Interactions between Physicians and Patients with Neurological Diseases in Albania

Abstract

The aim of this one year study was to assess the interaction between physicians and patients with neurological chronic diseases in public Health Care Settings in Albania. We randomly selected 25 neurologists who are employed at UHC “Mother Teresa” using short semi-structured interviews during 2015-2016. Twelve Female (mean age 37) and thirteen male (mean age 41) were interviewed. The individuals interviewed have worked an average of 14 years as neurologist in Service of Neurology, UHC “Mother Teresa’. In this study, we used qualitative methodology to better evaluate the opinion of physicians about the main concerns related to communication with patients suffering from chronic diseases. In Albania the interaction between physicians and patients is underestimated and the lack of confidence of patients for efficient communication in public health care constitutes the main findings of the all studies conducted in Albania from 1995-2017. This study showed that the social and economic characteristics of the patient directly affect the communication. Traditional norms determine the central role of the doctor in treating the patient's illness in Albania. All patients report many obstacles and a bureaucratic system that makes it difficult to meet a specialist doctor at the Service of Neurology, University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” in Albania.