International GP consultation length data - 2017 review

We searched the following electronic databases from January 1946 to 2016: English language (Medline, Embase), Chinese (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP), Japanese (Ichushi), Russian (Yandex, Rambler), and Spanish and Portuguese (SciELO). 

The search strategy was based on the Medline search described by Wilson et al (excluding steps 24–34). Sample search strategy can be found in the full paper  Searches were supplemented by a survey of national members  from the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians (WONCA), who were asked to search the grey literature in their respective country for evidence relating to consultation length in either English or their native language. 

The grey literature search also included the WHO/INRUD database (2000–2016) and Robert Graham data repository (2009–2016). One author (GI) screened all references and excluded duplicate records and those that were not eligible based on our selection criteria for considering studies. Two authors (GI and ALN) then applied the criteria to the short-listed references for full-text screening.  We included observational studies including cross-sectional studies, surveys and cohorts of consultation length with primary care physicians. Primary care physicians were defined broadly as any medically qualified physician who provides primary care. 

Terms for primary care physicians differ according to different settings and include general practitioners (GPs), family doctors, family practitioners and other physicians working in primary healthcare settings and who perform primary healthcare task.

Studies set in secondary care and randomised controlled trials were excluded.