[The time used by the patient when he/she talks without interruptions].
OBJECTIVE
To measure the time used by a patient to explain the reason for his/her visit to the general practitioner, when he/she is permitted to talk freely and without interruption.


METHODS
A descriptive study where only previously known patients, who had a new reason for a consultation, were considered.


METHODS
Visits to general practitioners' offices in Slovenia and Croatia.


METHODS
Six general practitioners (two Slovenes and four Croatians) who recorded the time spent on 480 consultations.


RESULTS
The period of time measured was that used by the patients, at the beginning of the consultation, to reply to the doctor's question: "What can I do for you today?" Average time used by the patients was 28.6 seconds. There was a link between the older age group and a longer time period. There were no gender differences.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients are able to explain calmly and without interruptions the reason for their visit. Interruptions by the doctor are probably unnecessary and do not save time.
Svab
I
I
Instituto de Medicina Social de la Universidad de Lubliana, Eslovenia.
Katic
M
M
Cuk
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003142:Communication; D017523:Croatia; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors; D017524:Slovenia; D013997:Time Factors; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
El tiempo del paciente cuando habla sin interrupciones.