ABSTRACT
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare patients' and nurses' perceptions regarding the initiation of appointments, and to assess patients' satisfaction with appointment provision. BACKGROUND: Appointment provision is changing in primary care and no research has assessed the initiation of nursing appointments. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey assessing patients' and nurses' perceptions of the same appointment. METHODS: A survey distributed to a convenience sample of patients attending nursing appointments for a two-week period. RESULTS: Patients are highly satisfied with appointment provision. There is little agreement between patients and nursing staff regarding the initiation of an appointment. CONCLUSION: Patients are satisfied with appointment provision which can accommodate different perceptions regarding the initiation of an appointment. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: It is important to acknowledge patients' perceptions regarding appointment management as the views of nursing staff differ regarding the initiation of the appointment.
