What Do Patients Expect from Their Physicians?

BACKGROUND: To identify the most important expectations that patients have from their physicians. METHODS: We collected data from 199 hospitalized and 201 ambulatory patients (response rates 88% and 93% respectively). We used random sampling for selection of hospitalized patients and systematic sampling for the ambulatory ones. The questionnaire consisted of 18 different expectation items categorized in 5 domains. The participants scored each item from 1 to 9 using a VAS scale and ranked domains based on their importance. We analyzed the data using univariate and regression analyses. RESULTS: Among the ambulatory patients, the mean±standard error of the most important expectations was as follows: competency (8.9±0.01), courteousness (8.8±0.04), consultation in case of need (8.8±0.4), clear explanation of the disease (8.8±0.05) and attentiveness (8.8±0.04). In hospitalized patients, the following items were the most important: competency (8.4±0.08), courteousness (8.4±0.09), availability of physician (8.4±0.09), consultation in case of need (8.2±0.11), setting following appointments (8.2±0.1), and disease follow-up (8.2±0.09). In both groups, the most important domain of expectations was “competency and quality of care” followed by “availability” in hospitalized and “giving information and patient autonomy” among ambulatory patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are similar to what reported in the literature from other countries and cultures. In addition to physician expertise and knowledge, patients value giving information and efficient doctor-patient relationship.