In a bustling clinic, your precious time with the doctor might be more limited than you think. A recent study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine reveals that patients typically get just 11 seconds to explain their reasons for visiting before being interrupted by their doctors. This startling statistic highlights a significant gap in what should be a cornerstone of medical practice: effective communication.
The study found that only about one in three doctors gives patients enough time to fully describe their situation. Researchers identified several barriers to patient-centered care, including time constraints, inadequate communication training, and physician burnout. Despite these challenges, there is a clear need for improvement.
"Our results suggest that we are far from achieving patient-centered care," said lead researcher Naykky Singh Ospina of the University of Florida, Gainesville, and the Mayo Clinic.
The study examined 112 patient-doctor interactions across various U.S. clinics, noting how consultations began and whether patients could set the agenda. Primary care doctors generally allowed more time for patients to speak than specialists. However, even when patients had the chance to outline their concerns, they were interrupted within 11 seconds in 70% of cases.
Singh Ospina emphasizes the importance of understanding each patient's unique concerns, even in specialized visits. She acknowledges that not all interruptions are detrimental. When done respectfully, interruptions can help clarify or focus the conversation. However, she notes that it’s unlikely such interruptions are beneficial in the early stages of the encounter.
Improving doctor-patient communication is essential for more effective and satisfactory healthcare experiences.
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