[A complex process: decision-making in general practice: 117 structured case analyses].
BACKGROUND: A variety of factors seem to play a role in decision-making in general practice. To describe the complexity of this process a vague symptom with a broad spectrum of possible causes and outcomes was chosen: dizziness. Aim of this study was to provide a conceptual framework to describe and assess the complex reasoning process of general practitioners. METHODS: 22 GPs were interviewed about the patients seeking help for dizziness. The semi-structured focussed interviews were qualitatively analysed by consensus method. RESULTS: By 117 structured case analyses factors with influence on the decision-making process were identified and assigned to 7 different domains. Concepts described in literature were found as well as less well-known or even not accepted motives. CONCLUSIONS: Influenced by a variety of parameters, the decision-making process in general practice is complex. It is necessary to be aware of them to be able to deal with them.