Robinson-Heritage2006
| Robinson-Heritage2006 | |
|---|---|
| BibType | ARTICLE |
| Key | Robinson-Heritage2006 |
| Author(s) | Jeffrey D. Robinson, John Heritage |
| Title | Physicians’ opening questions and patients’ satisfaction |
| Editor(s) | |
| Tag(s) | EMCA, Medical consultations, Questions |
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| Year | 2006 |
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| Journal | Patient Education and Counseling |
| Volume | 60 |
| Number | 3 |
| Pages | 279–285 |
| URL | Link |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.pec.2005.11.009 |
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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?).
Notes
