TY - JOUR
T1 - Patients’ perceptions of communication and clinical skills of primary healthcare physicians in Oman
AU - Al-Kindi, Nuha
AU - Al-Waili, Sara
AU - Jaju, Sanjay
AU - Al Mahrezi, Abdulaziz M.
PY - 2019/5
Y1 - 2019/5
N2 - Objectives: As a large proportion of patients are seen in primary healthcare (PHC) centres, it is important to explore patients’ perceptions of communication and clinical skills of PHC physicians. In Oman, PHC is provided by both trained family physicians (FPs) and general practitioners (GPs). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 PHC centres in Muscat Governorate, Oman between November 2014 and August 2015. Adult Omani patients’ perceptions of Omani and other Arabic-speaking doctors were examined using an Arabic translation of a validated self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 626 patients completed the questionnaire (response rate: 100%). The patients’ responses were significantly more positive towards FPs compared to GPs on whether the doctor provided reassurance (P = 0.03), took a complete medical history (P = 0.03) and gave the patient the opportunity of a follow-up with the same doctor (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Certain skills in communication and clinical aspects of FPs were favourably viewed by patients compared to GPs.
AB - Objectives: As a large proportion of patients are seen in primary healthcare (PHC) centres, it is important to explore patients’ perceptions of communication and clinical skills of PHC physicians. In Oman, PHC is provided by both trained family physicians (FPs) and general practitioners (GPs). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at 12 PHC centres in Muscat Governorate, Oman between November 2014 and August 2015. Adult Omani patients’ perceptions of Omani and other Arabic-speaking doctors were examined using an Arabic translation of a validated self-administered questionnaire. Results: A total of 626 patients completed the questionnaire (response rate: 100%). The patients’ responses were significantly more positive towards FPs compared to GPs on whether the doctor provided reassurance (P = 0.03), took a complete medical history (P = 0.03) and gave the patient the opportunity of a follow-up with the same doctor (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Certain skills in communication and clinical aspects of FPs were favourably viewed by patients compared to GPs.
KW - Clinical competence
KW - Communication
KW - Oman
KW - Patient satisfaction
KW - Physicians
KW - Primary health care
KW - Quality of health care
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U2 - 10.18295/squmj.2019.19.02.011
DO - 10.18295/squmj.2019.19.02.011
M3 - Article
C2 - 31538014
AN - SCOPUS:85072081928
SN - 2075-051X
VL - 19
SP - e148-e152
JO - Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
JF - Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal
IS - 2
ER -