Visual analogue scale: a simple tool in rural region for physician’s global evaluation and patient’s self-evaluation in allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Background: The study was done with the objective to study whether the physician’s global evaluation of the consultation corelates with patient’s self-evaluation to patient outcome concerning symptom relief of nasal congestion by using visual analogue scale.Methods: A total of 52 patients completed a visual analogue score questionnaire presented at the consultation. 52 patients were reached in a seven days follow-up after the consultation. Patient’s outcome measures conducted at MIMER Medical College and Dr. Bhausaheb Sardesai Hospital in rural Maval Taluka in Pune district of Maharashtra state.Results: Physician’s self-evaluation of the consultation was much more strongly associated with outcome than the patient’s evaluation.Conclusions: The difference between the physician’s and patient’s evaluation of the consultation to predict patient outcomes indicates that the physician’s self-evaluation of the consultation is of importance.