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Table 5 Participants’ perspectives on having a regular GP. NB each of the thirteen quotes represents 13 different participants

From: The relationship between having a regular general practitioner (GP) and the experience of healthcare barriers: a cross-sectional study among young people in NSW, Australia, with oversampling from marginalised groups

The value of having a regular GP

After some bad/judgemental experiences with random doctors I learnt the importance of travelling/making an effort to develop a relationship with one GP (Female, 22 years)

I have developed a close trust with my GP, and given that she knows my past history, it is much easier to see her about any health related problems. (Female, 22 years)

I used to go to whatever GP was available but I find a consistent record of my medical history helps move things along easier. (Male, 22 years)

Split care is common due to structural barriers despite a preference for a regular GP

My preferred doctor is very popular, and to get in you need to make an appointment months ahead, so when I am sick I need to go to a different one with more availability (Female, 17 years)

I prefer to have a regular GP but if they’re not available I’ll go to anyone (Female, 20 years)

I used to have a regular GP, however the cost was too much when I was having to regularly see them for things such as renewing prescriptions or getting a regular injection (Female, 19 years)

Two doctors - one that bulk bills the other ($70 per appointment) only if multiple issues. (Female, 20 years)

I like to have multiple doctors to visit as one it is more convenient if one is away and also different doctors give different advice. For example I find one of my doctors more drug orientated to solve my health issues whereas another doctor takes more of a lifestyle change approach. I once had a suspected iron deficiency and one doctor told me to write down everything I ate for a week and told me to visit her in a week and another ordered a blood test. The second was much more convenient as we live in busy lifestyles and demand quick fix solutions (Female, 16 years)

When at home I have a family GP when at uni I go to uni health service & whichever doctor is available (Female, 19 years)

A regular practice is a good compromise or the only practical solution

I attend a regular practice, however see any doctor that is available when I go. (Female, 22 years)

It changes a bit but usually I try to stick with the same practice so most of my history and such is there (Female, 19 years)

I don’t necessarily have a regular doctor but go to the same clinic usually. (Female, 21 years)

I attend my local medical centre, I try to see the same doctor each time however there is one other doctor I will see if he is not there. Only when I urgently need to see a doctor I will see first available, otherwise I will wait for a few days. (Female, 18 years)