scholarly journals The Educational Gradient in Self-Rated Health in Europe: Does the Doctor-Patient Relationship Make a Difference?

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Präg ◽  
Rafael Wittek ◽  
Melinda C. Mills

Research suggests that doctor–patient relations have evolved from a doctor-centered, paternalistic approach towards a more patient-centered, egalitarian model of interactions between physicians and their patients. Given the long-running debate on the positive relationship between education and health, the question arises how this development in doctor–patient relations affects social inequalities in health. First, we test to what extent egalitarian (e.g. discussing treatment decisions with patients) doctor–patient relations are underlying the education–self-reported health association. Second, we test whether egalitarian and paternalistic (e.g. withholding some information from patients) doctor–patient relations show differential effects on self-reported health across educational groups. Analyses of the European Social Survey (ESS) 2004/2005 for 24 countries demonstrate that a more egalitarian doctor–patient relationship does not substantially reduce educational inequalities in self-reported health. However, some direct positive effects of egalitarian and direct negative effects of paternalistic doctor–patient relations on health ratings can be found. Finally, results show how the health status of the lower educated can improve with a more egalitarian and less paternalistic doctor–patient relationship.

2016 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-341 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Präg ◽  
Rafael Wittek ◽  
Melinda C Mills

Research suggests that doctor–patient relations have evolved from a doctor-centered, paternalistic approach towards a more patient-centered, egalitarian model of interactions between physicians and their patients. Given the long-running debate on the positive relationship between education and health, the question arises how this development in doctor–patient relations affects social inequalities in health. First, we test to what extent egalitarian (e.g. discussing treatment decisions with patients) doctor–patient relations are underlying the education–self-reported health association. Second, we test whether egalitarian and paternalistic (e.g. withholding some information from patients) doctor–patient relations show differential effects on self-reported health across educational groups. Analyses of the European Social Survey (ESS) 2004/2005 for 24 countries demonstrate that a more egalitarian doctor–patient relationship does not substantially reduce educational inequalities in self-reported health. However, some direct positive effects of egalitarian and direct negative effects of paternalistic doctor–patient relations on health ratings can be found. Finally, results show how the health status of the lower educated can improve with a more egalitarian and less paternalistic doctor–patient relationship.


2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 567-570
Author(s):  
Radost Assenova ◽  
Levena Kireva ◽  
Gergana Foreva

Introduction: The European definition of WONCA of general practice introduces the determinant elements of person-centered care regarding four important, interrelated characteristics: continuity of care, patient "empowerment", patient-centred approach, and doctor-patient relationship. The application of person-centred care in general practice refers to the GP's ability to master the patient-centered approach when working with patients and their problems in the respective context; use the general practice consultation to develop an effective doctor–patient relationship, with respect to patient’s autonomy; communicate, set priorities and establish a partnership when solving health problems; provide long-lasting care tailored to the needs of the patient and coordinate overall patient care. This means that GPs are expected to develop their knowledge and skills to use this key competence. Aim: The aim of this study is to make a preliminary assessment of the knowledge and attitudes of general practitioners regarding person-centered care. Material and methods: The opinion of 54 GPs was investigated through an original questionnaire, including closed questions, with more than one answer. The study involved each GP who has agreed to take part in organised training in person-centered care. The results were processed through the SPSS 17.0 version using descriptive statistics. Results: The distribution of respondents according to their sex is predominantly female - 34 (62.9%). It was found that GPs investigated by us highly appreciate the patient's ability to take responsibility, noting that it is important for them to communicate and establish a partnership with the patient - 37 (68.5%). One third of the respondents 34 (62.9%) stated the need to use the GP consultation to establish an effective doctor-patient relationship. The adoption of the patient-centered approach at work is important to 24 (44.4%) GPs. Provision of long-term care has been considered by 19 (35,2%). From the possible benefits of implementing person-centered care, GPs have indicated achieving more effective health outcomes in the first place - 46 (85.2%). Conclusion: Family doctors are aware of the elements of person-centered care, but in order to validate and fully implement this competence model, targeted GP training is required.


