Purdue News

January 22, 2004

Expert says more dialogue can improve women's health care

Just because the tending physician is a woman doesn't mean a female patient is going to feel less anxious about her annual woman's exam, says a Purdue University expert in health communication.

"Many women, especially younger women, prefer female doctors," says Marifran Mattson, an associate communication professor who studies health communication issues such as privacy and safety. "But even though we think of female gynecologists as more perceptive to women's needs and concerns, we need to remember they are trained in a male-dominated medical system."

Instead of focusing on gender, improved communication is key to alleviating such anxiety about these exams, Mattson says.

"Anxiety about these visits may be keeping women from the best health care possible, and many women who do seek care regularly are not pleased with their visits," Mattson says. "To start, patients should demand more time with their doctor to share concerns and ask questions about their health care. When women voice their own opinions, doctors can better consider their patients' input when making health care decisions."

Improving communication during doctor visits is not only the patient's responsibility.

"Gynecologists can improve their communication skills by making eye contact and avoid being condescending," she says.

A news release about Mattson's recent research in this area is available online.

CONTACT: Mattson, (765) 494-7596, mmattson@purdue.edu