Understanding Why Patients Request Check-Ups
Author Information
Author(s): Hunziker Sabina, Schläpfer Martin, Langewitz Wolf, Kaufmann Gilbert, Nüesch Reto, Battegay Edouard, Zimmerli Lukas U
Primary Institution: University Hospital Basel
Hypothesis
What motivates patients to request check-up exams despite claiming to be asymptomatic?
Conclusion
Most patients requesting check-ups are motivated by specific health concerns rather than being truly asymptomatic.
Supporting Evidence
- 66 patients were enrolled who requested check-ups without any reported symptoms.
- 59 out of 66 patients mentioned an average of 4.2 symptoms during their consultations.
- 23 patients revealed a total of 31 hidden agendas related to health and psychosocial concerns.
Takeaway
When people go to the doctor for a check-up, they often have health worries even if they say they feel fine. Doctors should listen closely to find out what's really bothering their patients.
Methodology
The study involved videotaping consultations with patients who requested check-ups and analyzing their verbal and nonverbal cues for hidden agendas.
Limitations
The study may have underestimated hidden agendas due to the lack of a gold standard for defining them and the small sample size.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"male":43,"female":23},"age":"45 ± 16","marital_status":{"married":43,"single":23},"employment_status":{"working":34,"unemployed_or_retired":22,"student":5,"receiving_disability_benefits":5},"nationality":{"Swiss":34,"German":7,"Italian":7,"Turkish":7,"Other":11}}
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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