1970 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Balint

In this article, Dr. Balint examines the use of repeat prescriptions in medical practice as a way of dealing with patients' personal emotional problems and as an attempt to diminish conflicts in doctor-patient relations. A clinical and statistical study of 1,000 patients of 10 medical practitioners suggests that repeat prescription patients need and seek a reliable, continuing, but non-threatening relationship with a physician as a substitute gratification for frustrations in certain life experiences. This search can lead to frequent contacts with doctors. resulting in tense or negative relationships which tend to be superficially relieved by introduction of the “repeat prescription regime.” Illness-centered medicine (“traditional diagnosis”) is contrasted with patient-centered medicine (“overall diagnosis”) in terms of their respective influence on the patient, his illness, and on the development of the relationship to his doctor.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Waqas Ahmad ◽  
Edward Krupat ◽  
Yumna Asmaa ◽  
Noor-E- Fatima ◽  
Rayan Attique ◽  
...  

Background. We initiated this study with the aim to assess the leaning of medical students towards either a doctor-centered or a patient-centered care and explore the effects of personal attributes on it like gender, academic year etc. of the students. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted between July-Sep 2013. The study population consisted of 1274 medical students in years 1-5 from two medical colleges. English version of PPOS was used to assess attitudes of medical students towards doctor-patient relationship. The relationship between PPOS scores and individual characteristics like gender, academic year etc. were examined by using Independent t-test and one way ANOVA. Results. A total of 792 students formed the final sample. Characteristics associated with most patient-centered attitudes were being in 4th academic year, married, being a foreigner and belonging to a Private college (p<0.05). Characteristics associated with most doctor-centered attitudes were being in 2nd academic year, divorced, having a local origin and belonging to a Govt. college (p<0.05). Gender and having doctor parents had no bearing, statistically, on the attitudes. Conclusion. Despite ongoing debate and emphasis on a patient-centered curriculum, our study suggests that current curriculum and its teachings are not producing the results they are designed to achieve. Students should be adequately exposed to the patients from the beginning of their medical education in clinical settings which are more sympathetic to a patient-centered care.


2018 ◽  
Vol 64 (8) ◽  
pp. 692-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciana Rodrigues Alves da Mota ◽  
Carolina Cavalcanti Gonçalves Ferreira ◽  
Henrique Augusto Alves da Costa Neto ◽  
Ana Rodrigues Falbo ◽  
Suélem de Barros Lorena

SUMMARY OBJECTIVES To analyse the opinions and attitudes reported by medical specialists regarding online health information and their interference in the doctor-patient relationship. Methods A cross-sectional study developed between 2016 and 2017 in Recife-Pernambuco-Brazil, which used a questionnaire in person in a population of 183 specialists from the Instituto de Medicina Integral Prof. Fernando Figueira. The results were analysed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences. Obtained approval of the Ethics Committee under the voucher number 121004/2016. Results In the opinion of 85.2% of physicians, online health information has both positive and negative impacts on the physician-patient relationship. Faced with a questioning patient who claims to have researched information on the internet, 98.9% of the physicians said they would try to explain the reasons for their diagnosis and treatment. 59% already had a patient who modified the treatment recommended after seeing health information on the Internet. 73.8% agreed that online health information has positive effects for the general public, but 89.1% feel that most patients do not know which online health information is reliable CONCLUSION The physicians surveyed view online health information in a positive way, but realize that it is necessary to be cautious as to their repercussions on the treatment of patients. There is concern about the accuracy of online health information, and it is incumbent upon the physician and health institutions to instruct patients about the sources of quality and that they are able to understand, as its known the patients have an active voice through the guarantee of the ethical principle of autonomy.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caixia Han ◽  
Qing Wu ◽  
Chenchen Liu ◽  
Pei Wang

