Related Experiment Videos
Deconstructing patient centred communication and uncovering shared decision making: an observational study
Michel Wensing1, Glyn Elwyn, Adrian Edwards
1Centre for Quality of Care Research, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, P,O, Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. M.Wensing@hsv.kun.nl
BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making
|February 12, 2002
Summary
Patient-centred communication (PCC) and shared decision-making (SDM) are distinct communication approaches. This study found they were weakly associated and not influenced by patient characteristics.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Health Services Research
- General Practice
Background:
- Patient-centred communication (PCC) is an established doctor-patient communication method.
- Shared decision-making (SDM) principles represent a more recent approach to clinical interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To empirically investigate the association between PCC and SDM.
- To analyze variations in practitioners' communication styles regarding PCC and SDM.
- To explore the relationship between PCC and SDM and patient characteristics.
Main Methods:
- 60 general practitioners videotaped 596 patient consultations.
- Researchers assessed communication using a standardized instrument.
- Exploratory study utilized subsamples of items from the MAAS for PCC and SDM scales.
Main Results:
- PCC and SDM scales showed a weak association (Pearson correlation: 0.25).
- Physician variation was greater for SDM than for PCC.
- No significant associations were found between PCC or SDM scores and patient demographics (gender, education, age) or health status (functional health, chronic conditions).
Conclusions:
- PCC and SDM are empirically distinguishable communication strategies.
- Further research and targeted training can enhance the distinction and application of these communication approaches.