Description of the Questionnaire

The Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) is a scientifically validated tool designed to assess the attitudes of healthcare professionals and patients regarding the therapeutic relationship. It examines the extent to which the approach is patient-centered or practitioner-centered. The questionnaire includes 18 statements and is structured into two main dimensions: the “Sharing” subscale, which measures the willingness to involve the patient in decision-making, and the “Caring” subscale, which evaluates the importance given to emotional support and individualized care. Participants are asked to respond to each item using a six-point Likert scale, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 6 (strongly agree).

Objective

The main objective of the PPOS is to assess the degree to which healthcare professionals or patients adopt a patient-centered or physician-centered approach. The tool is used in educational, research, and clinical settings, supporting the improvement of communication, decision-making processes, and the development of trust in the patient-practitioner relationship.

Data Analysis and Use

Responses are converted into numerical values ranging from 1 to 6. The average score for each participant is calculated, as well as the mean scores for the two subscales (Sharing and Caring). Higher scores indicate a patient-centered orientation that emphasizes collaboration and personalized care, while lower scores suggest a preference for a more traditional, physician-centered approach. The data can be analyzed statistically to draw conclusions about the attitudes of specific populations or professional groups.

Scoring

The response scale ranges from 1 to 6, where 1 corresponds to “strongly disagree” and 6 to “strongly agree.” Some items are negatively worded and require reverse scoring. The final average score ranges between 1 and 6. Scores above 5 indicate a strongly patient-centered orientation, scores between 3 and 4 reflect a moderate or neutral stance, and scores below 3 point to a more practitioner-centered approach.

Bibliography

Krupat, E., Hiam, C. M., Fleming, M. Z., & Freeman, P. (1999). Patient-centeredness and its correlates among first year medical students. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 29(3), 347–356.
Krupat, E., Bell, R. A., Kravitz, R. L., Thom, D., & Azari, R. (2001). When physicians and patients think alike: patient-centered beliefs and their impact on satisfaction and trust. The Journal of Family Practice, 50(12), 1057–1062.