Pre-Visit Expectations of Medical Outpatients from Treating Physicians at DHQ Teaching Hospital Kohat: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Patient expectations are important in healthcare experiences as they affect satisfaction, compliance, and treatment outcomes. Knowledge of patient expectations prior to meeting a physician aids in enhancing patient-centered care and physician–patient relationships, especially in outpatient medical care.

Objective This study was designed to determine the nature and magnitude of various types of expectations among pre-visit outdoor medical patients and their relationship with different sociodemographic subgroups.

MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out at the District Headquarters Teaching Hospital, Kohat. A structured questionnaire (PVQ: PVO1–PVO11) was specially developed to meet the study objectives and was used to collect data from outpatient medical patients prior to consultation. The questionnaire measured ideal (desired) and realistic expectations of medical consultations, along with sociodemographic data. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 400 participants, and SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis.

Results The results indicated a clear gap between patients’ ideal and realistic expectations. Many patients ideally expected physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and confirmation of diagnosis (PVO1, PVO3), whereas their realistic expectations for these investigations were lower. Similarly, although a large proportion of participants ideally expected new prescriptions, referrals, and reassurance (PVO4–PVO6), fewer anticipated receiving them in actual practice. Advice regarding health conditions (PVO7) and information about causes, management, and treatment risks (PVO8–PVO10) was highly expected ideally, but less so in realistic expectations. The largest difference was observed in PVO11, where patients ideally wished to discuss personal or life issues but had very low realistic expectations of such opportunities. Overall, the data suggest that although patients ideally expect comprehensive, empathetic, and explanatory care, their realistic expectations are limited, likely due to previous experiences of time constraints, poor communication, and systemic pressures in outpatient settings.

Conclusion Pre-visit outdoor medical patients exhibit a noticeable gap between their ideal expectations and realistic expectations from physicians. These expectations are constrained by past healthcare experience and available resources. To increase the level of satisfaction and care quality among outpatient medical services, it is necessary to enhance communication between doctors and patients, provide sufficient time to the latter, and consider both informational and emotional needs of patients.