In a previous study (Wilde et al. 1993), we developed a model of quality of care from a patient perspective using a grounded theory approach. The aim of the present study was to derive an instrument from this model. A questionnaire, Quality from Patients' Perspective (QPP), was developed which consisted of 56 items. Each item was evaluated in two ways by the respondent; assessment of perceived reality and evaluation of subjective importance (Likert scales). A personal quality of care index was computed on the basis of the relationship between these two scores. The QPP was tested on two samples, patients with infectious diseases (n = 147, mean age: 60 years) and nursing students (n = 103, mean age; 27 years). Patient's scores were factor analysed (principal factoring with oblique rotation) and 17 factors were extracted. Subgroups of patients were compared and correlations were computed between factor scores and self‐rated health and well‐being. Students also responded to a short form of the QPP (41 items) and personality scales. Correlations between these sets of variables were computed. The QPP was discussed in relation to existing sca