A Cross Sectional Study on the Gap in Doctor – Patient Communication in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: Effective doctor – patient communication is a central clinical function and the resultant rapport is the heart and art of medicine and a central component in the delivery of health care. This communication is essential in achieving the desired outcomes of treatment. A doctor’s communication and interpretational skills encompass the ability to gather information in order to facilitate accurate diagnosis, counsel appropriately, give therapeutic instructions and establish caring relationship with the patients. Methodology: The study population was the people who consulted their doctors in the hospital for any illness of their own or their children. Informed consent was taken from the patients interviewed. Data was collected from a total of 448 patients who came for a consultation to the hospital.Results: The results of our study agrees with other studies that many patients are not satisfied with the consultation and that doctors fail many a time in adequately educating the patients and providing them better compliance. Nearly 25 percent of the patients complain that they are not satisfied with their consultation and couldn’t build compliance with their doctors. Conclusion: The study concludes that many crevices in doctor – patient communication are left un-filled, making most of the patients not satisfied after their consultation with doctors.