Positive Communication Helps Patients with Minor Ailments
Author Information
Author(s): Thijs Fassaert, Sandra van Dulmen, François Schellevis, Liesbeth van der Jagt, Jozien Bensing
Primary Institution: NIVEL (Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research)
Hypothesis
How do GPs' communication strategies affect patients' perceived health and medication adherence during consultations for minor ailments?
Conclusion
Clear and optimistic communication from GPs can help patients with minor ailments, but it may not be beneficial for all patients, especially those feeling low.
Supporting Evidence
- Reassurance from GPs was linked to better overall health in patients.
- A clear explanation of complaints improved patients' feelings, especially when combined with a positive prognosis.
- Active listening alone was associated with patients feeling worse.
Takeaway
When doctors talk positively and clearly about minor health issues, it can help patients feel better, but it doesn't work for everyone.
Methodology
The study analyzed 524 videotaped consultations between GPs and patients with minor ailments, using questionnaires and multivariate regression analyses.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to non-consent for videotaping and the representativity of participating GPs.
Limitations
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal interpretations, and there was a high non-response rate for follow-up questionnaires.
Participant Demographics
Patients were aged 18 and older, with a mean age of 45.7 years, and 57.1% were female.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website