Specialist get high marks for listening, showing respect and spending enough time with their patients, although perceptions tend to be less positive for younger people and those with multiple chronic conditions, according to a new report.
Findings from a survey of 28,000 people released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) show that 4 out of 5 patients reported that their specialists always listened carefully, showed respect for what they had to say and spent enough time with them.
However, there was a notable decline in the percentage of positive experiences as the number of patients’ chronic conditions increased.
A decrease in satisfaction with specialist interactions was also seen among patients in the younger age bracket (15-39 years), compared to those aged 65 or over, with 77% and 84% respectively reporting that their specialists always listened carefully to them.
Similarly, 77% of younger patients said their specialist spent enough time with them compared to 85% of over 65s, while 81% of younger patients and 86% of those 65 and over reported that their specialist showed respect for what they had to say.
The lowest satisfaction levels were in younger patients with two or more chronic conditions, of whom two thirds (67%) reported that their specialist always listened carefully – compared to 82% of older patients.
Overall, specialists fared slightly better than their GP counterparts. However, the same trends relating to lower satisfaction levels for younger patients and those with multiple chronic conditions was identified across both professional groups.
“Successful patient-centred care approaches are underpinned by good communication: having respectful, two-way conversations and spending adequate time with patients to address their issues and needs,” the report’s authors wrote.
“Improving the health outcomes of people with chronic conditions requires an understanding of their current experiences in the health system and where those experiences could be improved.”
High satisfaction levels
University of WA medical school dean Dr Brendan McQuillan welcomed the high satisfaction ratings reported by the majority of surveyed patients but said ensuring patients fully understood their conditions and treatment options was crucial to achieving the best possible outcomes.
Dr McQuillan, a cardiologist, said the prioritisation of communications training as a core element of modern medical education programs over the past two decades was helping clinicians become better “knowledge brokers” for their patients.
This, he said, would lead to better doctor-patient relationships, patients making more informed decisions, greater adherence to the most appropriate treatment plans and better outcomes.