DOI: 10.1097/JSM.0b013e31802b4fa6
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PMID: 17414484
Issn Print: 1050-642X
Publication Date: 2007/03/01
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Excerpt
Little research has been done on the aspects of the doctor-patient relationship that highlights qualities patients value. Previous research has established that trust is one of the central features of the doctor-patient relationship.5 Other research claims that empathy is the crucial component of the helping relationship.6
There is a paucity of research that investigates patients' preferences for qualities of their physician. In England, women prefer female physicians for issues pertaining to problems associated with sexual health and the reproductive organs because of a perception that a female physician would be easier and less embarrassing to talk to and that another woman would have a better understanding of these problems.7 Adolescent males also prefer a female physician for general and sexual health medical concerns.8 Men with prostate cancer seek a physician who will help them through all stages of the illness, will engage in meaningful discussion, and will take a serious interest in nontraditional treatment approaches, regardless of gender.9 Only 62% of injured runners were found to be satisfied with the care they received from their health care provider.10
Studies in the coaching literature demonstrate that male athletes tend to prefer male coaches.3 Female athletes appear to be less accepting of a female authority figure in the context of sport and coaching.4 Whereas female coaches are perceived as easier to discuss personal problems with, this did not affect athletes' expressed preference for gender of coach.2
This preliminary study investigated athletes' preferences for the gender of their team physician. It also attempted to explore some of the factors for that preference.
