Exploring Doctor-Patient Oral Interaction: The Case of University of Gondar Referral Hospital

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

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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