The impact of discussion of non-medical problems in the physician's office.
To determine the impact of discussion of non-medical problems with the physician, patients with at least one chronic illness who were taking medication were interviewed in their family doctor's office. Of 149 patients interviewed, 90.6% reported at least one non-medical problem. Half (51%) of those patients with a problem had discussed it with their doctor. More than half (55%) of those patients discussing a problem reported that the discussion was helpful. Patient compliance and satisfaction were positively associated with 'helpful' discussion, but not with discussion per se. In particular, the two aspects of doctor-patient communication which were significantly associated with feeling helped were: 'Doctor tells me all I want to know about my illness' and 'Doctor gives me a chance to say what is really on my mind'. Both factors reflect care which is oriented to patient concerns. The study results provide support for a patient-centred approach to care.
Martin
F J
FJ
University of Manitoba, Department of Family Medicine, Winnipeg, Canada.
Bass
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003142:Communication; D003258:Consumer Behavior; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors