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Time and the consultation--an argument for a 'certain slowness'
Joachim P Sturmberg1, Paul Cilliers
1Department of General Practice, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia. jp.sturmberg@gmail.com
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice
|October 9, 2009
Summary
Prioritizing time-efficiency in medical consultations can harm patient understanding and outcomes. Sufficient consultation time, fostering shared memory and relationships, is crucial for effective healing and humanizing care.
Area of Science:
- Medical practice and healthcare systems
- Complex adaptive systems theory
- Doctor-patient relationship dynamics
Background:
- The shift from natural time to clock-based measurement has made 'speedy use of time' a virtue in many fields, including medicine.
- Shorter medical consultations increase patient turnover but may reduce understanding, while longer ones enhance patient comprehension.
- This creates a tension between time-efficiency (short-term turnover) and time-effectiveness (long-term outcomes).
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the concept of time within medical consultations as a complex adaptive system.
- To analyze the role of 'memory' and interaction patterns in shaping consultation dynamics and outcomes.
- To advocate for sufficient time in consultations to improve healing relationships and humanize medical care.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of medical consultations as complex adaptive systems.
- Exploration of the role of time, memory, and interaction dynamics.
- Discussion of the balance between efficiency and effectiveness in healthcare delivery.
Main Results:
- Consultations function as complex adaptive systems where interaction patterns, not just components, determine outcomes.
- The development of 'shared memories' through frequent and ongoing doctor-patient interactions is vital for understanding.
- Sufficient time allows for the development of these memories, fostering a stable yet adaptive healing environment.
Conclusions:
- A 'certain slowness' or sufficient time is essential for building strong doctor-patient relationships and effective healing.
- Prioritizing time-effectiveness over mere time-efficiency leads to better long-term outcomes and a more humanized medical experience.
- Humanizing consultations benefits both patients and doctors by moving beyond purely instrumental interactions.
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