SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC INFLUENCERS ON PATIENT PROVIDER INTERACTIONS AND OUTCOMES: EMERGING ECONOMY PERSPECTIVES

Abstract

There has been relatively little research on perceptions of patients regarding physicians in India. This institutionally sponsored study examines the socio-demographic influencers that impact on the patient provider interactions in an urban city of India (Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh).The findings of the research, which is currently in the pilot study phase, reveals that patients are greatly influenced by the quality of medical facilities and Infrastructure, attention; empathy and knowledge and expertise of the physicians in general. While patients regard empathy, comforting words, communicating clearly and lucidly, guiding decisions, advising and listening ability as important communication behaviors of the physicians, yet a positive in-clinic experience is linked to the technical expertise and greater consultation time rather than perceived empathy and informal talks shared by the physician with the patients. The patients however record only moderate satisfaction in overall In-clinic experience. Physicians are valued more for technical expertise rather than empathy (perhaps the physicians prefer it this way). The research concludes that ‘empathy’ is not much an expected behavior from physicians (although it is preferred) but expertise is; it recommends that physicians need to communicate more for better outcomes (positive in clinic experience, in this case) to reach global standards of medical care

Keywords

• Physician-Patient Interaction, In-clinic experience, Emerging economy

Kaynakça

1. Boston Analytics. (January 2009) Healthcare in India Report Highlights www.bostonanalytics.com/india.../Healthcare%20in%20India%20Executive%2
2. Summary.pdf [Accessed 22.03. 2011]
3. Charles, C., Gafni, A., & Whelan T. ,1999.Decision-making in the physician- patient encounter: Revisiting the shared treatment decision-making model. Social
4. Science & Medicine. 49(5). 651-661
5. Fochsen G., Deshpande K and Thorson A.(2006), “Power Imbalance and Consumerism in the Doctor-Patient Relationship: Health Care Providers’
6. Experiences of Patient Encounters in a Rural District in India”, Qualitative Health Research Sage .16(9).1236-1251.
7. Fossum B, Arborelius E.(2004), “Patient-centered communication: Videotaped consultations”, Patient Education and Counseling .54(2).163-9.
8. Frosch, D.L, &Kaplan, R.M.(1999),”Shared decision making in clinical medicine:

9. Past research and future directions”. American Journal of Preventive Medicine.17(4).285-294. Hausman, A. (2001).”Taking your medicine: Relational steps to improving patient compliance”,Health Marketing Quarterly.19 (2).49-71.
10. Heisler M, Bouknight RR, Hayward RA, Smith DM, Kerr EA. (2002),”The relative importance of physician communication, participatory decision making and patient understanding in diabetes self-management, Journal of General Internal Medicine .17.243-52.
11. Kim SS, Kaplowitz S, Johnston M .V. (2004), “The effects of physician empathy on patient satisfaction and compliance”, Evaluations and the Health Professions”, (3).237-51.
12. Levinson, W. & Chaumeton, N. (1999),”Communication between surgeons and patients in routine office visits”, .Surgery. 125(2).127-134.
13. Maguire, P., & Pitceathly,C.(2002),.”Key communication skills and how to acquire them .BMJ(Clinical Research Ed.).325(7366).697-700.
14. Marvel MK, Epstein RM, Flowers K, Beckman HB. (1999), “Soliciting the patient's agenda: Have we improved?”, Journal of American Medical Association, (3).283-7.
15. Parchman ML, Burge S.K. (2004), “The patient-physician relationship, primary care attributes and preventive services”, Family Medicine .36(1).7-22.
16. Patricia LB. Lockyear. (1994),“Physician-Patient Communication: Enhancing
17. Skills to Improve Patient Satisfaction”, CME activity- Medscape Today. Roter, D., (2000), “The enduring and evolving nature of the patient-physician relationship”, Patient Education and Counseling.39(1).5-15.
18. Smith CK, Polis E, Hadac RR.(1981), “Characteristics of the initial medical interview associated with patient satisfaction and understanding” , The Journal of Family Practice.12 (2).283-8.
19. Stewart,M.,Brown,J.B.,Donner,A.,Mcwhinney,I.R.,Oates,J.,Weston,W.W.& Jordon, J. (2000), “The impact of patient-centered care on outcomes”,The journal of Family Practice.49(9).796-804. Zachariae R, Pedersen CG, Jensen AB,
20. Ehrnrooth E, Rossen PB, von der Maase H.(2003),“Association of perceived physician communication style with patient satisfaction, distress, cancer-related self-efficacy and perceived control over the disease”, British Journal of Cancer 88(5).658-65.
21. Zoppi K., Epstein R. (2002), “Is Communication a Skill?”, Family Medicine. (5).319-324.