The influence of selected factors on perceptions of the general public regarding services provided by medical practitioners Available to Purchase

The South African medical fraternity is existing within an increasingly turbulent environment, characterised by government interference, budget cuts, restrictive legislation, as well as diseases which threaten the very basis on which this fraternity exits. The medical profession exists within the ambit of services marketing. Attempts to improve the service delivery should be studied within this framework. Medical doctors are in short supply and complaints regarding the services provided are increasing. The focus of the article is on current and potential patients of general medical practitioners in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. The sample size was 500, which yielded 156 useable questionnaires. The response rate of 31.2 per cent was regarded as acceptable. The location of the practice of the medical practitioner and personal loyalty of the patient towards the medical practitioner, are of vital importance in determining whether the patient will return or not, and whether a positive perception will be developed.