Provider burnout and patient-provider communication in the context of hypertension care

Burnout is prevalent among healthcare providers and associated with poor patient-provider communication. Patient-provider communication is essential for effective care, particularly among patients with conditions such as hypertension. We examined the association between provider burnout and patient-provider communication in hypertension care.

We used cross-sectional data from 26 primary care providers and their 80 patients with hypertension. Patient-provider primary care visits were audiotaped and providers completed surveys. Patients were 65% Black/African American and 58% female. Providers were 54% white and 65% female. Patient-provider communication was coded using the Medical Interaction Process System (MIPS). We also assess provider-reported level of burnout and suboptimal patient care using validated surveys.

Our findings show an inverse association between burnout and relationship building communication (e.g., displaying empathy) (b=-4.7 p < .05) and between relationship building communication and suboptimal patient care (b=-0.6 p < .05) in multivariate, adjusted models.

Given the role of patient-provider communication, our work highlights provider burnout as a potentially significant hindrance to patient-provider relationship building in hypertension care.

Future research should examine the factors that contribute to provider burnout in order to mitigate their negative effects on patient-provider communication and patient care.