To celebrate the World Osteoporosis Day, the interdisciplinary conference on osteoporosis-related issues was held on the 20th of October 2016 (link). Responding to the invitation from the Organizers, dr Mirosława Adamus presented selected results of the PRACTA project. The presentation, entitled: „The level of satisfaction after the visit at the doctors’ office among patients aged 50+ or….differences between expectations and subjective appraisal of their fulfillment. The results of the PRACTA project”, encompassed analyses of data regarding psychosocial expectations of patients and their fulfillment during a medical encounter.

Osteoporosis is one of many chronic diseases affecting patients aged 50+, which require long-lasting therapy involving mainly changes in patients’ lifestyle. A proper doctor-patient relationship, based on mutual trust and cooperation, provides a necessary basis for an effective treatment. The research conducted within the PRACTA project emphasizes the role of factors such as: providing information about illness and its treatment to patients, providing support, including preventive actions, as well as improving the quality of life, in the process of treatment. The elements of the medical encounter mentioned above, affect patients’ satisfaction and subsequently, modify the attitude toward treatment and illness.

The results presented at the conference valuably complemented the picture of chronically ill patients, their expectations and fulfillment of important needs at the doctors’ office.