Patients' peeves consistent across borders

About two-thirds of patients worldwide are dissatisfied with their doctors, according to two recent studies from data analytics software developer SSI and market research firm The Research Intelligence Group.

Patients' nonclinical complaints from around the globe fell into three main categories:

Poor communication. Globally, about a quarter of patients reported that physicians don't answer questions, don't involve them in treatment decisions, and use medical terms with no explanation. Forty-six percent of respondents said that they would be more satisfied if physicians would explain the treatment process and possible side effects in more detail. For example, in China, where doctor-patient relationships appear particularly shaky, 72 percent of respondents want more detailed explanations of medical issues.

Limited time with doctors. Patients' dissatisfaction with physician communication appears to be a direct outcome of doctors not spending enough time with patients (44 percent), according to researchers.  "Patients in China (55 percent) and Germany (51 percent) are particularly displeased with the limited time they get from their doctors, the report noted," SSI stated....