Theme	Subthemes within narratives
Work intensification and morality: ‘It’s becoming very Big Brother’	NHS factors affecting GP stress Quality and Outcomes Framework Primary care as an NHS ‘marketplace’ Care Quality Commission inspections Maintaining the ‘human’ connection with patients Portrayal of GPs by the UK media and politicians Patient empowerment, complaints culture, and defensive practice
Intensification and patient complexities	Competing demands Pressure of time Complexity of workload Resources Personal patient lists The 10-minute consultation The proposed 7-day working week
GP coping, work–life balance, and downsizing	GP coping Impacts of GP stress Work–life balance Coping strategies Limitations of resilience