profession
Study finds doctors, patients often out of sync
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted Aug. 16, 2010
Physicians often are unaware of what patients believe about their illnesses, including the best way to manage their care, according to a study published online July 23 in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Researchers asked 29 Houston-area primary care physicians and 207 of their patients to complete a questionnaire that assessed their beliefs about the condition for which the patient was seen.
Doctors underestimated the extent to which patients faulted themselves for their condition and preferred partnering with a health professional for their care (link).
Physicians had a better understanding of patients' health beliefs when patients asked questions, expressed concerns and stated preferences and opinions during office visits.
Doctors who understand their patients' health beliefs can propose treatments that are more suited to their unique needs and personal circumstances, the study's authors said. They recommend that physicians pay close attention to patients' medical histories, which often contain hints about their perspectives on their health.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2010/08/16/prbf0816.htm.
