Evaluation of therapists by patients with epilepsy

Fifty-three patients were asked to nominate the most important person treating their epilepsy and asked to give suggestions for improving treatment. One-third of patients named the neuro-specialist as the prime therapist, although there was considerable dissatisfaction expressed concerning the neuro-specialists' manner of communicating. The majority of suggestions for improving treatment reflected a desire for greater rapport between doctor and patient. More open communication would form the basis for increased patient knowledge of epilepsy and greater opportunity for the doctor to consider the important psycho-social aspects of his patients' condition.