1
|
Kuchinad K, Park JR, Han D, Saha S, Moore R, Beach MC. Which clinician responses to emotion are associated with more positive patient experiences of communication? PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2024; 124:108241. [PMID: 38537316 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2024.108241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify communication strategies that may improve clinician-patient interactions, we assessed the association between clinician response to emotion and patient ratings of communication. METHODS From a cohort of 1817 clinician-patient encounters, we designed a retrospective case-control study by identifying 69 patients who rated their interpersonal care as low-quality and 69 patients who rated their care as high-quality. We used the Verona Coding Definitions of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES) to identify patient emotional expressions and clinician responses. Using mixed-effects logistic regression, we evaluated the association between clinician responses to patients' emotions and patient ratings of their interpersonal care. RESULTS In adjusted analyses, explicit responses that reduced space for further emotional communication were associated with high ratings of care (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.25, 2.99); non-explicit responses providing additional space were associated with low ratings (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.36-0.82). In terms of specific response types, neutral/passive responses were associated with low ratings (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39-0.90), whereas giving information/advice was associated with high ratings (OR, 95% 1.91 CI 1.17-3.1). CONCLUSIONS Patients may prefer responses to their expressed emotions that demonstrate clinician engagement, with or without expressions of empathy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS These findings may inform educational interventions to improve clinician-patient communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kamini Kuchinad
- Department of Rheumatology, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jenny Rose Park
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Dingfen Han
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Somnath Saha
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Richard Moore
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mary Catherine Beach
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States; Center for Health Equity, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ebelhar JS, Brock KE. Communicating difficult news in pediatric radiology. Pediatr Radiol 2024; 54:663-670. [PMID: 38326566 DOI: 10.1007/s00247-024-05861-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Effective communication is an important aspect of providing quality healthcare. Radiology staff may be called upon to communicate results, even when it is difficult. Simple, efficient communication models can be learned to reduce clinician distress and support patients and families through stressful times. These practical tips ensure essential communication elements are met, including assessing patient and family perspectives, clearly delivering medical information, responding with empathy, and collaborating around next steps. Models such as "Ask-Tell-Ask," "SPIKES," and "NURSE" can be used to disclose results, communicate serious news, and respond to emotion. Lastly, clinicians can also utilize "I wish… I worry… I wonder" statements to align with a patient's hopes and acknowledge a family's concerns, ultimately allowing healthcare professionals to support and guide families through challenging situations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Ebelhar
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Katharine E Brock
- Department of Pediatrics, Divisions of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and Palliative Care, Emory University, 2015 Uppergate Drive, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
- Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nerurkar L, van der Scheer I, Stevenson F. Engagement with emotional concerns in general practice: a thematic analysis of GP consultations. BJGP Open 2024; 8:BJGPO.2023.0202. [PMID: 37940141 PMCID: PMC11169977 DOI: 10.3399/bjgpo.2023.0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotional concerns (defined as any expression of low mood, anxiety, or psychosocial stress) are an important part of the biopsychosocial care model used in modern medical practice. Previous work has demonstrated variable engagement with emotional concerns and that improved communication has been associated with reductions in emotional distress. AIM To examine how emotional concerns are engaged with during routine GP consultations. DESIGN & SETTING Secondary study using the Harnessing Resources from the Internet (HaRI) database. The available dataset contains 231 recordings from 10 GPs across eight urban and suburban practices recorded in 2017 and 2018. METHOD The dataset was reviewed to identify any consultations containing emotional concerns (as defined as any expression of low mood, anxiety, or psychosocial stress) before being imported into NVivo (version 12) to facilitate thematic analysis and coding. Reflexive inductive thematic analysis resulted in two major themes. RESULTS The two main themes were as follows: engagement with emotional concerns as dynamic throughout consultations; and GPs engage with emotional concerns both diagnostically and therapeutically. In theme 1, this dynamism relates to competing areas of focus, immediate versus delayed engagement and reiteration of concerns throughout consultations. Emotional concerns can be engaged with in a similar way to physical concerns (theme 2) using a diagnostic and treatment-based approach; however, in addition to this, therapeutic listening and conversation is utilised. CONCLUSION Awareness of the dynamic nature of emotional concerns within consultations and encouraging engagement with concerns in a flexible and patient-oriented manner may help improve doctor-patient communication. In addition, investigating how GPs and patients build shared understanding around emotional concerns may identify methods to reduce patients' emotional distress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Nerurkar
