What Do Patients Expect from Their Doctor?: A Study on What Patients Feel Their Doctor Can Do to Improve the Doctor-patient Relationship

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify factors that patients thought doctors could do improve patient satisfaction in the doctor-patient relationship. A sample population that varied in age, race, and gender was asked their thoughts on what they expect from their doctor, and what their doctor can do to improve the doctor-patient relationship. Ten topics were discussed in an open-ended interview with each subject. The textual analysis focused on identifying those factors which patients thought were the most important in a satisfying doctor-patient relationship. The study found areas where the interview subjects supported previous research, and areas where they contradicted previous research. The study supported previous research in the areas of patient's need for information, communication issues, time spent with patients, and the need for patient follow-up. The study contradicted previous research in the area of patient's desire to make medical decisions.