Publication:

Visual analogue scale: a simple tool in rural region for physician’s global evaluation and patient’s self-evaluation in allergic rhinitis

Background The study was done with the objective to study whether the physician’s global evaluation of the consultation corelates with patient’s self-evaluation to patient outcome concerning symptom relief of nasal congestion by using visual analogue scale.

Methods A total of 52 patients completed a visual analogue score questionnaire presented at the consultation. 52 patients were reached in a seven days follow-up after the consultation. Patient’s outcome measures conducted at MIMER Medical College and Dr. Bhausaheb Sardesai Hospital in rural Maval Taluka in Pune district of Maharashtra state.

Results Physician’s self-evaluation of the consultation was much more strongly associated with outcome than the patient’s evaluation.

Conclusions The difference between the physician’s and patient’s evaluation of the consultation to predict patient outcomes indicates that the physician’s self-evaluation of the consultation is of importance.