This study found a 30.4% prevalence of patients accompanied by other people, which agrees with prior research. Results also confirmed specific groups (dyads) noted in prior studies (ie, child accompanied by parent, parent accompanied by child) and identified new dyads for future research, particularly adults accompanied by siblings. The positive influence of accompanying people on patient-doctor [...]

Continue reading " Roles and influence of people who accompany patients on visits to the doctor. DISCUSSION "

Descriptive analyses The eight participating physicians completed 800 questionnaires over 2 weeks in July 1995. In the total sample (N=800), 60.4% of patients were female, and 19.4% were younger than 20 years, 38% between 21 and 40, 18.3% between 41 and 60, and 24.3% older than 61. Patients had acute (56.7%) and chronic (43.3%) problems. [...]

Continue reading " Roles and influence of people who accompany patients on visits to the doctor. RESULTS "

How does the presence of an accompanying person influence a patient-doctor interaction in family practice? Information on interviewing couples or families with problems is readily available in the social science and family medicine literature. While earlier research has documented the importance of patient-doctor communication on patient satisfaction, symptom resolution, reduction of concern, and physiologic outcomes, [...]

Continue reading " Roles and influence of people who accompany patients on visits to the doctor "