• L Y Kiyohara, L K Kayano, M L Kobayashi, M S Alessi, M U Yamamoto, P R Yunes-Filho, R R Pessoa, R Mandelbaum, S T Okubo, T Watanuki, and J E Vieira.
• Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
• Sao Paulo Med J. 2001 May 3; 119 (3): 9710097-100.

ContextThe interaction between a physician and his or her patient is complex and occurs by means of technical performance and through a personal relationship.ObjectiveTo assess the interaction between the medical professional and his or her patient with the participation of medical students assuming a role as observers and participants in a medical appointment in an outpatient office.DesignQuestionnaire interview study.SettingGeneral Medicine outpatient offices, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo.ParticipantsMedical students performed an ethnographical technique of observation, following 199 outpatient medical appointments with Clinical Medicine Residents.Main MeasurementsA questionnaire filled out by observer students measured the physician's attitudes towards patients, as well as patients' expectations regarding the appointment and his or her understanding after its completion.ResultsPatients showed higher enthusiasm after the appointment (4.47 +/- 0.06 versus 2.62 +/- 0.10) (mean +/- SEM), as well as some negative remarks such as in relation to the waiting time. The time spent in the consultation was 24.66 +/- 4.45 minutes (mean +/- SEM) and the waiting time was 123.09 +/- 4.91 minutes. The physician's written orientation was fairly well recalled by the patient when the doctor's letter could be previously understood.ConclusionPatients benefit from physicians who keep the focus on them. In addition, this program stimulated the students for their accomplishment of the medical course.

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