Patient and physician views of accompanied consultations in occupational health

Accompanied (triadic) consultations, or consultations where a third person is present, are poorly researched and little research has been carried out in an occupational health (OH) setting.

To elicit the views of patients and OH physicians about accompanied consultations.

OH receptionists gave a self-administered questionnaire to patients after they attended OH consultations with a companion. We interviewed participating OH physicians to ascertain their views on accompanied consultations.

Twenty-six patient questionnaires were completed (response rate 52%). Seventy-three per cent (19) of responders were accompanied by a spouse and 12% (3) by non-family members. Patients reported their companion was helpful with recall of information (100%), supportive (100%), provided extra information to the physician (81%) and enabled them to discuss the outcome afterwards (92%). In two consultations, the companion attended to provide support on procedural matters. Patients were not concerned that the consultation might involve sensitive discussion or physical examination. OH physicians reported concerns that the companion would make the consultation more difficult or influence its outcome. They felt that written information, guidelines and training in how to manage accompanied consultations would be useful.

Patients who attended OH consultations with a companion felt the companion was beneficial to the consultation and did not have concerns about personal issues. OH physicians felt that further guidance and training on accompanied consultations would be useful. Written information could usefully be provided to patients attending an OH consultation with a companion.