[Self-evaluation of the practicing physician's communication ability].
The lack of communication between physicians and patients is a complaint originating from mostly patients. However, many physicians also feel that they are poorly trained in this area. In a questionnaire that was published in the MMW 13/2005, 171 physicians rated the quality of doctor-patient communication, evaluated their own communicative competence and provided information on primary preconditions and hindrances to an effective doctor-patient dialogue. Eighty-five percent of the questioned viewed the quality of communication as "very important" or "important" for the success of the treatment. In addition to insufficient training in conducting a dialogue even under difficult circumstances, 46% cited the shortage of time in the practice, while 29% cited the compensation system and 12% cited work organization as the greatest impediment to good listening skills. At least one-fourth experience two to three situations a day in which the conversation is cut short because of a lack of time.
Hemmer-Schanze
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Bezirkskrankenhaus Haar. fueessl@krankenhaus-harr.de
Füessl
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D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003142:Communication; D003479:Curriculum; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017748:Time Management