[Some behavioral characteristics of physicians desired by ambulatory patients. A pilot survey]. / Alcune caratteristiche comportamentali del medico desiderate dal paziente in ambito ambulatoriale. Indagine conoscitiva pilota.

AIMS: We must pay attention to character formation of Medical Doctors because it could build a good or bad relationship with colleagues and patients: it is not a merely "humanistic" goal but a necessary component of professional excellence. The first endpoint of this study is to identify how to improve the quality of the outpatient visit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested a user-friendly questionnaire, distributed to 100 patients. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The most important behavioral characteristics desired by patients from physicians are: 1. to have the physician's attention without feeling hurried (such as without the physician answering a phone call during the office visit); 2. to have continuity of care even in the ambulatory setting; 3. to find a relationship of empathy, participation and sharing; 4. to have a peaceful relationship of collaboration with the nurses and other health care personnel; 5. to find the physician appropriately groomed and dressed; 6. to receive the full diagnosis with clarity and at the most appropriate moment of communication.