Impact of doctor-patient communication in health status of the indigenous people in Peninsular Malaysia
The health status of the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia is generally considered poorer as compared to the mainstream population. Studies show that the poor health is due to various factors. One of the significant factors is poor communication between the attending doctor and indigeno...
Saved in:
| Main Author: | |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia
2021
|
| Online Access: | http://journalarticle.ukm.my/16944/1/46764-151057-1-SM.pdf http://journalarticle.ukm.my/16944/ https://ejournal.ukm.my/ebangi/issue/view/1377 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| Summary: | The health status of the indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia is generally considered
poorer as compared to the mainstream population. Studies show that the poor health is due to
various factors. One of the significant factors is poor communication between the attending
doctor and indigenous patient. The objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness
of doctor-patient communications in helping to improve the health status of the indigenous
communities. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 people of the Jakun sub-ethnic of the
Pahang State indigenous community. Data were transcribed, coded and subjected to thematic
analysis. Results of the study show both positive and negative experiences of doctor-patient
communications. Positive experiences indicated effective doctor-patient communications and
thus show an increased level of confidence and trust in the attending doctor. This subsequently
increases the frequency of health care visits among the indigenous communities. Whereas,
negative experiences implied conflict between doctor and patient that was due to limited
understanding of the language used by the attending doctor. This further causes patient being
treated with minimal knowledge of their illness and patient may never return to the health care
anymore. The analysis of the findings suggests that it is of utmost importance to ensure doctors
understand the culture of the indigenous communities to promote effective doctor-patient
communication. |
|---|