COMPLEX CLINICAL RELATIONSHIPS AND USE OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGIES: COPING STRATEGIES AND SOCIO-STRUCTURAL DETERMINANTS IN THE CONSULTATION

Abstract

The use of health technologies without a clinical indication leads to unnecessary healthcare costs. In this article, we analysed the perceptions of medical staff about the influence of patients’ attitudes and other contextual factors on the demand for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). For this purpose, we carried out a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with professionals from different medical specialties (n=36). After a content analysis, we triangulated the results within the research team. The results indicate that medical staff identify that the increasing demanding attitude of patients, in a health care context with a deficit of time in consultations and high turnover of professionals, conditions the request for MRI. We concluded that it is essential to reinforce trust and doctor-patient communication, and to provide time and stability in consultations in order to use health resources rationally.