Patient-Doctor communication: For better or Worse?

Question

I'm doing a research project and I need patient responses. I've set up a list of questions that one may elaborate on but if you think of anything else or have a different opinion feel free to respond. Here goes:

Sex: Male Female

Age: ______

1. On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the least important), how do you rate the importance of communication between you and your doctor? Why?

2. Why do you think communication between doctors and patients has worsened over the years?

3. As a patient, in what ways do you think would help improve communication?


4. How do you think communication affects the way health care is provided? (Would it help or hinder?)

I hope you guys have a good time. ^_^

Hadji

Answer 1

female:

38:

1. 10

2. I don't think that communication has worsened... in fact, I believe it has gotten better because patients are better informed as a result of the internet.. And tend to ask more questions... communication is much improved..(my opinion)

3.. People need to be honest about everything... they also need to trust their doctor... if they don't they should get one that they do trust... it may mean the difference between life or death...

4.. If you are not communicating everything to your doctor, then how can you, as a patient get the best health care possible?? you simply won't get the best care....(you will be a sabotaging yourself...
communication is key.. along with a good caring doctor who's in the profession for more than just money...

Answer 2

Sex: Male

Age: 33

1.On a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being the least important), how do you rate the importance of communication between you and your doctor? Why?

This question is not very well worded. When you say "1 being the least important," it indicates a comparison, but there is nothing to compare it to. The scale, in general, suggests a comparison. Really, though, either communication is really important, or it isn't. So I am going to say 10.

2. Why do you think communication between doctors and patients has worsened over the years?

I must admit I am not too fond of this question, either. It is a leading question, already suggesting in the way that it was worded what you want us to say. Shouldn't it read, "Has communication between doctors and patients worsened over the past (indicate how many) years? Why or why not?" The fact is that I don't believe that communication has worsened. What evidence is there that is has? What you are searching for here appears to be anecdotal evidence, which might create a weak sampling for you. People who have had bad experiences will be drawn to this question more than people who have not. Just because someone has a bad doctor, they might go on and on about how horrible communication is. That does not mean that someone else's doctor is not better. In any case, my doctor has excellent communication skills. He listens to what I have to say, and makes appropriate responses as necessary.

3. As a patient, in what ways do you think would help improve communication?

Much better question. Patients need to talk first. They need to make their expectations clear. Too many patients go into the doctor's and expect them to perform miracles without having to do or say anything. They do not communicate their problems well, perhaps out of fear or embarrassment, but the doctor can only do so much if the patient does not work with them. Patients need to be honest, and they need to listen to the doctor as well. Too many patients disregard the doctor's advice, and then blame the doctor when they do not get well. Most doctors, however, will keep open lines of communication if the patient makes sure that they do. That said, if they don't, they are not a good doctor. I had one doctor like this, and I switched. Now that doctor has one less patient, and my current doctor is doing well. He earned it.

4. How do you think communication affects the way health care is provided? (Would it help or hinder?)

Communication can only help. The doctor must know everything that is wrong from the patient's point of view. They also need to know all changes that occur. It is true that some doctors do not listen to their patients, but I believe these are in the minority. Doctors must listen to their patients, however, to make sure they have all the information. Problems arise with hypochondriacs, however, and this may discourage some doctors from listening. In the end, however, it is better to be safe than sorry. Only though open communication can all information be accounted for, and a proper diagnosis and remedy achieved.

Answer 3

1. 8. It is important that the patient and doctor maintain a good communication with each other (e.g. patient should be honest and open about what he really feels and not hide anything from the doctor)so as to have a better understanding on the patient's health problem, that could help the doctor arrive at the correct diagnosis, and therefore proper treatment could be given.

2. Maybe it would only worsen if the patient isn't honest enough about what he really feels (e.g. patient might be shy or embarassed of his symptoms or hiding some of his symptoms).If the patient doesn't tell the truth, the diagnosis would also be affected and so could not obtain the proper treatment. At the same time, doctors should also tell the truth and take time to explain to their patients well about what's really happening to their condition.

3. As a patient, i should be honest with my doctor, and tell him everything that I feel on my body, I would also get all his contact numbers, and all his clinic and hospital addresses so if something comes up, i could easily inform him. But if i feel that this doctor ignores or doesn't give importance or doesn't listen to what i'm saying, or doesn't show interest, i'd look for another doctor.

4. If there would be a good communication between a doctor and patient, proper treatment would always be given.

Good luck on your research project!

Answer 4

Male.

16.

1. 10, because what the heck? How will the doctor know what's wrong with you if you're not going to talk to the doctor or if the doctor won't talk to you? What? You're going to stare at each other? Then the doctor will guess what's wrong with you?

2. Because their shy? I don't know... Sometimes, if the patient is female and the doctor is male, then the female patient will more or less feel embarrassed or shy to the male doctor, especially if the subject is about the sensitive parts of the body (like breasts, vagina,...

3. Well, then I think that the patient has to find a doctor that will suite his/her needs.

4. A lot. (look on my answer #1)

Answer 5

Female, 47,
1. 8, I don't hold much back from my doctor.
2. I don't think it has worsened.
3. If you cannot communicate with your doctor, find another one.
4. The more you communicate your problems, the better the doctor can diagnose you. Increased communication means better health care.

Answer 6

1.good,because i don't eat his head. 2.bcuz we sue them for anything 3.let the doctor say what he has to and not question him on irrelavent subjects. 4.first,expressing your symtoms should be simple and clear,and not consuming much of his time.so far i haven't felt any inconveniance. byeji

Answer 7

have faith -- I might desire to completely have faith the guy so i'm unable to purely think of yet no the therapy will artwork!!! interest to ingredient -- I even have had docs interior the previous that that lack there of might have killed me!!!