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How do patients react to filling out Benevolent Dictator patient information forms? This is a frequently asked question by physicians interested in Benevolent Dictator. For this reason, we had someone interview the patients of several doctors that utilize the Benevolent Dictator system. The results of this survey were interesting and helpful in assessing patient attitudes toward completing these forms.
LIKES:
Most patients reacted very favorably to being asked to complete the BD
patient forms. In fact, several patients remarked that they had increased
confidence in a doctor that required such thorough patient information.
These patients felt that by combining the information collected on these
forms with the knowledge gained in an office visit, the physician would
acquire a very clear understanding of the patient's medical condition.
In addition, many patients thought a thorough patient history form could
shorten the length of their office visit. Almost every patient interviewed
perceived the use of BD forms to have a beneficial effect on their health
care.
DISLIKES:
On the average, the time a patient spent in completing the necessary BD
forms was thirty to forty-five minutes. Although most patients interviewed
did not mind spending the time required to complete the forms, a few patients
found them too lengthy.
SIMPLIFYING THE PROCESS:
Patient frustration caused by the length and detail of the BD forms can
be alleviated by simple office procedures. For example, in some physicians'
offices we visited, the BD forms were sent to patients when they scheduled
appointments. All patients interviewed at these offices were pleased that
the BD forms were mailed to them prior to their scheduled appointment.
In this way, patients could complete the forms at their leisure. Another
method of simplifying the process of completing the BD forms for the patients
is for a doctor's receptionist to suggest that the patient obtain a copy
of his or her medical records at the time that the patient schedules an
appointment. Having these records readily available would make completing
the section of the BD forms pertaining to specific past medical care much
simpler and quicker. Patients visiting the doctor for minor ailments could
be sent shortened forms to expedite their completion of the forms. In
this case, office personnel would highlight only questions applicable
to a patients case before sending the forms to the patient to complete.
SUMMARY:
The survey found that the overwhelming majority of patients interviewed
responded favorably to completing BD forms and perceived their use to
enhance the health care they received. Our survey also showed that a few
patients do become frustrated by the length and detail of some of the
BD questions. However, patient frustration due to completing the BD forms
is easily alleviated by a few simple office procedures.
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