What Qualities Do Patients Desire in the Ob-Gyn Who Delivers Their Child?
Open Access
- Author:
- Wolfgang, Kristen Michele
- Area of Honors:
- Letters, Arts, and Sciences (Abington)
- Degree:
- Bachelor of Science
- Document Type:
- Thesis
- Thesis Supervisors:
- Dr. David J Hutson, Thesis Supervisor
Dr. David E Ruth, Thesis Honors Advisor - Keywords:
- hospitalist model
ob-gyn
sociology
patient satisfaction
qualities of physician - Abstract:
- The purpose of this study is to identify which qualities patients desire in the ob-gyn who delivers their child and how these qualities affect patient satisfaction. Previous research examines the dynamics of the doctor-patient relationship looking at particular factors patients desire in physicians such as communication skills, trust, and humaneness (Patterson, 2012). In 2002, however, more hospitals transitioned to what is known as the ob-gyn hospitalist model in order to improve patient safety as well as to reduce physician fatigue (The Obstetric and Gynecologic Hospitalist, 2002). Likewise, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists supports the development and study of the ob-gyn hospitalist model as a means of improving the birthing process (The Obstetric and Gynecologic Hospitalist, 2002). Under this model, there exists different variations, each of which fosters a unique doctor-patient relationship. In my research, I examine how this model impacts the patient’s and doctor’s birthing experience with regards to the presence or absence of an ob-gyn to whom the patient has developed a previous relationship. Through both surveys and in-depth interviews, I find that patients desire competence and friendliness to establish trust in the ob-gyn who delivers their child. With this knowledge, the hospitalist model could be enhanced to further improve patient satisfaction while also preventing physician fatigue and maximizing patient safety.