The Art of Medicine
Based on the recent report in Ann Behav Med 2007;33:262-268, not all patients want to take an active role in their health care and medical decision-making.
There are many patients who strongly believe it's the physician's job to make decisions and they really take no active role in their healthcare decisions.
This study tried to examine "the similarity of the attitudes held by patients and their physicians (symmetry) about the patient role in health care delivery and its relationship to patient outcomes."
They surveyed 16 primary care physicians at the University Of Iowa Carver College Of Medicine in Iowa City, and 146 of their patients.
Patients were asked, among other things, to rate their satisfaction with their present physician and their healthcare, as well as their adherence to medical recommendations.
The researchers then categorized patient-physician dyads into three groups: asymmetrical dyads in which patients were less patient-centered than their physicians, asymmetrical dyads in which patients were more patient-centered than their physicians, and symmetrical dyads.
When patients did not want an active role, but their physician wanted to involve patients more and to share decision-making, patients were significantly less adherent and less satisfied, the report indicates.
In contrast, patients who were more patient-centered did not differ significantly in terms of adherence or satisfaction, compared with patients in symmetrical dyads.
This also showed that patients who are motivated to take responsibility for their own health will find ways to do so "even when confronted with a provider who is reluctant to share control,"
On the other hand, one of the researchers stated, "A more passive patient who wants the doctor to take the reins is probably not as adaptable to an unwelcome role."
In that case, he added, "the physician could end up putting too much responsibility on the patient's shoulders and not giving them enough direction. So they leave the appointment feeling confused about what they're supposed to do, or with information overload."
This study once again highlights the fact that the practice of medicine is not a cookbook approach as many insurance companies want everyone to believe. One treatment protocol will not work with every patient and one single approach is not satisfactory to every patient.
This continues to emphasize the fact there is an art of medicine along with the practice and science of medicine!
There are many patients who strongly believe it's the physician's job to make decisions and they really take no active role in their healthcare decisions.
This study tried to examine "the similarity of the attitudes held by patients and their physicians (symmetry) about the patient role in health care delivery and its relationship to patient outcomes."
They surveyed 16 primary care physicians at the University Of Iowa Carver College Of Medicine in Iowa City, and 146 of their patients.
Patients were asked, among other things, to rate their satisfaction with their present physician and their healthcare, as well as their adherence to medical recommendations.
The researchers then categorized patient-physician dyads into three groups: asymmetrical dyads in which patients were less patient-centered than their physicians, asymmetrical dyads in which patients were more patient-centered than their physicians, and symmetrical dyads.
When patients did not want an active role, but their physician wanted to involve patients more and to share decision-making, patients were significantly less adherent and less satisfied, the report indicates.
In contrast, patients who were more patient-centered did not differ significantly in terms of adherence or satisfaction, compared with patients in symmetrical dyads.
This also showed that patients who are motivated to take responsibility for their own health will find ways to do so "even when confronted with a provider who is reluctant to share control,"
On the other hand, one of the researchers stated, "A more passive patient who wants the doctor to take the reins is probably not as adaptable to an unwelcome role."
In that case, he added, "the physician could end up putting too much responsibility on the patient's shoulders and not giving them enough direction. So they leave the appointment feeling confused about what they're supposed to do, or with information overload."
This study once again highlights the fact that the practice of medicine is not a cookbook approach as many insurance companies want everyone to believe. One treatment protocol will not work with every patient and one single approach is not satisfactory to every patient.
This continues to emphasize the fact there is an art of medicine along with the practice and science of medicine!
Labels: art of medicine, study
posted by Anonymous at 6:05 AM
1 Comments:
Just like any profession, the physician must read the customer and adapt the approach to the situation. One important aspect to me, as far as taking advice from anyone, is the doctor leading by example. In other words are they practicing what they preach. I am not going to take advice on how to build muscle from a trainer who I look better than.
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