
7.6 The main changes to questions 1, 2, and 3 measuring PE7 included:
- Changes to ensure the instructions are being noted by the survey participant
- Changes to the terminology: 'other healthcare professional' changed to 'doctor or nurse'
- Changes to routing instructions
- Simplified wording for question 3 response options.
7.7 The main changes to question 4 and 5 measuring PE8 included:
- Changing the wording to improve comprehension of the concept of 'booking an appointment in advance'
7.8 The final questionnaire, recommended for use in the GP Access Survey, incorporating all changes implemented as a result of the evidence obtained from the cognitive testing, is contained in Annex D.