Laubach W, Schmidt R, Fischbeck S, Röhrig B, Jansky M
Schwerpunkt Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Mainz, Germany.
Dtsch Med Wochenschr. 2012 Feb;137(6):255-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1298885. Epub 2012 Jan 31.
In the German health system general practice has changed drastically in the past few years and patients' opportunities to get medical informations have increased significantly. In light of this, patients' needs in general practice should be re-assessed.
279 patients from 16 practices mainly in Hessen and Rhineland-Palatinate were interviewed. Using principal factor analysis, 51 questions about doctors were analyzed regarding possible dimensions of patient care needs.
The dimensions of patient care needs could be described with four scales: (1) social situation and emotional support, (2) the practitioner's expertise, explanations and information, (3) empathy and esteem for patients and (4) availability of the practitioner and care to chronic patients. In older age groups the importance of psychosocial care was emphasized as well as the practitioner's availability and care for patients with chronic diseases.
Patient care needs are concentrated in four scales, which include psychosocial and continuous care and availability for patients with chronic diseases. These tasks should be further emphasized in medical education and also represented in the remuneration of practitioners.
