Question of 'patients' versus 'clients'

Area of Science:

• Medical Sociology
• Healthcare Communication
• Patient Experience

Background:

• The terminology used in healthcare settings can influence patient perceptions and the therapeutic relationship.
• Understanding patient preferences for terminology is crucial for effective healthcare delivery, particularly in diverse cultural contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the preferred terminology for individuals receiving healthcare services in Trinidad.
• To determine whether terms like 'patient,' 'client,' or 'customer' are favored by the general population.

Main Methods:

• A survey was conducted with 300 consecutive individuals at the General Hospital in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
• Participants were interviewed to ascertain their preferred term for healthcare service users.

Main Results:

• 80% of respondents preferred to be addressed as 'patients.'
• Only 7% preferred the term 'client,' and 6% preferred 'customer.'
• The findings indicate a strong preference for traditional healthcare terminology.

Conclusions:

• The study supports the hypothesis that individuals in developing regions favor the term 'patient,' reinforcing the traditional doctor-patient relationship.
• Healthcare providers should be mindful of local preferences in terminology to foster better patient engagement.
• The terms 'client' and 'customer' are perceived as more appropriate for business contexts rather than healthcare.