Healing during physician-patient consultation.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the patient perceptions regarding healing during a physician-patient consultation.


METHODS
A questionnaire-based survey.


METHODS
Family Practice Center of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, in June 2004.


METHODS
A questionnaire was designed that included the demographic profile of patients comprising age, gender, education and occupation as well as questions in line with the study objective. It was administered to 111 patients, visiting outpatient department of the hospital. Participants were explained the study objective, a written consent was taken and full confidentiality was assured.


RESULTS
The mean age of the study population was 27.86 years. Majority of the subjects were males with 68% having graduate or more education. A physician-patient consultation has healing properties for patients and physicians, according to 99 (89%) and 67 (65%) respondents respectively, with 65 (58%) having had experienced healing during the consultation process. The competence of a physician, individual attention given by a physician and a cool and calm attitude of a physician, were reported to increase healing in a physician-patient consultation according to 34 (30%), 32 (29%) and 13 (11%) respondents respectively. The unhelpful physician behavior, incorrect diagnosis and physician's rude and arrogant attitude were reported to decrease healing according to 42 (37%), 15 (14%) and 14 (13%) respondents respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The study shows that a majority of the patients believe a physician-patient consultation has healing properties on its own, based on healing potential in the consultation process itself. Physicians must try to find ways to improve their ability to act as healers during consultation with patients.
Qidwai
Waris
W
Department of Family Medicine, The Aga Khan University, Karachi 74800. waris@akunetorg
Ali
Syed Sohail
SS
Ayub
Semi
S
Ayub
Salma
S
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008602:Mental Healing; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010465:Perception; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations