Communication between Medical Consumers and Physicians An Analysis of Patient Satisfaction from the Viewpoint of Attitude Surveys
Kazunobu Yamauchi (Professor of Medical Management Informatics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine)
Toshiki Mano (Professor, Institute of Medical Risk Management, Tama University)
Yasuhiro Tsukahara (Professor, School of Information and Communication, Meiji University)
Hiromiko Fujisawa (Information Systems Office, Meiji University)
Haruhiko Nobayashi (Senior Researcher, Pharmaceutical and Industrial Policy Research Institute)
Naoya Fujiwara (Senior Researcher, Pharmaceutical and Industrial Policy Research Institute)
(No.29: Published in July 2005)
In recent years, as the realization of patient-centered medical care and the improvement of patient satisfaction are required, "communication between medical consumers and physicians" in the field of medical care has been attracting attention. Focusing on this communication, this study conducted an awareness survey of both medical consumers and physicians (1,131 medical consumers and 1,101 physicians) to explore differences in their perceptions. Based on the data, we analyzed and discussed the perceptions of both parties regarding patient-centered healthcare, factors that influence the building of trusting relationships, factors that increase patient satisfaction, analysis of health literacy, and perceptions of both parties regarding decision-making in healthcare, from various angles.
The results revealed that there are significant differences between healthcare consumers and physicians in their ideas and perceptions about healthcare and drugs, and that these differences are the cause of the communication between the two parties. In order to realize patient-centered healthcare and increase patient satisfaction, it is important for healthcare consumers and physicians to understand these differences and come to terms with each other.