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Table 1 The most critical factors affecting selection in the literature review (familiarization stage)

From: Patients’ preferences in selecting family physician in primary health centers: a qualitative-quantitative approach

Factor type

Criteria

Individual

Doctor’s/Patient’s age, gender, and ethnicity, Patient’s education level, Patient confidence in physician performance, High communication skills with patients, The effectiveness of the physician’s actions on the previous visit (Patients and their family members), and Type and severity of the disease

Behavioral-ethical

Punctuality, Confident and trustworthy, Responsibility, Doctor’s sympathy, and Answering to patients’ questions with patience

Professional and performance

Having high scientific level, Doctor’s skill and expertise, Assigning sufficient time to visit patient, High carefulness in medical examination, Introducing and referring by other colleagues or specialists, Visiting patients privately, not in the presence of others, Providing the complete health services package, Presenting information on diagnostic, therapeutic and caring measures and providing appropriate solutions, and Avoiding any unnecessary referral

Locational, environmental and management

Proximity of doctor’s office, Easy and convenient access to the doctor’s office, Well-equipped and stylish workplace, Doctor’s cleanness, Comfortable and large waiting room, Short waiting time, Scheduled visits without any delay, Using efficient assistants in healthcare centers, and Media and advertising (women were more influenced)

Economic

Diversity and low-cost of complementary health services, Doctor’s visit price, And acceptance of health insurance

Sociocultural

Recommended by friends and acquaintances, Publicity, Patients’ awareness level, and Treatment level based on the regional socioeconomic status