Abstract Objective To explore the relationship among patient perception of doctors' empathy, doctor-patient communication, and doctor-patient relationship.Methods From November 2019 to April 2020, we used the CARE scale, the SEGUE framework and the PDRQ-15 scale to survey 3,039 patients from 14 provinces in China, ranging in age from 18 to 92 years old.Results 1. The age of the patient, the level and type of hospital, the length of consultation, and the presence or absence of verbal and physical conflict have significant differences in the scores of perceived empathy; 2. There was a significantly positive correlation among patient's perceived empathy, doctor-patient communication, and the doctor-patient relationship (r = 0.65 ~ 0.75, p < 0.001). 3. The patient's perception of doctor empathy can not only directly predict doctor-patient relationship (β = 0.75, p < 0.001), but also influence doctor-patient relationship through the mediating effect of doctor-patient communication (β = 0.56, p < 0.001). Besides, the scores of CARE can effectively explain the variation of each stage of doctor-patient communication skills (R2 = 0.28 ~ 0.37) and the satisfaction (52%) and approachability (54%) of the doctor-patient relationship scale.Conclusion The age of the patient, the type and level of the hospital, and the consultation time affected perceived empathy. Doctor-patient communication plays a partial mediating effect in the influence of empathy on the doctor-patient relationship.Practice implications: Medical institutes should improve the medical environment and carry out humanistic education and patient-centered communication skills training for doctors. These approaches will enhance patients' perceived empathy and therefore improve the doctor-patient relationship.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S683-S683 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Ferraz ◽  
A. Guedes

The doctor-patient relationship (DPR) is very ill; it is in need of emergency assistance. Although there have been change in this relationship, no current model is satisfying. In 1972, Robert Veatch defined some models of DPR. Likewise, Pierloot, in 1983, and Balint, in 1975 and ultimately, Mead and Bower, 2000 with the model of Person-center-care (PCC) medicine.ObjectiveEvaluate the different kinds of DPR described in the literature and propose an abduction-based model of the Servant DPR, in which patients are protagonists in their treatment.MethodsPubmed literature review of the last forty years with the keyword ‘physician-patient relations’.DiscussionWhile nursing care advanced in its professional efficacy through Watson's human care and through the leader servant model, the DPR models demonstrated that the doctors are lost in their posture, even feeling as abused heroes. Models that include the patient in decision-making and that value the patient as a person (PCC) promise a revolution in the medical realm. Nevertheless, the PCC model is not enough to heal the DPR itself, because the role of the doctor must be changed to adapt to the relationship, otherwise, the PCC by itself can increase the burden upon the doctor. Doctors with a role of remunerated servant (not slave), like any other professional who delivers a service with excellence, focusing in the main actor, the patient, can heal the DPR.ConclusionThe Servant DPR gives a positive counter transference, increasing the doctor's motivation and giving him back the sense of purpose in medicine, increasing the health system's effectiveness.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caixia HAN ◽  
Qing WU ◽  
CHENCHEN LIU ◽  
Pei WANG

Abstract ObjectiveTo explore the relationship among patient perception of doctors' empathy, doctor-patient communication, and doctor-patient relationship.MethodsFrom November 2019 to April 2020, we used the CARE scale, the SEGUE framework and the PDRQ-15 scale to survey 3,039 patients from 14 provinces in China, ranging in age from 18 to 92 years old.Results1. The age of the patient, the level and type of hospital, the length of consultation, and the presence or absence of verbal and physical conflict have significant differences in the scores of perceived empathy; 2. There was a significantly positive correlation among patient's perceived empathy, doctor-patient communication, and the doctor-patient relationship (r = 0.65 ~ 0.75, p < 0.001). 3. The patient's perception of doctor empathy can not only directly predict doctor-patient relationship (β = 0.75, p < 0.001), but also influence doctor-patient relationship through the mediating effect of doctor-patient communication (β = 0.56, p < 0.001). Besides, the scores of CARE can effectively explain the variation of each stage of doctor-patient communication skills (R2 = 0.28 ~ 0.37) and the satisfaction (52%) and approachability (54%) of the doctor-patient relationship scale.ConclusionThe age of the patient, the type and level of the hospital, and the consultation time affected perceived empathy. Doctor-patient communication plays a partial mediating effect in the influence of empathy on the doctor-patient relationship.Practice implicationsMedical institutes should improve the medical environment and carry out humanistic education and patient-centered communication skills training for doctors. These approaches will enhance patients' perceived empathy and therefore improve the doctor-patient relationship.


