How to Talk to Your Doctor
Communicating with Your Family Doctor - What Qualities do Men Value?
May 12, 2009
In a recent research study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 2008, Adelaide University researchers James A Smith, Annette J Braunack-Mayer, Gary A Wittert and Megan J Warin set out to determine the core qualities that men valued when communicating with general practitioners.
The results of their research, although it was based only on a small sample of men, provided the basis for understanding what men want from their doctors and what qualities they value in their family doctor.
Core Values in Communication
It was found that in the main, the men interviewed highlighted the following five core values:
- the doctor adopting a “frank approach”,
- thoughtful use of humour,
- empathy
- prompt resolution of health issues
- demonstrable competence
A Frank Approach by Doctor
Direct, short and factual communication was favoured by the majority of the men interviewed. Although this may be influenced by Australian culture, the findings are in keeping with what it is known about male communication patterns - which favour straightforward, result-oriented and decisive communication rather than, as one interviewee stated, "...talking in lingo that goes way above your head"
Empathy
The facility of being able to communicate at the same level as the patient rather than talking down to the patient (as doctors were often wont to do in years gone by) was considered important. Additionally, the ability to listen and understand matters from the patient's perspective - an ability that is best described as having an empathic approach - was highly valued.
Humour in the Consulting Room
More than just sharing a joke, the ability to utilise humour appropriately facilitates a friendly environment in which men felt comfortable to voice their concerns and speak openly. This reduced tension and awkwardness so that the male patient felt confident to speak openly about the matters which troubled him.
Prompt Action
Because many men take time to decide to seek help for a symptom that is troubling them and do not present at an early stage of their disease to their family doctor, when they do present to their doctors these men wanted a prompt resolution of the issue. They wanted a correct diagnosis made and the matter fixed or a prompt referral made to an appropriate specialist or other health professional.
Confidence and Competence
The men interviewed preferred the family physician to be knowledgeable and confident, skilful with practical clinical tasks. Many of the men noted that the gender of the GP was unimportant - except when it came to sexual or reproductive health issues, for which a male doctor was preferred in many cases.
Despite the myth that most men do not visit their doctors, studies show that most men over forty years have in fact consulted a doctor within the previous twelve months. However, compared to women, men consult a doctor less frequently, have shorter consultations - and tend to see their family doctor later in the course of their illness.
The study is useful in that it provides information about how men can communicate better with their family doctors.
Perhaps as important, it provides tips for doctors as to how family doctors can communicate better with their male patients.
