Older individuals’ perceptions of physicians and hospitals: The need to improve training

As part of a descriptive study to determine factors in the life-styles of older married couples, questions were asked to determine attitudes about physicians and hospitals. The sample was compared with two random samples, and statistical similarity was found. Six statements about physicians and hospitals were included, and subjects were asked to indicate agreement or disagreement. These responses were correlated with age, sex, income, education, utilization of health care facilities, and Life-Satisfaction Index-Z (LSI-Z) scores. Some evidence was found that responses were related to income, education, and LSI-Z scores. The word honest and several synonyms ranked highest of 172 responses to the statement “Write two qualities you like in a physician.” Other responses were categorized “concerned,” “friendly,” and “competent.” Efforts to build on existing interpersonal skills of health professionals and recognition of the importance of modeling behavior are recommended as means of strengthening the desired behavioral component in medical curricula. © 1978 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.