3/2007Empathy and the family doctor’s holistic perception towards patients

SŁAWOMIR CZACHOWSKI (Katedra i Zakład Lekarza Rodzinnego Collegium Medicum w Bydgoszczy,Uniwersytet Mikołaja Kopernika w Toruniu; p.o. Kierownik: dr n. med. Krzysztof Buczkowski)

Background
Family doctors have an important social role in the health care system. They base their actions mainly on applying the holistic theory which includes the three groups of factors: biological, psychological and sociological.

Material and methods
The “Family Doctor’s Holistic Approach” survey included 36 statements. They concerned diagnosis, therapy, prophylaxis, and health promotion. The test was based on the approach theory assuming that the process of perception covers three components: cognitive, emotional and behavioral. The test “Family Doctor Role Taking” included 73 items, where 25 concerned a factor “empathy”.

Results
The questionnaire was sent to doctors all over Poland. 127 people responded (28.2%). The “Family Doctor’s Holistic Approach” model was built. 24.7% of the respondents achieved high pro-holistic approach values. The highest approach values were reached in the scope of diagnosing (25.8%). There were found statistical correlations between pro-holistic attitude and a factor “empathy”.

Key words: family doctor, holistic approach, empathy