A shared decision-making communication training program for physicians treating fibromyalgia patients: effects of a
Christiane Bieber1, Knut Georg Müller, Klaus Blumenstiel
1Department of Psychosomatic and General Internal Medicine, Medical Hospital, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. christiane.bieber@med.uni-heidelberg.de <christiane.bieber@med.uni-heidelberg.de>
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|December 26, 2007
Summary
Shared decision making (SDM) significantly improved physician-patient interaction quality for fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients. This intervention, including physician training, reduced patient frustration and enhanced communication.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Health Psychology
- Medical Education
Background:
- Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) presents chronic widespread pain, often leading to challenging physician-patient interactions.
- Effective communication strategies are crucial for managing FMS and improving patient outcomes.
- Shared decision making (SDM) offers a framework to enhance collaborative care in chronic pain conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a shared decision making (SDM) intervention on the quality of physician-patient interaction from the patient's perspective in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
- To assess the effectiveness of an SDM communication training program for physicians treating FMS patients.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 85 FMS patients, allocated to either an SDM group or an information-only group.
- The SDM group received care from physicians trained in SDM communication and had access to a computer-based information package.
- The information-only group received only the information package from standard physicians; all patients were offered evidence-based FMS treatment options.
Main Results:
- The quality of physician-patient interaction was significantly higher in the SDM group compared to the information-only group (P<.001).
- Analysis included 44 patients in the SDM group and 41 in the information-only group, with a mean age of 49.9 years (91.8% female).
- No significant differences were observed in secondary outcome measures between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Shared decision making (SDM) is a viable approach to enhance the quality of physician-patient interaction for individuals with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
- A targeted SDM communication training program equips physicians with the necessary skills to implement SDM effectively.
- This approach has the potential to reduce patient frustration and improve the overall care experience for FMS patients.
