Who will I find behind the door? Perspectives of chronically ill patients after the loss of their regular general practitioner in southern Spain.

Background Relational continuity is a key element of quality Primary Health Care (PHC). In the current global PCH crisis, this dimension is hampered by professional instability. Aim To explore the consequences of professional instability for chronically ill patients without a regular general practitioner (RGP) in southern Spain and its relationship with PHC functioning and quality. Design and Setting Qualitative study conducted in PHC settings in the province of Granada, Spain, throughout 2024. Method 26 semi-structured interviews with chronically ill patients without an RGP were conducted. The interviews were analysed using a Grounded Theory approach to capture the subjective experiences and meanings attributed to PHC. Results Faced with frequent professional turnover, patients reported distrust, frustration, and feelings of abandonment. Being seen by a different doctor each time and repeatedly discussing their health problems with different professionals was perceived as undermining their healthcare experience. Patients recalled the value of having an RGP, describing higher-quality and more efficient care, with fewer access barriers, as well as psychological and emotional support that they could no longer find. Conclusion Limited continuity may hinder the development of doctor–patient bonds, which participants associated with greater support, increased trust, and a more responsive PHC experience. In this context, professional instability may contribute to frustration, dissatisfaction, and reduced trust in care. These findings suggest that professional stability is important for sustaining accessible, supportive, and clinically reliable primary care for patients with chronic conditions. Keywords General Practice; Relational Continuity of Care; Professional–Patient Relations.