[Strategies for talking to the patient with sexual dysfunction in the doctor's office].
The use of a questionnaire for initiating talks about the topic of sexual disorders and the efficacy and acceptance by the physician and patient of various communication strategies, were investigated. Each of a total of 1191 general practitioners distributed a health questionnaire which contained questions on sexuality to 150 men aged 30 and above. In a total of 10,622 first talks on sexual health, the questionnaire met with a high level of acceptance, and was the trigger for talks in 54% of the cases. More than two-thirds of the patients reacted positively to such talks, speaking freely and readily, and relieved that this aspect of their lives was being addressed. In 75% of the patients an erectile dysfunction was diagnosed, in 27% further diagnostic measures were prescribed, and in 60% treatment was initiated. In the exes of the physician, the clearly signaled readiness to talk and the discussion of treatment options were the most favorable communication strategies.
Hartmann
U
U
Leiter des Arbeitsbereichs klinische Psychologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover. hartmann.uwe@mh-hannover.de
Burkart
M
M
D003142:Communication; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005194:Family Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008487:Medical History Taking; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013609:Taboo; D035502:Trust / Q000523:psychology