RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 What do patients think about during their consultations? A qualitative study.
JF British Journal of General Practice
JO Br J Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 525
OP 528
VO 46
IS 410
A1 I Cromarty
YR 1996
UL http://bjgp.org/content/46/410/525.abstract
AB BACKGROUND: The consultation has been widely examined, but chiefly from the doctor's standpoint. Comparatively little is known about how patients view the event even though shared understanding is an accepted goal of each consultation. AIM: The aim of the study was to describe the range and types of thoughts which patients have during their consultations. METHOD: In semistructured interviews, prompted by video playback and transcript, 18 patients gave detailed accounts of their thoughts and feelings during a recent consultation. RESULTS: The study confirmed patients' central desire for understanding but also revealed a complex mix of other thoughts. Multiple problems and aims were usual. Patients routinely considered their relationship with the doctor, the doctor's willingness, ability and available time, and altered their behaviour accordingly. CONCLUSION: Patients and doctors have different models of the consultation-better understanding of how patients consult should lead to better training for doctors and improve shared understanding.