A group of researchers overseas recently found that physicians who are friendly to their patients are more effective than doctors who keep their distance. Two other recent studies showed the importance of the doctor-patient relationship, with women more focused than men on a physician's communication skills and personal approach. In the eyes of most patients, bedside manners matter. The study examined 25 surveys on doctor-patient relationships and consistently found that doctors with good bedside manners had a better impact than physicians who were less personal. Women want to have a sense of control and don't want to be talked down to.
Men are more interested in treatment.
And taking the opposite approach can have a negative result. Calif. She left her doctor after seeking treatment for a broken foot. She didn't like his attitude when she complained about waiting until after he saw drug company representatives. Joe Selby, MD, also saw gender differences in a study he co-authored about patients at Kaiser Permanente in northern California. Women placed a higher value than men on a doctor's communication, technical skills and personal manner.