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Communication patterns of primary care physicians

Article Abstract:

Communication patterns between patient and physician fall into five distinct categories. Taped conversations and exit questionnaires of 127 primary physicians and 537 patients predominantly indicated the use of the narrowly and expanded biomedical models which are quite paternalistic in scope. Physicians dominated by asking most of the questions. Patient satisfaction was highest during the open exchange of psychosocial interactions. The two remaining models were consumerist patterns and biopsychosocial patterns. Physicians preferred consumerist communication over biomedical exchange.

Communication in medicine, Medical communication

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Physician-patient communication: the relationship with malpractice claims among primary care physicians and surgeons

Article Abstract:

Primary care physicians who improve their communication skills may be less likely to be sued. Researchers videotaped 10 consecutive office visits of 124 physicians, 59 of whom were primary care physicians and 65 were surgeons. About half of the primary care physicians had been sued as had two-thirds of the surgeons. Primary care physicians who had never been sued spent more time with the patient, used humor often and encouraged the patient to talk. No such differences could be found among the surgeons. These communication skills can easily be learned.

Prevention, Physicians, Malpractice, Medical malpractice

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Influenza

Article Abstract:

The most cost-effective method of dealing with influenza is to vaccinate all high-risk groups. Rimantadine, amantadine, zanamivir, and oseltamivir have been tested as treatments for influenza, but most have only been tested in young people. There is still no diagnostic test for influenza that is 100% accurate.

Care and treatment, Influenza

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