Informed Decision Making in Outpatient Practice: Time to Get Back to Basics
Article Abstract:
Many doctors apparently do not allow their patients to participate in decision making. This is called informed decision making. Researchers listened to 1,057 audiotaped visits with patients by 59 primary care physicians and 65 surgeons. Only 9% of the decisions made during the visits were informed decisions. Decisions about basic information like lab tests was most likely to be informed, while only 0.5% of the decisions about complex procedures were informed. Doctors discussed the nature of the treatment 71% of the time but only asked patients if they understood 1.5% of the time.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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Resolving Disagreements in the Patient-Physician Relationship: Tools for Improving Communication in Managed Care
Article Abstract:
A panel of doctors, patients, communication experts, and medical ethicists recommend strategies doctors can use to resolve disagreements with their patients. Many patients may believe a doctor is refusing a diagnostic test for economic reasons. In reality, the doctor may believe the test is unnecessary. Managed care organizations should provide training in communication skills for their doctors. Studies have shown that such training can improve communication between the doctor and patient and improve patient satisfaction.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 1999
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A Study of Patient Clues and Physician Responses in Primary Care and Surgical Settings
Article Abstract:
Many doctors and surgeons are missing important opportunities to discuss their patients' concerns. This was the conclusion of researchers who studied the clues patients give during 116 routine office visits to 54 primary care physicians and 62 surgeons.
Publication Name: JAMA, The Journal of the American Medical Association
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0098-7484
Year: 2000
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