Community Medicine Abstracts - College of Medicine and Health ...

Project No. 192 (B-2002/3)What Do Patients in Primary Health Care Expect from their PhysicianEncounter?Student Authors: Jihan Abdullah Moh'd R. Al-Shehhi, Huda Saeed obaid Moh'dSubait, Fatima Ahmed Moh'd Abdulla FikriFaculty Supervisors: Dr. A. Carter, Dr. M.M. HossainAbstract:Objectives The study aimed at exploring patients' expectations from their physicianencounter in Primary Health Care in Al Ain city, UAE. The main objectives were toaddress patients' expectations prior to consultation, how well they are met, and toevaluate the overall satisfaction.Methods The study was an analytic prospective study, conducted in the period from 26October to 26 November 2002, in five Primary Health Care Centres, which wererandomly selected. A self-administered questionnaire consisting of two parts was usedfor data collection. Data analysis was done using SPSS.Results Analysis of the study showed that the most wanted and expected items priorto the consultation were: 'want doctor to understand the problem' (91.1 %), ‘want toreceive comfort' (94.4%), 'want to be examined' (93.3%), 'want to receiveprescription' (92.1 %), and 'want to be advised about medical treatment' (91.1 %).The least expected item was 'want to discuss certain life problems' (9.1 %). About 78% of participants had received 50% or more of their expected items. It was alsoshown that there was a statistically significant impact of the duration of theconsultation and meeting patients' expectations (P =0.042). In addition, there was astatistically significant association between patient's satisfaction and meeting theirexpectations (P = 0.007)Conclusions In summary, our findings indicate that Primary Nocturnal Enuresis is acommon problem among primary school children in Al Ain education zone. There weremany management strategies which were reported by parents but the most effectivewas emptying the bladder before going to bed. The most common causes of PNE fromparent's view were drinking plenty of fluids, not emptying the bladder before going tobed, cold weather and genetic factors. A majority (77.8%) of parents reportedimprovement in PNE and 88% were satisfied with the management of their child'sPNE. The establishment of a screening program in Al Ain for PNE, in combination witheducation of parents, school staff and health professionals concerning the diagnosisand management of PNE, has the potential to lead to increased detection andimproved management of PNE amongst school aged children in UAE. Finally, it mightbe beneficial if appropriate guidelines were developed for both diagnosis andmanagement of PNE, for use by Paediatricians, Primary Health Care clinic doctors andSchool Health doctors.