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COMMUNICATION IN ILLNESS: THE RELATIONSHIP OF NATIONAL ORIGIN TO SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS.
Canadian Medical Association Journal
|June 27, 1964
Summary
Patient symptom reporting was similar across six nationalities, but diagnostic practices varied significantly. Communication issues between patients and physicians may explain these differences in diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Cross-cultural Psychology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Patient symptom reporting and diagnostic practices can be influenced by cultural factors.
- Understanding cross-cultural variations in healthcare is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare subjective symptom reporting and diagnostic outcomes among outpatients of diverse national origins.
- To investigate potential cultural influences on symptom presentation and medical diagnoses.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study of 289 adult medical outpatients from six national groups (Canada, England, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Scotland).
- Analysis of reported symptoms and physician-assigned diagnoses.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in the number or type of reported symptoms were found across national groups.
- Women and patients with psychological diagnoses reported more symptoms within each group.
- Substantial variations in somatic versus psychological diagnoses existed between national groups, not correlating with distinct clinical conditions.
Conclusions:
- Symptom reporting habits appear consistent across studied groups when using standardized methods.
- Disparities in diagnostic habits among national groups may stem from patient-physician communication challenges.
- Cultural factors may influence how symptoms are communicated and interpreted, leading to differential diagnoses.