Work

Exploring Patient Awareness and the Feasibility of Mediation in Healthcare: A Pilot Study in Bulgaria

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The healthcare system is complex and emotionally charged, which frequently leads to conflicts between patients and healthcare providers as a result of inadequate communication and unmet patient expectations. This pilot study investigates patient awareness and the feasibility of mediation as an alternative conflict resolution method in healthcare. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 40 Bulgarian citizens was conducted to evaluate their experiences with physician-patient communication, their opinions regarding the effectiveness of the legal system, and their awareness of mediation. RESULTS: According to the findings, more than half of the respondents reported difficulties communicating with their physicians, and only 5% believed the judicial system was effective in resolving disputes in healthcare. While many were familiar with mediation, only 2.5% had used it to address healthcare-related problems. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study underscores the need for targeted education and trust-building initiatives to facilitate the implementation of mediation in healthcare. Improving patient-physician communication and introducing mediation could enhance healthcare quality and patients' trust, providing a more efficient and satisfactory conflict resolution mechanism.

Source: Healthcare

DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13060629

Authors: Kostadin Yordanov Dimitrov, Tsonka Miteva-Katrandzhieva

Institution: Medical University Plovdiv

Language: English

Topic: Medical Malpractice and Liability Issues

Subfield: Pharmacy

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258