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BMC Health Services Research
Published in: BMC Health Services Research 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Doctor's perception of doctor-patient relationships in emergency departments: What roles do gender and ethnicity play?

Authors: Birgit Babitsch, Tanja Braun, Theda Borde, Matthias David

Published in: BMC Health Services Research | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

Emergency departments continuously provide medical treatment on a walk-in basis. Several studies investigated the patient's perception of the doctor-patient relationship, but few have asked doctors about their views. Furthermore, the influence of the patient's ethnicity and gender on the doctor's perception remains largely unanswered.

Methods

Based on data collated in three gynaecology (GYN)/internal medicine (INT) emergency departments in Berlin, Germany, we evaluated the impact of the patient's gender and ethnicity on the doctors' satisfaction with the course of the treatment they provided. Information was gathered from 2.429 short questionnaires completed by doctors and the medical records of the corresponding patients.

Results

The patient's ethnicity had a significant impact on the doctors' satisfaction with the doctor-patient relationship. Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds ratio (OR) for physician satisfaction was significantly lower for patients of Turkish origin (OR = 2.6 INT and 5.5 GYN) than for those of German origin. The main reasons stated were problems with communication and a perceived lack of urgency for emergency treatment. The odds ratios for dissatisfaction due to a lack of language skills were 4.48 (INT) and 6.22 (GYN), and those due to perceived lack of urgency for emergency treatment were 0.75 (INT) and 0.63 (GYN). Sex differences caused minor variation.

Conclusion

The results show that good communication despite language barriers is crucial in providing medical care that is satisfactory to both patient and doctors, especially in emergency situations. Therefore the use of professional interpreters for improved communication and the training of medical staff for improved intercultural competence are essential for the provision of adequate health care in a multicultural setting.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Doctor's perception of doctor-patient relationships in emergency departments: What roles do gender and ethnicity play?
Authors
Birgit Babitsch
Tanja Braun
Theda Borde
Matthias David
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Health Services Research / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1472-6963
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-8-82

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