Factors associated with patient–physician relationships: perspectives of medical personnel in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China

Abstract

Abstract Background Disputes between physicians and patients is a global problem. In this study, we aimed to explore the factors associated with patient–physician relationships from the perspective of medical personnel in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Methods This is a cross-sectional study in Guangxi, which was conducted from April 1, 2023, to April 30, 2023. We relied on Health Committees to collect the online questionnaires. Self-administered questionnaire was used, including: general information, perception of the patient-physician relationship, health education behavior and health service satisfaction. Description analyses, chi-square test, the Mantel-Haensel chi-square test, Spearman correlation and ordinal logistic regression were used. Statistically significant was considered at P values < 0.05. Results A total of 176,398 valid questionnaires were recovered. A total of 52.4% of the medical personnel perceived the patient–physician relationship as harmonious, 39.2% perceived it as average, and 8.4% perceived it as disharmonious. Statistically significant results in the univariate analysis were included in the ordinal regression analysis. Sex, education, professional categories, years of experience, titles, health status, creation of health education works, participation in health education activities, satisfaction with medical services are factors associated with the perception of patient–physician relationships among medical personnel. Conclusion In conclusion, encouraging medical personnel to engage in health education activities, enhancing service quality in medical institutions, and prioritizing the health of medical personnel can contribute to a more positive patient–physician relationship. In the future, further support should be provided to medical personnel for health education activities and training in patient–physician relationship.

Keywords

• Patient–physician relationship
• Medical personnel
• Associated factors
• Cross-sectional study