Effect of patient centredness and positive approach

doi:10.1136/bmj.324.7336.543

BMJ 2002;324:543 ( 2 March )

Letters

Effect of patient centredness and positive approach

Airing uncertainty can be positive

Partnership of patient and doctor may provide key to patient satisfaction

Airing uncertainty can be positive

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

EDITOR $---$ Little et al say that doctors should be aware that airing their uncertainties might reduce satisfaction and empowerment.¹This conclusion is not really supported by their research becausethe positive approach statements dealt with the patient's problemand not the specific diagnosis. It is possible for the doctorto acknowledge uncertainty about a diagnosis or prognosis whilegiving the patient a clear positive message about what they canexpect to happen, or what the doctor thinks they could do aboutthe problem and what to do if things do not go according toexpectation.

This safety net is likely to be perceived as positive by the patient, who may feel even more empowered as the doctor has clearlyplanned for the uncertainty that all patients know exists. Pretendingto know the future or exact diagnosis fools no one and is likelyto lessen satisfaction and empowerment. Helping patients . . . [Full text of this article]

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Relevant Article

Observational study of effect of patient centredness and positive approach on outcomes of general practice consultations: Paul Little, Hazel Everitt, Ian Williamson, Greg Warner, Michael Moore, Clare Gould, Kate Ferrier, and Sheila Payne
BMJ 2001 323: 908-911. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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