- University College London, Research Department for Primary Care Research and Population Health, London, UK
| | - Iris van der Scheer
- University College London, Research Department for Primary Care Research and Population Health, London, UK
| | - Fiona Stevenson
- University College London, Research Department for Primary Care Research and Population Health, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Epstein RM, Beach MC. "I don't need your pills, I need your attention:" Steps toward deep listening in medical encounters. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 53:101685. [PMID: 37659284 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Patients highly value being listened to, taken seriously, heard, and understood; indeed, listening to patients is essential to alleviate suffering. Yet listening as a clinical skill has been virtually ignored in the training of physicians. In this paper, we synthesize literature related to listening in medicine and explore the internal and external challenges and complexity of listening - including the need to listen with a diagnostic as well as a relational ear to take in physical symptoms, emotions, and contexts - often in chaotic and time-pressured environments. We suggest physicians focus on the development of "deep listening" skills, involving cultivating curiosity, openness, reflective self-questioning, and epistemic reciprocity; we also suggest how to ensure patients know they are being listened to.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald M Epstein
- Center for Communication and Disparities Research, Departments of Family Medicine and Medicine (Palliative Care), Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, 1381 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14620, USA.
| | - Mary Catherine Beach
- Department of Medicine (General Internal Medicine), School of Medicine, Berman Institute of Bioethics, Johns Hopkins University, 2024 East Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Allgood S, Park J, Soleiman K, Saha S, Han D, McArthur A, Moore RD, Beach MC. Taxonomy and effectiveness of clinician agenda-setting questions in routine ambulatory encounters: A mixed method study. PATIENT EDUCATION AND COUNSELING 2023; 115:107889. [PMID: 37480792 DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite decades of communication training, studies repeatedly demonstrate that clinicians fail to elicit patients' agendas. Our goal was to provide clinicians with actionable guidance about the effectiveness of agenda-soliciting questions. METHODS We coded clinician agenda-soliciting questions and patient responses in audio-recorded ambulatory encounters at an urban academic hospital. To evaluate the association between question type and odds of the patient raising a concern, we performed mixed-effects logistic regression. RESULTS We identified 346 agenda-soliciting questions within 138 visits (mean 2.51/visit; range 0-9). Agenda-soliciting questions were categorized as personal state inquiries (37%, "How are you?"), feeling-focused (5% "How're you feeling?"), problem-focused (12%; "Are you having any problems"), direct solicitations (3%; "Anything you want to discuss today?"), "what else" (3%), "anything else" (14%), leading (16%; "Nothing else today?"), and space-reducing (11% "Anything else? Smoking?"). Patients raised a concern in response to 107 clinician questions (27%). Patients were more likely to raise a concern to direct solicitation (OR 22.95, 95% CI 2.62-200.70) or "what else" (OR 4.68, 95% CI 1.05-20.77) questions. CONCLUSIONS The most effective agenda-soliciting questions are used least frequently by clinicians. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Clinicians should elicit patient agendas by using direct language, and solicit additional concerns using "what else" vs. "anything else" questions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jenny Park
- Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | | | | | - Dingfen Han
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Prins S, Linn AJ, van Kaam AHLC, van de Loo M, van Woensel JBM, van Heerde M, Dijk PH, Kneyber MCJ, de Hoog M, Simons SHP, Akkermans AA, Smets EMA, de Vos MA. Diversity of Parent Emotions and Physician Responses During End-of-Life Conversations. Pediatrics 2023; 152:e2022061050. [PMID: 37575087 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-061050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES To provide support to parents of critically ill children, it is important that physicians adequately respond to parents' emotions. In this study, we investigated emotions expressed by parents, physicians' responses to these expressions, and parents' emotions after the physicians' responses in conversations in which crucial decisions regarding the child's life-sustaining treatment had to be made. METHODS Forty-nine audio-recorded conversations between parents of 12 critically ill children and physicians working in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units of 3 Dutch university medical centers were coded and analyzed by using a qualitative inductive approach. RESULTS Forty-six physicians and 22 parents of 12 children participated. In all 49 conversations, parents expressed a broad range of emotions, often intertwining, including anxiety, anger, devotion, grief, relief, hope, and guilt. Both implicit and explicit expressions of anxiety were prevalent. Physicians predominantly responded to parental emotions with cognition-oriented approaches, thereby limiting opportunities for parents. This appeared to intensify parents' expressions of anger and protectiveness, although their anxiety remained under the surface. In response to more tangible emotional expressions, for instance, grief when the child's death was imminent, physicians provided parents helpful support in both affect- and cognition-oriented ways. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate the diversity of emotions expressed by parents during end-of-life conversations. Moreover, they offer insight into the more and less helpful ways in which physicians may respond to these emotions. More training is needed to help physicians in recognizing parents' emotions, particularly implicit expressions of anxiety, and to choose helpful combinations of responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Prins
