Table 1 Profile of the study variables concerning physician's explanatory behaviours (n = 366)
Items | Number of cases (%) | |
|---|---|---|
Purpose of the explanation | Explanation to obtain the patient's consent | 213 (67.0) |
| Â | Other a | 105 (33.0) |
Issue of the physician's explanation | No explanation | 61 (19.2) |
| Â | Incorrect or insufficient explanation | 257 (80.8) |
Timing of the physician 's explanation | Before treatment or surgery | 203 (79.0) |
| Â | After treatment or surgery | 54 (21.0) |
Who received the physician's explanation | Patient only | 99 (38.4) |
| Â | Patient and family | 93 (36.0) |
| Â | Family only | 66 (25.6) |
Manner of the physician 's explanation to the patient | Oral only | 144 (75.8) |
| Â | Oral and other methods | 46 (24.2) |
Manner of the physician 's explanation to family | Oral only | 129 (81.6) |
| Â | Oral and other methods | 29 (18.4) |
Level of the physician's explanation to the patient | Relevant and specific | 60 (33.0) |
| Â | Not sufficiently relevant or specific | 122 (67.0) |
Level of physician's explanation to family | Relevant and specific | 49 (36.3) |
| Â | Not sufficiently relevant or specific | 86 (63.7) |
Location of physician's explanation | Inpatient ward | 173 (54.4) |
| Â | Outpatient clinic | 145 (45.6) |
Content of the physician's explanation | Related to surgery | 132 (36.1) |
| Â | Other b | 234 (63.9) |
Number of times that the physician explained | Once | 109 (43.1) |
| Â | Twice or more | 144 (56.9) |
Consent by the patient | With the patient's consent | 151 (90.4) |
| Â | Without the patient's consent | 16 (9.6) |
Consent by family | With family consent | 113 (91.9) |
| Â | Without family consent | 10 (8.1) |
Written consent by the patient | Presence | 45 (52.3) |
| Â | Absence | 41 (47.7) |
Written consent by family | Presence | 37 (53.6) |
| Â | Absence | 32 (46.4) |
Day of the physician's explanation | Same day as treatment | 41 (21.1) |
| Â | Not the same day | 153 (78.9) |