Noncongruence between Audiologist and Patient Preferences for Patient-Centeredness

Trends in preferences of both healthcare providers and patients to patient-centeredness have been emphasized in research. However, an understanding of the nature of preferences to patient-centeredness within the context of the audiologist-patient relationship is needed.

The purpose of this study is to explore the congruence between audiologist and patient preferences for patient-centeredness.

A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from audiologists and patients with hearing loss.

Participants included 75 audiologists and 105 consecutive patients with hearing loss.

Participants completed the modified Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) and provided selected demographic information. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t test to evaluate the differences between audiologist and patient congruence. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors contributing to preferences for patient-centeredness.

Patients had significantly lower scores in PPOS full scale when compared to the audiologists [t₍₁₇₀₎ = 0.78; p ≤ 0.001] with a very large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.43). Patients also had significantly lower scores when compared to the audiologists on both the sharing [t₍₁₇₀₎ = 1.01; p ≤ 0.001] and caring [t₍₁₇₀₎ = 0.56; p ≤ 0.001] subscales. Statistically significant lower scores were noted for patients when compared to audiologists on 12 items on the PPOS. No relationship between any demographic factors and preferences for patient-centeredness were found.

The current study results indicated noncongruence in preferences for patient-centeredness among audiologists and patients with hearing loss. Results point toward the need for more research considering the nature and impact of patient-centered audiology practice.