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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2011 Sep;84(3):386-92.
doi: 10.1016/j.pec.2011.04.023. Epub 2011 May 19.

The impact of patient-centered communication on patients' decision making and evaluations of physicians: a randomized study using video vignettes

Somnath Saha  1 , Mary Catherine Beach
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

The impact of patient-centered communication on patients' decision making and evaluations of physicians: a randomized study using video vignettes

Somnath Saha et al. Patient Educ Couns. 2011 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the impact of patient-centered communication (PCC) behaviors on patients' evaluations of physicians and acceptance of clinical recommendations.

Methods: We randomized 248 patients to view video-recorded, standardized vignettes, depicting a cardiologist using a high vs. low degree of PCC while recommending bypass surgery to a patient with angina and 3-vessel coronary artery disease. We compared patients' ratings of the physician and their decision making in response to the physician's recommendation, for high vs. low PCC vignettes.

Results: Patients viewing high PCC vignettes rated the video physician more favorably overall (3.01 vs. 2.12, p<0.001) and as more competent (3.22 vs. 2.66, p<0.001) and trustworthy (2.93 vs. 2.28, p<0.001) than those viewing the low PCC version (0-4 range for all scales). Patients viewing the high PCC version more frequently said they would undergo bypass surgery (96% vs. 74%, p<0.001) if they were the patient in the video.

Conclusion: Patients expressed greater confidence in physicians who used more PCC behaviors, and greater willingness to accept an evidence-based recommendation.

Practice implications: PCC may make physicians more effective in the delivery of evidence-based care.

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