Table 3 The 58 attributes examined in the included studies, according to the overall strength of evidence and the levels of primary care in main analyses

Strong

1.Ability to choose the providers they see (NA)

1.Availability of convenient appointment time ( +)

1.Amount of information received during consultation ( +)

2.Experience of care provider ( +)

2.Communication skills of healthcare provider ( +)

2.Depth of explanation ( +)

3.Courtesy and respect for the patient ( +)

3.Consideration of patient’s perspective ( +)

4.Distance to practice – time (-)

4.Involvement in decision making ( +)

5.Drug availability ( +)

5.Likelihood of having illness cured ( +)

6.Length of consultation time ( +)

6.Waiting time – appointment (-)

7.Opening hours – extended ( +)

7.Waiting time – clinic (-)

8.Out-of-pocket cost (-)

9.Quality of the physical exam ( +)

10.See provider you know ( +)

11.Treatment measures (NA)

12.Type of consultation (NA)

Moderate

None

1.Distance to practice – miles/km (-)

1.Waiting time – telephone (-)

2.Opening hours – weekend ( +)

Limited

1.Amount of billing problems (0)

1.Availability of home visits ( +)

1.Attention to personal situation ( +)

2.Facility size (0)

2.Care for ongoing health conditions (chronic care) (0)

2.Provider’s interpersonal manner ( +)

3.Management of clinic by government ( +)

3.Familiarity with healthcare personnel ( +)

3.Trustworthiness of the provider ( +)

4.Friendliness and helpfulness of staff ( +)

4.Reassurance from the provider (+)

5.General condition of medical equipment ( +)

5.Support for emotional distress ( +)

6.Insurance reimbursement ( +)

6.Provider notices what you say about your health (legitimation) ( +)

7.Limited provision of acute care (0)

7.Entire time spent to seek and obtain treatment (0)

8.Availability of modern diagnostic equipment ( +)

8.Patient satisfaction ( +)

9.Multidisciplinary care ( +)

9.Waiting time – general (-)

10.Opening hours – lunchtime ( +)

10.Waiting time – referral (-)

11.Opening hours – number of days ( +)

11.Whether practice meets your specific health needs ( +)

12.Personal connection in the facility (0)

13.Provider’s knowledge of the patient ( +)

14.Practice knows your local services (-)

15.Primary care work model ( +)

16.Prior expert treatment ( +)

17.Provision of preventive care (0)

18.See person who has information about your medical history ( +)

19.Voluntary contribution (in addition to out-of-pocket cost) (-)

20.Availability of technical equipment ( +)