Table 2.

The eight 'best' physicians' qualities preferred by more than a quarter of the patients (Top) and the least desired physicians' qualities, each preferred by less than 5% of the patients (Bottom).

Physicians' attribute / Domain**	Patients' preference (Number, %)
Most desired
Experienced [Prof.]	223 (50%)
Patient [Hum.]	170 (38%)
Informs the patient [Auton.]	159 (36%)
Attentive [Hum.]	132 (30%)
Represents patient's interests [Auton.]	127 (29%)
Truthful [Auton.]	125 (28%)
Up-to-date [Prof.]	124 (28%)
Respects patient's preferences [Auton.]	112 (25%)
Least desired
Discretion [Auton.]	22 (5%)
Empathy [Hum.]	19 (4%)
Research [Prof.]	17 (4%)
Friendly [Hum.]	12 (3%)
Teaching [Prof.]	3 (1%)

** Auton. = patient's autonomy and patient's rights; Prof.= Professional expertise; Hum.= humanism and support (Detailed in the Appendix [see additional file 1]).