Doctor's orders
It's a fact: the proliferation of new information sources has
given rise to an upsurge in 'patient power'. In some markets,
the doctor no longer has the last, or even first, word in
healthcare decision-making. Despite this, most markets have
some way to go before usurping the doctor's traditional position
of authority.
When asked how they perceive their doctor, most markets view them as
'an informed advisor whose opinion I respect'. The more traditional
view of the doctor as the unquestioned authority figure was the norm
only in Bulgaria (59%), Serbia and Turkey (both 37%).
Notable exceptions in terms of their perspective were the independent
Canadians, with 59% believing that the doctor is
'just one of several sources who influence my healthcare decisions.'
Interestingly, no Canadian respondents agreed with the statement that
the doctor is 'a person whose directions I follow without question.'
Head of Synovate Healthcare in Canada, Otto Akkerman, explained:
"This result reflects the increasing role other healthcare providers
play in how Canadians manage their health and select treatment options.
Many Canadians rely on their pharmacist to explain physician
recommendations. As the physician shortage continues and healthcare
legislation in several provinces give pharmacists increased authority
to provide healthcare consultation and write prescriptions, we can
expect this number to increase."
The survey also asked whether patients often arrive at their
doctor's practice already prepared with their own diagnosis.
Overall, the majority of respondents still rely on their doctor
for this - with exceptions in India, Malaysia and Slovakia.
In Bulgaria and the Netherlands more than 70% of respondents
disagreed with the statement that they generally come to the
doctor already with a diagnosis.
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Can't go, won't go...
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The doctor will see you now
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How alternative is 'alternative medicine'?
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Keen on chemical or back to nature?
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Just ask 'Dr Google'
