Although only a small number of studies could be used in this search, the general outcome seems to be that empathy in the patient-physician communication in general practice is of unquestionable importance.

More explicit attention should be given to empathy during medical education in general and during vocational GP-training.

The opinions of GPs in this research can be considered as supplementing and strengthening the findings of previous researches. The GPs in this study discussed, in particular, ideas important to the facilitation of empathy. These included: longer consultations, smaller practices, efficient telephonic triage by practice assistants, using intervision to help reflect on their work and drawing financiers' attention to the effectiveness of empathy.