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Related Experiment Videos

Should general practitioners call patients by their first names?

B McKinstry1

  • 1Ashgrove Health Centre, Blackburn, West Lothian.

BMJ (Clinical Research Ed.)
|October 6, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Most patients appreciate being called by their first names in general practice, especially younger individuals. However, most patients prefer not to use doctors' first names.

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Area of Science:

  • General Practice
  • Patient-Doctor Communication
  • Sociolinguistics

Background:

  • The use of first names in professional settings can impact interpersonal dynamics.
  • Understanding patient preferences is crucial for effective doctor-patient communication in general practice.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate patient acceptance of using first names in doctor-patient interactions within general practice.
  • To explore preferences regarding both doctors using patients' first names and patients using doctors' first names.

Main Methods:

  • A questionnaire survey was administered to patients.
  • The study involved 475 patients across 5 general practices in Lothian.
  • Data collected focused on patient attitudes towards the use of first names.

Main Results:

  • A significant majority of patients (398/475) either liked or did not mind being addressed by their first name.
  • Dislike was more prevalent among patients over 65 years old (77/475).
  • Most patients (324/475) expressed a preference against using their doctor's first name.

Conclusions:

  • General practitioners are encouraged to use patients' first names more frequently, particularly with younger demographics.
  • The findings suggest a nuanced approach to address by first name, respecting generational differences.
  • Patient comfort and preference should guide the use of first names in general practice communication.
Keywords:
Empirical ApproachProfessional Patient Relationship

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