Kiara K Spooner1, Jason L Salemi2, Hamisu M Salihu3, Roger J Zoorob4. 1. Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. Electronic address: Kiara.Spooner@bcm.edu. 2. Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. Electronic address: Jason.Salemi@bcm.edu. 3. Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. Electronic address: Hamisu.Salihu@bcm.edu. 4. Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. Electronic address: Roger.Zoorob@bcm.edu.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe disparities and temporal trends in the level of perceived patient-provider communication quality (PPPCQ) in the United States, and to identify sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with elements of PPPCQ. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally-representative data from the 2011-2013 iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Descriptive statistics, multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations. RESULTS: PPPCQ scores, the composite measure of patients' ratings of communication quality, were positive overall (82.8; 95% CI: 82.1-83.5). However, less than half (42-46%) of respondents perceived that providers always addressed their feelings, spent enough time with them, or helped with feelings of uncertainty about their health. Older adults and those with a regular provider consistently had higher PPPCQ scores, while those with poorer perceived general health were consistently less likely to have positive perceptions of their providers' communication behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Disparities in PPPCQ can be attributed to patients' age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, employment status, income, healthcare access and general health. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These findings may inform educational and policy efforts which aim to improve patient-provider communication, enhance the quality of care, and reduce health disparities.
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe disparities and temporal trends in the level of perceived patient-provider communication quality (PPPCQ) in the United States, and to identify sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with elements of PPPCQ. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using nationally-representative data from the 2011-2013 iterations of the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS). Descriptive statistics, multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine associations. RESULTS: PPPCQ scores, the composite measure of patients' ratings of communication quality, were positive overall (82.8; 95% CI: 82.1-83.5). However, less than half (42-46%) of respondents perceived that providers always addressed their feelings, spent enough time with them, or helped with feelings of uncertainty about their health. Older adults and those with a regular provider consistently had higher PPPCQ scores, while those with poorer perceived general health were consistently less likely to have positive perceptions of their providers' communication behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Disparities in PPPCQ can be attributed to patients' age, race/ethnicity, educational attainment, employment status, income, healthcare access and general health. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These findings may inform educational and policy efforts which aim to improve patient-provider communication, enhance the quality of care, and reduce health disparities.
Authors: Mary Bollinger; Jeff Pyne; Anthony Goudie; Xiaotong Han; Teresa J Hudson; Joseph W Thompson Journal: J Gen Intern Med Date: 2021-02-02 Impact factor: 6.473
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