The Perceptions of Patients and Their Families About a Good Physician: A Qualitative Content Analysis

Abstract

Background: A universal challenge in the development of medical training methods is the description and characteristics of a good physician. It is essential to collect the information of hospitalized patients and their families in order to revise the curricula of medical departments. Objectives: The present study aimed to explain the viewpoints of patients and their families about the key characteristics of a good physician. Methods: The present study was carried out using inductive content analysis in 2017. The study sample consisted of patients admitted to different wards of Imam Khomeini Hospital (Tehran, Iran), as well as family members accompanying the patients. Data were collected via purposeful sampling (maximum variation sampling) by conducting semi-structured interviews until reaching data saturation. After the recorded interviews were transcribed, they were reviewed several times and analyzed using Elo and Kyngas coding system. Results: A total of 19 participants, including 13 patients and six accompanying family members, were recruited in the present study (11 males and 8 females). The analysis of interviews with the participants indicated seven major categories: “Positive personality traits”; “academic and clinical proficiency”; “professionalism”; “effective communication skills”; “fairness and altruism”; “spirituality”; and “continuous professional development”. Conclusions: The definition of a good physician by patients and their families has different implications in educational programs, as future physicians not only can benefit from education about the medical needs of their patients, but also should be familiar with the needs, fears, and concerns of their patients.