Research survey

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HCAPHS Survey

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HCAPHS Survey

HCAPHS Survey Question: During this hospital stay, how often did doctors explain things in a way you could understand?

Article Title: The influence of patient-physician communication on physician loyalty and hospital loyalty of the patient.

First Author Name: Ozgun Unal

Year of Publication: 2018

Journal Title: Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences

Patient access to relevant information allows them to play a significant role in their own care. It also aligns with the increasing campaign on a patient-centered care model to improve healthcare outcomes. According to Unal et al. 2018, effective physician-patient communication increases patient involvement in their treatment resulting in improved patient satisfaction with the service they receive. Patient satisfaction with the type of information given by physicians does not necessarily depend on technical knowledge but also mastery of effective communication skills. To measure the effectiveness of the interventions by the hospital in ensuring improved patient-physician communication, the HCAPHS survey posed the question mentioned above.

Effective patient-physician communication makes patients more comfortable, trusting, and confident in the healthcare physician and healthcare provider institution. The result is patient involvement and commitment in the treatment process, hence a successful treatment process. Once a patient describes their symptoms, the care physician is expected to provide all relevant information about required tests and treatment options and then allow the patient to decide if to undergo treatment or not. Additionally, physicians should provide the side effects of each treatment option without feeling the need to pressure the patient to choose a preferred treatment method. The patient then gives informed consent to proceed with medical tests and treatment. The involvement of patients in treatment decision-making and the allowance of choosing treatment options can only yield positive results when a physician provides clear and unbiased technical information.

Possession of relevant technical knowledge and excellent communication skills by physicians will improve patient satisfaction and an understanding of how doctors provide explanations to questions. Information should be based on facts and not a misconception and delivered effectively that the patient can comprehend. Failure to establish effective communication between a doctor and patient reduces the efficacy of treatment hence poor outcomes. It is important for doctors to take up communication skills alongside occupational training, to enhance service delivery.

Getting to know your patient and establishing a relationship with good communication skills improves patient satisfaction. As a doctor, the first step is introducing yourself to the patient, asking basic questions, and making the patient feel comfortable when appropriate. Then, gain their trust by talking to the patient with empathy, compassion, and respect as you ask the right questions to gain their perspective. Be keen to identify barriers such as low health literacy based on the questions they ask and outstanding beliefs. Because patients follow a doctor's lead, this process will ensure that patients receive clear and informed explanations of things in a way they can understand. From the article, communication yields patient satisfaction hence hospital and physician loyalty.

Reference

Unal, O., Akbolat, M., & Amarat, M. (2018). The influence of patient-physician communication on physician loyalty and hospital loyalty of the patient. Pakistan journal of medical sciences, 34(4), 999.