What do patients really want

摘要: Thosewho read the research on outcomes of treating back pain would be all too familiar with a finite number outcome measures recommended by expert researchers in field. These include scores, disability such as Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire, and general health status satisfaction care. From these ‘minimum clinically important differences’ can derived to define threshold for significant changes thereby success or failure intervention, at least eyes researcher. However individual patient, this has little meaning relevance. What is it that matters them? they really want expect from clinicians whom consult their pain? This question should interest physicians who are keen build rapport patients improve patient outcomes. Fortunately, there growing body helps answer question. It may no surprise most all, relief. what motivates them seek treatment. In still work, functional improvement rated second importance followed increase strength range movement, acquired knowledge, positive shift attitude. out returning work comes after relief expectations The extent required undertaking demanding injection treatments becomes quite low very chronic – 1% median only 25%. A high priority treated respect. They desire an accurate diagnosis explained clearly confidently. legitimize pain. Patients believe adequate physical examination investigations needed gain confidence. How often have we heard our complaining about previous doctor ‘He didn’t even examine me!’ Although limitations reliability validity musculoskeletal well documented, doctor’s credibility. There tension between guidelines which recommend more judicious use information. X-rays. Those do not order so own peril, though function either different slightly better when X-rays taken. However, depression levels worse without needs managed careful explanation. here extra time educating reduce expectation also considerable dissatisfaction diagnostic tests explain feel validated. believed listened to. certification disorder social legitimization inactivity. Pain cannot easily seen. clear advice management comprehensive. case. Many, but involvement decision-making processes. issue includes interesting paper Amonkar Dunbar differences perceptions doctors strongly supports existing evidence value examination, X-rays, specialist referral much highly than practitioners do. salutary reminder understand patients’ beliefs if wish risk having disgruntled maybe litigious patients. Other notable papers provide insights into how perceive base ultrasound therapy soft tissue injury ‘exercises rotator cuff/impingement problems. Read on!