Elderly patients are often critical about consultations with their doctor. Hierarchical structures, time pressure and traditions in the health care sector make these patients and their relatives passive when facing the doctor and his or her position of power. This is shown in a thesis from the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

The study is based on interviews with 20 elderly patients and their relatives in Gothenburg, Sweden, and about an equal number of doctors.

‘We cannot disregard that the ability of doctors to communicate with elderly patients and their relatives could be improved, and that this shortcoming may explain why this group of patients feel insecure in meeting with the doctor. They don’t feel at home in the health care system and sometimes have problems understanding the doctor,’ says Sandra Pennbrant, nurse and the author of the thesis.

A good relationship between the doctor and the patient leads to reduced apprehension and increased faith in the health care system. This kind of relationship requires, among other things, that the doctor and the patient discuss the situation and that the doctor listens to what the patient has to say before deciding on a treatment plan.

‘Elderly patients and their relatives tend to have a critical view of meetings with the doctor. Doctors and patients have the same understanding of how good relations can be created, but it seems that doctors have a hard time accomplishing it in real life,’ says Pennbrant.

The interviewed doctors feel it is difficult to create good relationships when meeting with elderly patients and that this is mainly because the patient often only stays in hospital for a short time.

Pennbrant concludes that the health care sector needs to become a learning organisation where the medical personnel are trained to prevent misunderstandings in their meeting with elderly patients and their relatives.

‘Doctors need to learn to acknowledge the questions elderly patients may have and consider their medical conditions and personalities in communication and when building relations. Relatives should also participate in this meeting, so that they feel their work is supported and appreciated,’ says Pennbrant.

Thesis for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, publicly defended 2009-10-23
Title of the thesis: How elderly patients, relatives and doctors experience their meeting – A sociocultural study in a hospital setting
Link to thesis: hdl.handle/2077/21198

Source:
Elin Lindström Claessen

University of Gothenburg