The Article in Brief

Patients in the Netherlands want to have contact with their general practitioner (GP) when they experience a major life event (such as a birth or death) or when they are admitted to the hospital for a life-threatening condition. Following a birth or death, patients feel that contact with the GP provides emotional support and demonstrates the doctor’s commitment to them. During a hospitalization, patients feel that their doctor can provide emotional support or advice. Most patients expect the doctor to initiate such contact.