Beware doctors who smoke. As many as a whopping 81 percent people who were polled recently in the country, get disturbed when they see their doctors fagging and would not like to be treated by one who smoke in front of them. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents of the survey, conducted by Delhi-based Heart Care Foundation, also believe doctors must have legible handwriting and favour an electronic prescription.
The survey also claimed that of the total 452 respondents, nearly half or 46 percent to be precise prefer calling their doctors directly and not his secretary to fix an appointment. Close to four-fifths or 78 percent people felt that the medical profession is becoming commercialised and should be made affordable for common man.
About 41 percent of the respondents were of the opinion that doctors should charge less as their profession is a noble one. The survey carried out in Delhi mostly among middle and upper middle class sections also said 57 per cent people check the credentials and qualifications of a doctor before visiting them. Furthermore, the study said 60 per cent of the people are not comfortable in discussing their sexual behaviour with the doctor when they go for consultation. Forty percent did not want to be friends with their doctors on Facebook. Thirty-seven percent respondents felt doctors should be well dressed, while 65 per cent believe that senior doctors with "grey hair" can provide better care than their younger counterparts, the study said. The respondents included patients, social workers, college students, morning walkers and government employees.
"The survey is done to assess the perception of doctor-patient relationship among people…I have seen disputes between patients and doctors. I have tried to analyse the complaints of the patients. As a doctor, I wanted to know their expectations. The idea of conducting this survey thus came to my mind," the survey said.
