Smith, J.Braunack-Mayer, A.Wittert, G.Warin, M.2009-11-202009-11-202008Medical Journal of Australia, 2008; 189(11-12):618-6210025-729X1326-5377http://hdl.handle.net/2440/53588OBJECTIVE: To determine the core qualities that men value when communicating with general practitioners in primary care settings. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: In a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews in non-clinical environments, 36 white Australian men drawn from the Florey Adelaide Male Ageing Study, stratified by age and marital status, discussed their help-seeking behaviour and health service use. Participants were from the North West Adelaide region. Interviews were conducted between January and November 2005. RESULTS: The core qualities men value when communicating with GPs in primary care settings include the adoption of a "frank approach", demonstrable competence, thoughtful use of humour, empathy, and prompt resolution of health issues. CONCLUSIONS: The core qualities men value when communicating with GPs are concordant with most key dimensions of a patient-centred approach, but not necessarily all. Adopting these qualities has the potential to enhance communication with and care of men in primary care settings.enHumansCommunicationEmpathyPhysician-Patient RelationsAdultAgedMiddle AgedMenPhysicians, FamilyPrimary Health CareAustraliaMaleInterviews as TopicWit and Humor as TopicJournal article002008427210.5694/j.1326-5377.2008.tb02214.x0002624577000052-s2.0-5814933737440829Braunack-Mayer, A. [0000-0003-4427-0224]Wittert, G. [0000-0001-6818-6065]Warin, M. [0000-0001-8766-1087]