Knowledge of Patients' Activation Level Changes Expert US Physicians' Communication in GERD Management

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Patient Adherence Research
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a prevalent condition requiring ongoing symptom management.
• Medication nonadherence is common in GERD patients, yet patient behaviors driving this are under-explored.
• Current treatment paradigms for GERD often overlook patient-specific behavioral factors influencing adherence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess expert gastroenterologists' awareness and understanding of patient activation in the context of GERD management.
• To evaluate the perceived impact of patient activation levels on patient-physician communication in GERD care.
• To determine the extent to which physicians engage in partnership-building behaviors that foster patient activation for GERD.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey was administered to 36 gastroenterologists specializing in esophageal diseases.
• The survey included measures of physician knowledge regarding patient activation (CS-PAM) and patient-centered care (PACIC) adapted for GERD.
• Physicians reported on their engagement in specific partnership-building behaviors during GERD consultations.

Main Results:

• While most physicians recognized 'patient engagement,' awareness of 'patient activation' was lower (33.3%).
• Physician-reported support for patient activation (CS-PAM scores) was generally high.
• Physicians frequently inquired about GERD's impact on patients' lives (52.8%) but less often addressed health habits or referred to supportive services.

Conclusions:

• Patient activation represents a significant strategy for enhancing medication adherence in GERD.
• Integrating patient activation principles may offer a behavioral approach to improve GERD management outcomes.
• Further research into physician practices supporting patient activation is warranted to optimize GERD care.