Table 1 Primary care attributes assessed in the 2005 Primary Care Practice Survey (PCPS) and questions used to derive scores for each of the PCPS scales included in our study

Survey questions were adapted from the General Practice Assessment Questionnaire and the General Practice Assessment Survey.18,19

DIMENSION ASSESSED	SURVEY QUESTIONS
Communication	When you go to your regular clinic and consult with your usual family doctor [health care provider], how do you rate the following? (poor, fair, good, or excellent) How thoroughly the doctor [provider] asks about your symptoms and how you are feeling How well the doctor [provider] listens to what you have to say How well the doctor [provider] puts you at ease during your physical examination How much the doctor [provider] involves you in decisions about your care How well the doctor [provider] explains your problems or any treatment that you need
	Thinking about the personal aspects of care that you receive from your usual family doctor [health care provider], how do you rate the following? (poor, fair, good, or excellent) The amount of time the doctor [provider] spends with you The doctor’s [provider’s] patience with your questions or worries The doctor’s [provider’s] caring and concern for you
Patient-provider relationships	Thinking about how well your usual family doctor [health care provider] knows you, how do you rate the following? (poor, fair, good, or excellent) His or her knowledge of your medical history His or her knowledge of what worries you most about your health His or her knowledge of your responsibilities at home, work, or school
Enablement	After a visit to your regular family doctor’s office or medical clinic, to what extent does the advice or assistance provided do the following? (to a great extent, to some extent, to little or no extent) Help you better cope with your health problem or illness Help you to understand your health problem or illness better Help you keep yourself healthy