Patient preferences of how they wish to be addressed in a medical consultation – study from Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple factors influence doctor-patient communication. A good consultation starts with an introduction of him or herself by the doctor to the patient. The next step is to address patients in a manner they prefer. There is a paucity of data about how best to address patients in an Asian country. This study investigates how patients prefer to be addressed by doctors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted from July 1st to August 31st, 2020 at a single Centre: Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Sri Lanka. Results: Of 1200 patients, 63.25% reported that doctors never introduced themselves and 97.91% of patients reported, doctors never inquired how to address them. 49.9% preferred to be addressed informally (as mother, father, sister) than by the name (first name, last name, title). The older female patients, married patients, patients of lower education, and lower monthly income preferred to be addressed informally. Conclusion: Most doctors did not introduce themselves to patients during medical consultations and did not inquire how patients wish to be addressed.