The communication between physicians and patients

• Published in: European journal of public health Vol. 30; no. Supplement_5
• Main Author: Kucuk Bicer, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Oxford Publishing Limited (England) 01.09.2020
• Subjects: Clinics; College graduates; Colleges & universities; Communication; Communication skills; Cultural values; Health services; High school graduates; Hospitals; Patient satisfaction; Patients; Physicians; Privacy; Property; Public health; Satisfaction; Secondary education; Skills; Social values; University graduates
• ISSN: 1101-1262; 1464-360X
• DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.668

Abstract Background The first appointment between the physician and the patient is unknown. The aim of the study was to evaluate the communicative skills of the physician with the patient through the eye of the latter. Methods This descriptive study has been conducted in the clinics of a university hospital in Ankara. After physical examination a questionnaire, including socio-demographic properties and relations between the physician and patient, was applied under observation to 200 participants. Results Of the participants 56.5% were female, 47.5% were under 30 and 45.5% were high school, 16.0% were university graduates. 60% stayed in the examination room for 10 and 32.5% 5 minutes. 62% stated the conditions in the examination room were totally satisfied, 10% were partially and 28% were unsatisfied. “My doctor accepted me with a smiling face” has received the highest positive answer during initial communication with 78%, while “My doctor had a conversation with me” has got the lowest positive answer with 44%. “My doctor paid special attention to my privacy” has been to one to receive the highest positive answer during examination(90.5%), the lowest positive answer was “My doctor took notice of my social and cultural values”(45%). After examination, “My doctor was very kind and friendly” has received the highest positive answer(89%). “He listened to my opinions for the treatment” has been given lowest positive point 55%. “I recommend my doctor to other people” was accepted by 95.2%. Ages over 30 had more positive answers than younger participants in every item whereas two were significant (p < 0,05). Male had given more positive answers in every item and 8 items were significant (p < 0,05). “He listened to my opinions for the treatment” item received positive answer from 80% of those with a secondary education degree and 48% for the high school or university graduates (p = 0.023). Conclusions The manner that was used for communication in clinic was acceptable by the patients. Key messages The regulations/awareness of patient-physician rights the communication between the physician and patient has been favourably affected by the increasing satisfaction of patients from health services. Patients still have problems related to communication while their checkups in hospitals. Communication skills must be taught in internships also.