Tai-Seale M, Foo P, Stults C., Health Aff. 32(2):259-67. doi: 10.1377/hlthaff.2012.0962., 2013 Feb 01
Investigators
Cheryl Stults, Ph.D., Assistant Scientist
Abstract
Increased patient engagement is of particular interest regarding patients
with mental health needs, given the high burden of mental
illness in the United States and the potential for greater patient engagement to improve
health outcomes. Little is known about the extent to
which these patients ask questions
of their physicians, how physicians respond, and what the relationship is between
patients' questions
and visit outcomes.
We conducted in-depth mixed-method analyses of 322
audio recordings of primary care visits by people with mental
health needs.
We found that patients asked many questions-a
median of fifteen per visit, but that they were more likely to ask about biomedical
topics, such as diabetes, than about mental health
topics. Patients received highly varied responses
from physicians.
Our findings suggest that efforts aimed at improving
patient engagement should move beyond simply encouraging patients
to ask questions. The goal should also be to support
physicians in recognizing patients' concerns and providing
the most responsive answers, as well as promoting strong relationships to undergird
communication among all members of the care team.