2021 ◽  
pp. 216-219
Author(s):  
Farhanul Huda ◽  
Lokavarapu Manoj Joshua ◽  
Bhargava Gajula ◽  
Navin Kumar

Background: Doctor patient relationship is important in that it facilitates better care and improves compliance of patients to treatment. In the current medical world there is strain on the doctor patient relationship as evidenced by increased litigation rates. Patients have also grown increasingly demanding of their doctors. Studies assessing the knowledge of doctors on doctor patient relationship and patient centeredness are required thus the aim of the current study. Material And Methods: Resident doctors working in clinical departments of AIIMS Rishikesh are given a validated selfadministered questionnaire, structured in three sections. The First section contains a paired statement representing views on the doctor-patient relationship. . The second section have questions regarding the various ways how resident doctors have learned to develop relationships with patients. The third section will explore the resident's knowledge on patient centered consultations. Results: Out of the total 230 resident doctors in various clinical departments, 116 residents participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 29.2, with 28 % being Females and mean years of practice post MBBS of 3.2 years. The participants in the study are of opinion that patient has nal say in deciding between treatment options and they always take time to explore patient ideas. Majority of the participants learned to develop relationship of patients by their own experience or by observing the practice of seniors.32% of the participants are unaware of the concept of patient centeredness and only 12 % of individuals know all aspects of patient centeredness. Conclusions: Knowledge on patient centeredness and communication skills required to maintain a good doctor patient relationship is inadequate among residents. This study emphasizes the need for undergraduate training in communication skills by didactic lectures and practice exercises using standardized patients.


Author(s):  
Julianni Bernardelli Lacombe ◽  
Emiliana S. Valadares ◽  
Renata Rodrigues Catani ◽  
Tânia M. S. Mendonça ◽  
Helena Borges Martins da Silva Paro ◽  
...  

Abstract: Introduction: Currently, the study of the factors that improve interpersonal relationships in patient care and medical education has been considered relevant and necessary. Understanding what precedes empathy and medical interns’ and young doctors’ attitudes is a relevant topic for health professionals’ education and for their academic and professional performance. Although patients and medical students have indicated that spirituality is an important issue, it is not frequently addressed in medical schools. Objective: This study aims to verify the association between (i) well-being related to spirituality, religiosity and the medical interns’ and residents’ personal beliefs and (ii) empathy and attitudes in the doctor-patient relationship. Methods: This was a quantitative, cross-sectional, observational study. A total of 64 undergraduate students in the last years of medical school and 50 residents answered the following self-administered instruments: WHOQOL-SRPB, Jefferson Scale of Empathy, and Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation and stepwise linear regressions were used to analyze data. Results: Significant correlations (p<0.05) varying from weak (r=0.10) to moderate (r=0.39) were found. The WHOQOL-SRPB final score affected the global score of empathy (R2 = 0.12; p <0.00; VIF=1.00). The component meaning and purpose in life affected the global score of the patient-centered attitude (R2= 0.14; p <0.00; VIF=1.00). Conclusions: Spirituality, religiosity and personal beliefs are associated with patient-centered attitudes and medical interns’ and residents’ empathy. In general, well-being related to spirituality preceded empathy, and the component meaning and purpose in life preceded patient-centered attitudes. These results imply the need to consider well-being related to spirituality in interns’ and residents’ education for a better doctor-patient relationship.


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