April 10, 2000 (Los Angeles) — If you are getting less attention and help from your doctor than you might like, the findings from a recent study might help you to improve the relationship — especially if you are 65 or older.
The study, published in January in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, compared the interactions that older patients and younger patients had with their doctors. Researchers, with the consent of patients and doctors, videotaped the visits of 509 outpatients seen by medical residents in a clinic and then asked patients to complete questionnaires about the appointments.
Older patients — those 65 and older — had longer appointments, more return visits, and reported higher levels of satisfaction than the younger ones aged 18 to 64. Yet, even though the older patients had lengthier conversations with their doctors, they were given less counseling, asked their doctors fewer questions, had fewer discussions about their use of medications or treatments.
And if a doctor shoos you out of the office before your list of questions is answered? Experts and active patients agree: It’s time to find a new doctor.
Sharon Cohen is a senior editor at Shape and Fit Pregnancy magazines.