Connections Between the Quality of Consultations and Patient Compliance in General Practice

Abstract

The aim of the study was to generate and test a theory about connections between the quality of consultations and patient compliance in general practice. The theory was empirically based on patient interviews in order to understand the patient's perceptions and behaviour, and on development of a list for mapping of consultations, which in turn allowed coherent descriptions of consultations and compliance. The theory suggests and explains that compliance is connected with the fulfillment of six relatively simple criteria for the quality of consultations. The theory was tested by comparing predictions of compliance derived from analyses of 63 consultations with patient questionnaire based measurements of compliance. The difference between proportions of patients who were complaint after consultations fulfilling and not fulfilling respectively the criteria was 44%. The 95% confidence limits of this difference were 21% and 67%.

Socio-economic status of the patient and doctor–patient communication: does it make a difference?

“…(1, 2 The communication between patient and physician has a strong influence on the patient's satisfaction and compliance. (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)20) When looking at the impact of components of physicians' behaviour during consultation, both verbal behaviour and non-verbal behaviour seem to correlate positively with patient satisfaction. (13,14,15,16) The important determinants for compliance are mainly more information giving, more positive talk and empathy and an increased participatory style.…”

“…(13,14,15,16) The important determinants for compliance are mainly more information giving, more positive talk and empathy and an increased participatory style. (13,17,18,20) Though satisfaction and compliance are important indicators, the most important one when evaluating the effectiveness of the communication between patient and physician is the overall health outcome. In this perspective better communication (e.g.…”

Doctor-patient communication after endoscopy: drowning in information, starving for knowledge?

“…Many of these recommendations are applicable to test result communication and feedback. They include 1) encouraging the patient to discuss his or her main concerns without interruption; 2) eliciting patient illness perceptions and expectations (13,14); and 3) listening actively using open-ended questions, frequent summaries, and clear explanations, checking patients' understanding, and negotiating a mutually agreed treatment plan.…”

Results from an intervention programme dealing with cardiovascular risk factors: Experiences from a study of men aged 33–42 in Habo, Sweden

“…A more patientcentred method for consultation (22,23) was not used. This could be one reason why the improvement seen in the 3-6-year follow-up was rather small.…”

“…This could be one reason why the improvement seen in the 3-6-year follow-up was rather small. The participants probably have to be more active and make their own decisions in the process of changing lifestyle habits (22,23).…”