Dimple Shah

Abstract

Introduction: It is believed that doctor-patient relationship is an important determinant in patient’s adherence to the treatment. The doctor-patient relationship can be seen as the perception of the patient concerning shown by the doctor, and the attitude and behaviour of the doctor towards the patient. For management of chronic illness where patient adherence to treatment is challenging, good doctor patient communication is very essential. This study was planned to assess the doctor patient communication status, effectiveness and patient satisfaction resulting after consultation with the doctor in a tertiary care setting. Objectives: This study aims to assess the doctor-patient communication status, patient satisfaction level and identify the factors affecting the communication with the patients. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire based analytical study. The questionnaire mainly included various questions to assess the patient satisfaction in terms of time spent by doctor during visit, examination performed, discussion on treatment plan, medication dosage and side effects explained, response to patient questions and concern and overall satisfaction of the site visit. The study population included patients of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) and bronchial asthma attending the outpatient departments of Medicine and Respiratory Medicine of a tertiary care hospital. Results: Total 70 patients had filled the questionnaire and all of them were satisfied with their visit with attending physician in OPD. Age, education level and income class affect the satisfaction score of participants. Conclusion: Overall the study showed a good level of satisfaction of patients with services obtained from this tertiary care centre. Physician can improve the doctor-patient communication by empathising with the patients and rendering them sufficient time to explain the treatment regimens.   Keywords: Doctor­patient communication, Patient satisfaction, Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, Asthma

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Abstract

Introduction: Effective teaching in medicine is essential to produce good quality doctors. To improve the quality of medical education and effectiveness of educator in medical college, one must identify the attributes that makes a medical teacher effective. As teachers have a significant role in students’ learning, it is pertinent to identify the factors which make them effective. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. The study population included the faculties and I year MBBS student of Dr. M K Shah Medical College & Research Centre, Ahmedabad. A questionnaire comprising of 14 attributes of different qualities of teacher was specifically prepared. Faculty members and students were asked to rank different qualities as per their choice. Objectives: The objective of this study is to identify the important characteristics of effective medical teachers as perceived by faculties as well as students Results: Out of 181 participants, 116 were students of the I MBBS and 65 were faculty members of different departments. The top three desirable qualities of an effective teacher in our study as perceived by the students are knowledge of subject, enthusiasm and availability of teachers. While faculty perception regarding the top three desirable qualities are knowledge of the subject, well preparedness for teaching and enthusiasm. Conclusion: Faculty development programme should focus on improving the attributes of medical teachers as identified by faculty themselves and students. Future studies can identify more significant attributes in greater depth and details. Keywords: Faculty Development, Effective teaching, Medical teachers, Medical students, Teacher attributes.

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