Related Experiment Videos
[What is behind the hidden agenda?].
P Y Rodondi1, P Guex, M Vannotti
1Pierre-Yves.Rodondi@hospvd.ch
Revue Medicale Suisse
|March 22, 2005
Summary
Physicians should actively inquire about all patient concerns, not just the primary issue, to uncover hidden agendas. Addressing these hidden agendas improves both biomedical and social aspects of patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical communication
- Patient-physician relationship
- Qualitative research
Context:
- Physicians often overlook patient's unstated concerns during consultations.
- Patients may present multiple, unexpressed issues beyond the immediate medical problem.
- The end of a consultation can trigger patients to reveal additional concerns.
Purpose:
- To highlight the importance of exploring patients' hidden agendas.
- To improve the comprehensive care of patients' biomedical and social needs.
- To enhance the relational aspect of the patient-physician interaction.
Summary:
- Physicians frequently fail to ask patients about additional complaints or topics.
- Exploring implicit patient needs is crucial for effective medical care.
- The phrase "Oh, by the way, doctor..." signals both information and relational dynamics.
Impact:
- Enhances the quality of care by addressing all patient concerns, both medical and social.
- Strengthens the patient-physician relationship through better communication.
- Reduces missed diagnoses or unmet patient needs by uncovering hidden agendas.