Waris Qidwai, Zahra A Aziz Samani, Ahmadul Huda.
Perceptions about family physicians: results of a patient survey in Karachi, Pakistan.
J Liaquat Uni Med Health Sci Jan ;3(2):74-8.

OBJECTIVE: Family Medicine is an emerging specialty and mandatory for the success of any healthcare delivery system. We have studied perceptions about family medicine among patients presenting to family physicians for medical care. DESIGN: It was a questionnaire based survey. SETTING: Family Practice Center, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan in June 2004. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were interviewed, of which 52(52%) were males. The mean age was 33.2 years. Nine of the respondents had postgraduate education. The family physicians are well-mannered, conduct proper check-ups and are helpful according to thirty one (31%), fifteen (15%), and eleven(11%) respondents respectively. Eleven (11%) respondents said that family physicians are aware of the family history of the patients. In the event of chest pain, 76(76%), 22(22%) and two (02%) respondents would consult a family physician, cardiologist and chest physician respectively. CONCLUSION: We have identified a need for increasing awareness about family medicine among patients.

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