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General practice consultations: is there any point in being positive?
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|May 9, 1987
Summary
A positive consultation manner significantly improved patient satisfaction and recovery rates compared to a negative manner. Treatment had no significant impact on patient outcomes in this general practice study.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Psychosomatic Medicine
- Patient-Doctor Communication
Background:
- Patients presenting with symptoms but no clear diagnosis often experience uncertainty.
- The manner of consultation may influence patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of consultation manner (positive vs. negative) on patient outcomes.
- To assess the effect of treatment alongside consultation manner on patient satisfaction and recovery.
Main Methods:
- Randomized controlled trial involving 200 general practice patients with undiagnosed symptoms.
- Four consultation groups: positive manner with/without treatment, negative manner with/without treatment.
- Patient satisfaction and recovery assessed two weeks post-consultation.
Main Results:
- Significant difference in patient satisfaction between positive and negative consultation groups.
- Higher recovery rates in the positive consultation group (64%) compared to the negative group (39%, p=0.001).
- No significant difference in recovery rates between treated (53%) and untreated (50%) groups.
Conclusions:
- The manner of communication in general practice consultations is a critical factor in patient recovery and satisfaction.
- Positive communication strategies appear more effective than treatment alone for patients with non-specific symptoms.
- Further research into the psychological impact of medical consultations is warranted.