Document Detail


General population and medical student perceptions of good and bad doctors in mozambique.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  21710412     Owner:  NLM     Status:  In-Data-Review    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Context: A key element of the doctor-patient relationship is to understand the patient's and doctor's perceptions of quality care. Objectives: To assess the perceptions of good and bad doctors among first-year medical students and local community members in a semi-urban, African settings. Methods: Using open-ended and closed dichotomous questions, 115 first-year medical students in Beira, Mozambique were surveyed regarding their perceptions of a 'good' and 'bad' doctor. Students then surveyed 611 community members in a predominately poor, semi-urban neighbourhood.<br Results: Answers to open-ended questions provided by both groups produced the same four most important positive characteristics, with good diagnostic and therapeutic skills and dedication ranked highest. Closed-ended questions revealed that local community members felt that being concerned/considerate and diagnosing well were equally important (19.5% and 17.5%, respectively) compared to students (17.5% and 41.2%, respectively). The most important negative characteristics to the open-ended question for both groups were discrimination and contemptuous behaviour: 29.3% for community members and 27.4% for medical students. The biggest difference between groups was poor attending skills: 17.3% by community members and 3.9% by medical students. Conclusion: This study highlights differences and similarities between the perceptions of medical students and community members concerning a 'good' and a 'bad' doctor. Our data suggest that perceptions are guided by the experiences and values of those interviewed. Results indicate that medical education in developing countries should focus on patient-centered care, including communication skills and attitudes, besides training knowledgeable doctors.
Authors:
Annett Pfeiffer; Bruce H Noden; Zoë A Walker; Rembrant Aarts; Josefo Ferro
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article     Date:  2011-04-02
Journal Detail:
Title:  Education for health (Abingdon, England)     Volume:  24     ISSN:  1469-5804     ISO Abbreviation:  Educ Health (Abingdon)     Publication Date:  2011 Apr 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2011-06-28     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9607101     Medline TA:  Educ Health (Abingdon)     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  387     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Faculdade de Ciências de Saúde, Universidade Católica de Moçambique, Beira, Moçambique. Annett@teledata.mz.
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