Patient Interest in Receiving Audiotapes of Information Presented by Their PhysiciansA Survey of Patients Awaiting Treatment in University and Private Practice Settings
Ronald G. Nathan, PhD;
Gene M. Bont, MD;
René B. Minz, MD
Arch Fam Med. 1994;3(6):509-513.
Abstract
Objective
To investigate patient interest in, and willingness to pay for, tape recordings of physicians' explanations and recommendations.
Design
Survey.
Settings
An outpatient university-based practice and an outpatient private group practice of family physicians.
Subjects
A convenience sample of 425 patients. Of the 409 who agreed to complete the survey, 257 (63%) were awaiting treatment in a university practice and 152 (37%) were awaiting treatment in a private practice.
Results
Fifty-four percent of respondents believed that a tape would be helpful, 59.1% thought their family would ask to listen to it, and 77.5% said they would play it for family members. If asked to bring a blank tape, 84.5% indicated that they would do so. If recordings were available for purchase, respondents indicated they would be willing to pay a mean of $1.46 for them.
Conclusions
If physicians offer recordings of their explanations and recommendations, patients are likely to want them. Investigations of actual compliance and health outcomes associated with the use of these recordings appear warranted.
Author Affiliations
From the Albany (NY) Medical College (Drs Nathan and Bont). Dr Minz is in private practice in Portland, Ore.
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