92 seconds

Last Thursday I sent you an e-Alert (“Physician, Hear Thyself” 10/10/02) about how we, as patients, have a responsibility to ourselves to insist that our doctors be responsive to our health needs.

Almost as soon as I hit the send button on that e-Alert, one of my colleagues sent me a news item about the length of time doctors spend with their patients. The item made two revealing points. One: Previous studies in the U.S. have shown that when a patient begins explaining their health problem, on average, doctors cut them off and take over the conversation in less than 25 seconds. And two:A group of physicians in Switzerland timed over 400 patients and found that the average patient took only 92 seconds to tell their doctors what they needed. The researchers stated: “In all cases, doctors felt that the patients were giving important information and should not be interrupted.”

The point is pure common sense: a doctor can’t give comprehensive treatment without hearing everything a patient has to say. And I would go one step further: after a doctor has listened, he should serve his patients, and (within reason) satisfy their common sense requests.

You may have a wonderful doctor, but if you feel you haven’t been allowed to have your say, be diligent, and be heard – and demand your 92 seconds.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute