Abstract
BackgroundPatients’ relationship with their GPs is linked to adherence, patient behaviour and satisfaction with healthcare. Several factors pertaining to this relationship have already been identified, however expectations and preferences vary depending on age and diagnosis. Chronically ill elderly patients constitute a group of patients with specific needs that are not yet understood.MethodsFor this observational study, 100 (44 female, mean age 72.72 + − 8.28 years) patients were interviewed. Multiple linear or binary logistic regression as well as analysis of variance was used to understand the link between factors pertaining to GP relationship and patient behaviour, and principal component analysis was performed to understand the underlying structure of patients’ needs.ResultsPatients attribute high importance to their GP’s opinion of them. On average, what the GP thinks about the patients is almost as important as what their partners think. Patients primarily want to be perceived as engaged, friendly and respected individuals, and it is important for patients to be liked by their GP. This importance is linked to active preparation; 65% of the patients prepared actively for GP consultations. Expectations regarding GP consultations can be split into two components: a medical aspect with a subfactor concerning emotional support, and a social component. Prominent factors influencing the relationship are the possibility to talk about emotions and mental well-being, trust, and GP competency. Satisfaction and trust were mainly linked to medical competency. Being able to show emotions or talk about mental well-being enhances perceived GP competence, satisfaction, and active patient preparation. However, a focus on the social component such as frequent talking about private topics reduces both perceived GP competency as well as active patient preparation.ConclusionOlder patients take GP consultations seriously, and their expectations regarding GP consultations focus on medical competence and care as well as empathetic listening and understanding. Older persons seek a deeper connection to their GPs and are willing to be active and cooperative. As the patient–GP relationship influences health outcomes, treatment of older patients should be adjusted to enable this active participation.
Highlights
The relationship between patients and their doctors, especially their general practitioners (GPs), is a key factor in healthcare
Patients are more likely to express their wishes when they trust their GPs and when they deliberately prepared for consultations [18], indicating that a satisfying GP consultation depends on both GP and patient factors and requires active patient participation [19]
The GP relationship is intricately linked to patient behaviour, medication adherence and health outcomes, making it a valuable factor in healthcare. Due to this impact of the relationship, we aimed to explore the association among relationship-related factors, patient expectations, and self-reported patient behaviour
Summary
The relationship between patients and their doctors, especially their general practitioners (GPs), is a key factor in healthcare. Many studies have shown that the relationship between patient and GP influences both the quality of medical care and the patient’s own behaviour [6,7,8]. Previous research has shown that good communication between GP and patient significantly influences adherence [4, 9, 10] and may even decrease treatment avoidance [11], which is especially relevant as up to 50% of patients in general [12] and more than 80% of neuro-geriatric patients show nonadherence to medication [13, 14]. Patients are more likely to express their wishes when they trust their GPs and when they deliberately prepared for consultations [18], indicating that a satisfying GP consultation depends on both GP and patient factors and requires active patient participation [19]. Ill elderly patients constitute a group of patients with specific needs that are not yet understood
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