Helpful ways providers can communicate about persistent medically unexplained physical symptoms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Communication between patients and providers about persistent "medically unexplained" physical symptoms (MUS) is characterized by discordance. While the difficulties are well documented, few studies have examined effective communication. We sought to determine what veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI) perceive as the most helpful communication from their providers. Veterans with GWI, a type of MUS, have historically had complex relationships with medical providers. Determining effective communication for patients with particularly complex relationships may help identify the most critical communication elements for all patients with MUS.

Methods

Two hundred and-ten veterans with GWI were asked, in a written questionnaire, what was the most useful thing a medical pr

SUBMITTER: Anastasides N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6334465 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature