A INFORMAÇÃO RETIDA PELO PACIENTE: ESTUDO EM UM HOSPITAL ESCOLA

Summary This study evaluates the information retained by patients at São Lucas Hospital/PUCRS - Porto Alegre. Of those interviewed, 80,80% know what part of their body is affected, 69,90%; know the name of the disease, 48,70% know the name of/ their physician, 45,20% the purpose o/ the medication, 34,70% the name of the medication and 20,80% the cause of the disease. As to quality of care, the patients rated it as excellent (50,40%), good (43,50%), fair (4,30%) and bad (1,70%) The only social demographic variable which influenced the level of information was schooling, either because they found it easier to understand or because belter information was provided to patients with a higher level of education, or both. The Difference between a high degree of satisfaction and percentage of information retained is discussed by the authors. Legal aspects pertaining to medical information are mentioned in an attempt to increase the ability to recall the information provided, thus improving the doctor patient relationship.