Table 2 Geriatric patients' expectations from their physicians
Expectations from physicians in terms of | n = 380 (%) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Not Important | Important | Very Important | |
1. Explaining the nature of the disease in clear and simple language | 59 (15.5) | 93 (24.5) | 228 (60) |
2. Letting you talk freely about your illness and problems | 48 (12.6) | 196 (51.6) (35.8) | 136 |
3. Involving your family and friends in the consultation with your permission | 161 (42.4) | 119 (31.3) (26.3) | 100 |
4. Discussing all available treatment options and letting you make the final decision | 28 (7.4) | 51 (13.4) (79.2) | 301 |
5. Prescribing minimum possible Medicines | 21 (5.5) | 38 (10) (84.5) | 321 |
6. Informing you about any side effects of treatment prescribed | 37 (9.7) | 202 (53.2) (37.1) | 141 |
7. Telling you how long the illness will last and the number of follow-ups needed | 35 (9.2) | 63 (16.6) (74.2) | 282 |
8. Not refusing to treat you on the grounds of age | 106 (27.9) | 77 (20.3) (51.8) | 197 |
9. Knowing about the complete spectrum of care issues for elderly patients | 31 (8.2) | 48 (12.6) (79.2) | 301 |
10. Giving you a realistic but optimistic picture of your health and future | 22 (5.8) | 32 (8.4) (85.8) | 326 |
11. Using both non-verbal and verbal gestures to comfort you when needed | 18 (4.7) | 133 (35) | 229 (60.3) |