- Department of Pediatrics, Emma Children's Hospital
| | - Annemiek J Linn
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Moniek van de Loo
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Emma Children's Hospital
| | - Job B M van Woensel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital
| | - Marc van Heerde
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Intensive Care, Emma Children's Hospital
| | | | - Martin C J Kneyber
- Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Beatrix Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sinno H P Simons
- Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sophia Children's Hospital, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aranka A Akkermans
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen M A Smets
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stortenbeker I, Salm L, Olde Hartman T, Stommel W, Das E, van Dulmen S. Coding linguistic elements in clinical interactions: a step-by-step guide for analyzing communication form. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:191. [PMID: 35820827 PMCID: PMC9277943 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01647-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The quality of communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs) and patients affects health outcomes. Different coding systems have been developed to unravel the interaction. Most schemes consist of predefined categories that quantify the content of communication (the what). Though the form (the how) of the interaction is equally important, protocols that systematically code variations in form are lacking. Patterns of form and how they may differ between groups therefore remain unnoticed. To fill this gap, we present CLECI, Coding Linguistic Elements in Clinical Interactions, a protocol for the development of a quantitative codebook analyzing communication form in medical interactions. Methods Analyzing with a CLECI codebook is a four-step process, i.e. preparation, codebook development, (double-)coding, and analysis and report. Core activities within these phases are research question formulation, data collection, selection of utterances, iterative deductive and inductive category refinement, reliability testing, coding, analysis, and reporting. Results and conclusion We present step-by-step instructions for a CLECI analysis and illustrate this process in a case study. We highlight theoretical and practical issues as well as the iterative codebook development which combines theory-based and data-driven coding. Theory-based codes assess how relevant linguistic elements occur in natural interactions, whereas codes derived from the data accommodate linguistic elements to real-life interactions and contribute to theory-building. This combined approach increases research validity, enhances theory, and adjusts to fit naturally occurring data. CLECI will facilitate the study of communication form in clinical interactions and other institutional settings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-022-01647-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Inge Stortenbeker
- Centre for Language Studies, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Lisa Salm
- Centre for Language Studies, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Olde Hartman
- Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Wyke Stommel
- Centre for Language Studies, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Enny Das
- Centre for Language Studies, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sandra van Dulmen
- Radboud university medical center, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Department of Primary and Community Care, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,NIVEL (Netherlands institute for health services research), Utrecht, the Netherlands.,Faculty of Caring Science, University of Borås, Borås, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hofmann H, Constant-Peter G, Pearlman REB. Essential Elements of Communication. Med Clin North Am 2022; 106:557-567. [PMID: 35725223 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Relationship-centered communication (RCC) is an effective approach to patient-provider communication. This article describes RCC components known as the essential elements of communication. The article also describes current standard conceptual models for applying RCC to the patient encounter, including a structure for relationship building. The authors also explore the challenges to using RCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heather Hofmann
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Avenue, M75, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Gregorie Constant-Peter
- Orange County Government, Florida, Corrections Health Services, 3855 S John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL 32839, USA
| | - Ruth Ellen Bledsoe Pearlman
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra Boulevard, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA.
| |
Collapse
|