Communication challenges between men and family doctors

Abstract

This article discusses aspects of communication in the doctor-male patient relationship in the context of family health strategy services. A qualitative study was undertaken with family and community doctors (FCDs) in health services in Florianopolis, Brazil in three distinct stages using triangulation techniques (semi-structured interviews and focus groups). The findings show that seeking an appointment was guided by symptoms and/or family pressure and the expectation of receiving examination results that show that the patient is healthy. The FCDs encouraged self-care without effectively convincing the patients. The frequent change of doctors strongly hampered the creation of doctor-patient bonds and communication. This study contributes to the discussion about doctor-patient relationships in a segment of the population that is reticent and not very engaged in self-care and prevention.