How do patients define a good ophthalmologist? A survey from an academic medical center in France

To identify the skills and personality profiles that are most expected by ophthalmology patients and to help ophthalmologists and ophthalmology residents improve their communication with patients and thus their quality of care.

This prospective, single-center study was carried out from November 2nd, 2020, to April 30th, 2021 in the ophthalmology department of Strasbourg University Hospital (Strasbourg, France). One thousand one hundred and eighty-three volunteer ophthalmology outpatients participated in the study. We created a French-language questionnaire including 16 physician qualities identified in the literature and 18 qualities drawn from Process-Communication© Model profiles.

For the 784 patients meeting inclusion criteria and successfully completing the questionnaire, 60% (n=470) were female and 40% (n=314) male, with a mean and median age of 47 years. The most frequently chosen criteria are those relating to communication (mean score 4.45±0.90 out of 5). Organizational qualities were also frequently chosen (3.83±1.23). Respondents somewhat frequently selected both human qualities (3.72±1.55) and theoretical and practical skills (3.71±1.42). Patients preferred a conscientious (n=611, 13%), responsible (n=519, 11.05%), and reflective (n=491, 10.50%) ophthalmologist. The most chosen Process-Communication Model profiles were persister (n=737, 94%), thinker (n=729, 93%) and imaginer (n=680, 87%).

According to patients, the ideal profile of an ophthalmologist is primarily a good communicator, as well as competent and humble. This study will help physicians to better meet patient demands and might also improve the training of ophthalmologists.