Jeffrey D Robinson1, John Heritage. 1. Rutgers University, Department of Communication, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1071, USA. jrob@scils.rutgers.edu
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between the format of physicians' opening questions that solicit patients' presenting concerns and patients' post-visit evaluations of (i.e., satisfaction with) the affective-relational dimension of physicians' communication. METHODS: Videotape and questionnaire data were collected from visits between 28 primary-care physicians and 142 adult patients with acute problems. Factor analysis resulted in three dependent variables derived from the 9-item Socioemotional Behavior subscale of the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale. RESULTS: Question format was significantly, positively associated with patients' evaluations of physicians' listening (p=.028) and positive affective-relational communication (p=.046). CONCLUSION: Patients desire opportunities to present concerns in their own time and terms regardless of how extensively they act on this opportunity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Visits should be opened with general inquiries (e.g., What can I do for you today?) versus closed-ended requests for confirmation (e.g., Sore throat, huh?).
OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between the format of physicians' opening questions that solicit patients' presenting concerns and patients' post-visit evaluations of (i.e., satisfaction with) the affective-relational dimension of physicians' communication. METHODS: Videotape and questionnaire data were collected from visits between 28 primary-care physicians and 142 adult patients with acute problems. Factor analysis resulted in three dependent variables derived from the 9-item Socioemotional Behavior subscale of the Medical Interview Satisfaction Scale. RESULTS: Question format was significantly, positively associated with patients' evaluations of physicians' listening (p=.028) and positive affective-relational communication (p=.046). CONCLUSION:Patients desire opportunities to present concerns in their own time and terms regardless of how extensively they act on this opportunity. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Visits should be opened with general inquiries (e.g., What can I do for you today?) versus closed-ended requests for confirmation (e.g., Sore throat, huh?).
Authors: Douglas J Opel; Rita Mangione-Smith; Jeffrey D Robinson; John Heritage; Victoria DeVere; Halle S Salas; Chuan Zhou; James A Taylor Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2015-03-19 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: Richard B Lipton; Steven R Hahn; Roger K Cady; Jan Lewis Brandes; Suzanne E Simons; Philip A Bain; Meaghan R Nelson Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2008-05-06 Impact factor: 5.128