This project aimed to explore the nature of psychological distress experienced by patients at the initial medical consultation prior to bone marrow transplant (BMT). BMT patients (n=20) completed standardized measures of physical and emotional distress related to their illness, the impact the illness was having on their life, anxiety and depression. Patient satisfaction with the doctor was assessed, as were doctor impressions of patient distress and behaviour during the consult. Results indicated that patient distress was best represented by the physical and emotional impact it was having on the patient's life. Overall, doctors had difficulty accurately assessing distress levels in their patients. Interpretation of multiple regression analysis revealed that doctor perception of patient behaviour was predicted more highly by patient distress levels than patient satisfaction. Due to the continual restrictions in doctors accurately assessing distress during medical consultations this research suggests that further studies are needed, in particular regarding the use of direct questioning or brief screening measures to assist doctors with the identification of distress. / Thesis (MPsychology)--University of South Australia, 2006.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/267174 |
| Creators | Peterson, Melissa. |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | copyright under review |
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