Patient role orientations, doctor-patient fit, and visit satisfaction

Two studies were conducted using the Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS), an instrument that measures the role orientations of patients. In the first, 297 students responded to a pool of 61 items concerning their at titudes about doctor-patient relationships (e.g., about power-sharing and t he importance of physicians' supportiveness). The scale was reduced, and as sociations between PPOS scores and gender, race, country of origin as well as Health Locus of Control were Found. In Study 2, 90 additional students f illed out the PPOS, read two doctor-patient scenarios, and rated their sati sfaction as if they had been the patient. In one, the physician exhibited a controlling style, and in the other a more open style. As predicted, patie nt-centered physicians generated higher satisfaction, and patients were mos t satisfied with a physician whose style matched their own role orientation . These studies suggest the potential usefulness of the PPOS as: an indicat or of patient attitudes and doctor-patient fit, and as an predictor of visi t satisfaction.