Abstract

EYMANN, Alfredo et al. Greating modalities preferred by patients in pediatric ambulatory setting. Arch. argent. pediatr. [online]. 2011, vol.109, n.1, pp.14-17. ISSN 0325-0075.

Introduction. The greeting is the first form of verbal and nonverbal communication and is a valuable tool to support the physician-patient relationship. Objective. Assess parents and children preferences on how they want pediatricians greet and address them. Material and methods. Cross-sectional study. The population was persons accompanying patients (parents or guardians) between 1 month and 19 years old and patients older than 5 years old. A survey questionnaire was completed after the medical visit. Results. A total of 419 surveys from patients' companions and 249 from pediatric patients were analyzed; 68% of the companions preferred the doctor addressed them by the first name, 67% liked to be greeted with a kiss on the cheek and 90% liked to be treated informally. Preferring to be greeted with a kiss on the cheek was associated in multivariate analysis with the companion was the mother, age younger than 39 years and longer time in knowing the pediatrician; 60% of the patients preferred to be addressed by their first name. Conclusions. In the outpatient setting patients companions and patients themselves prefer to be addressed by their name informally and be greeted with a kiss on the cheek.

Keywords : Communication; Physician-patient relationship; Parent-pediatrician interaction; Parent's greetings.

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