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Physiological linkage during interactions between doctors and cancer patients
Marta Vigier1, Katherine R Thorson2, Elisabeth Andritsch3
1Division of Oncology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria; Department of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|July 17, 2021
Summary
In doctor-patient relationships, physiological linkage, where one’s physiological response predicts another’s, was observed. Patients’ physiological responses synchronized with their doctors’ in relationships lasting three to eight visits.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Medical Sociology
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Doctor-patient interactions involve mutual influence on affect and behavior.
- Previous research suggests similarity in affect and behavior between doctors and patients.
- The current study investigates moment-to-moment physiological synchrony in doctor-patient dyads.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine physiological linkage between doctors and patients during consultations.
- To determine if physiological linkage changes over the course of the doctor-patient relationship.
- To assess if physiological responses become similar on a moment-to-moment basis.
Main Methods:
- Continuous collection of interbeat interval (IBI) responses.
- Study conducted during consultations between oncologists and cancer patients.
- 102 unique doctor-patient interactions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Physiological linkage varied based on role (doctor/patient) and relationship length.
- Patients' physiological responses were linked to doctors' in relationships of 3-8 consultations.
- No significant physiological linkage was found from patients to doctors, regardless of relationship length.
Conclusions:
- Doctors' physiological responses can predict patients' responses moment-to-moment.
- This physiological linkage suggests a deeper level of influence doctors may have on patients.
- The findings highlight the dynamic interplay of physiological synchrony within the therapeutic relationship.
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