POWER AND KNOWLEDGE IN FAMILY-PLANNING CONSULTATIONS - CAN A REANALYSIS OF DOCTOR-PATIENT INTERACTION IMPROVE CLIENT SATISFACTION

Consultation skills training has been used in an attempt to improve pa tient satisfaction with family planning services. This training focuse s on doctors' behaviour in consultations and aims to change this. An a lternative approach is suggested which considers doctor-patient intera ction in terms of the personal, social, cultural and institutional inf luences on both parties. This approach acknowledges the patient's acti ve role in the relationship and the factors other than medical conside rations which influence doctors behaviour.