Matthias Pette1, Juergen Pachaly, Matthias David. 1. Universitätsklinikum Charité, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Klinik für Frauenheilkunde und Geburtshilfe, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany. matthias.david@charite.de
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Adequate patient knowledge is essential for good compliance, effective doctor-patient communications and is the basis for informed consent. The purpose of the study was to examine differences in recall of informed consent procedures between patients with different ethnicity and to identify potential explanatory factors. DESIGN: We analyzed 579 patients, attending and released from a gynecology department in Berlin, Germany, between March 1997 and October 1998. To assess actual understanding of disclosure information, Turkish and German patients' perceptions were compared with documented data of their diagnoses and therapy. RESULTS: Overall, patients correctly identified 69% of their diagnosis and 76% of their therapy. On discharge overall patients' recall decreased significantly. Whereas German patients' knowledge increased, Turkish patients showed significant decreases in diagnosis and therapy recall. CONCLUSION: The results reflect socio-demographic differences between ethnic groups and indicate deficiency of the informed consent process for patients belonging to an ethnic minority.
OBJECTIVE: Adequate patient knowledge is essential for good compliance, effective doctor-patient communications and is the basis for informed consent. The purpose of the study was to examine differences in recall of informed consent procedures between patients with different ethnicity and to identify potential explanatory factors. DESIGN: We analyzed 579 patients, attending and released from a gynecology department in Berlin, Germany, between March 1997 and October 1998. To assess actual understanding of disclosure information, Turkish and German patients' perceptions were compared with documented data of their diagnoses and therapy. RESULTS: Overall, patients correctly identified 69% of their diagnosis and 76% of their therapy. On discharge overall patients' recall decreased significantly. Whereas German patients' knowledge increased, Turkish patients showed significant decreases in diagnosis and therapy recall. CONCLUSION: The results reflect socio-demographic differences between ethnic groups and indicate deficiency of the informed consent process for patients belonging to an ethnic minority.
Entities:
Keywords:
Empirical Approach; Professional Patient Relationship