STUDY OF PATIENTS’ EXPECTATIONS REGARDING INFORMATION DELIVERED BY DOCTORS IN CÔTE D’IVOIRE

Abstract

Objective: To describe and analyze patient expectations
related to information provided by physicians to facilitate
their participation in care.
Materials and methods: This was a descriptive and
analytical survey conducted from 1 March 2016 to 30 June 2016 at the University Teaching Hospital of
Bouaké (Côte d’Ivoire) and involving 245 patients.
Results: The majority of patients were female (53.5%)
with an average age of 38.6 years. They used the media
to get information (51.8%) but the greatest amount of
information came from doctors (70.6%). They expected
information about the diagnosis (70.2%) and treatment
(71%), which had to be delivered in a complete way
(67.5%), with simple terms (67.6%) and without hiding the truth (68.8%) because it reassured them
(76.3%), encouraged them to follow the prescribed treatment (53.9%), and strengthened their confidence in the
physician (46.1%). The majority of patients felt that
they had been listened to by their doctors (81.6%), especially those over 65 years of age (p < 0.05). Most of them
(69%), especially those who were male and of a higher
educational level, felt they were involved in treatment
decisions (p < 0.05) but preferred not to make more decisions themselves (68%).
Conclusion: The implementation of a law will strengthen the rights of patients and their participation in decisions concerning their health in Côte d’Ivoire.