Abstract:
The doctor-patient relationship remains the cornerstone of medical practice. At the same time it is one of
the most complex interactions in health care. However, many of doctor-patient relationships failed to be
effective and satisfying due to various reasons. Thus, the objective of this study is to explore doctorpatient
interaction
at
University
of
Gondar
Referral
Hospital.
Adopting
the
mixed
method
design,
a
total
of
250(male=213 and female=37) participants involved in the study. Both quantitative and qualitative
data were collected. Quantitative data were collected using pretested self-administered questionnaire
whereas qualitative data were collected through key informant interview and focus group discussion.
Data analyses were conducted using quantitative and qualitative techniques. Qualitatively, SPSS version
20 was used to analyze the data collected through the self administered questionnaire. Frequency and
percentage were used to analyze the data. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Results indicated
that doctors’ work load is one of the reasons for poor doctor patient interaction in the study area. Both
key informants and focus group discussants supported that medical doctors are very busy of serving
several patients. Results of the study also show that language is the other factor that contributes for poor
doctor-patient interaction. Most of the patients who come from rural area get ashamed to show the
hidden parts of their body during medical examinations. The majority of the medical doctors indicated
that patients cultural background affect the present doctor-patient interaction. Patients’ socio-economic
background, local terms, patients’ education and personal characteristics of patients and doctors are
challenges prohibiting doctor-patient interaction in the study area. Finally, recommendation such as
interpersonal communication training programs for medical doctors and health education for patients
are recommended to narrow down the observed gap in the study area.
Key words: Doctors, Patients and Referral Hospital
