BackgroundThere is no validated generic tool to measure Doctor-Patient-Communication (DPC) in a context of acute conditions.ObjectiveTo create and validate such a scale in a real population.Materials and methodWe performed a systematic review of validated DPC scales available in English. From these, using a theoretical model based on a multidisciplinary approach, we selected pertinent items that met the inclusion criteria and included them in a simple questionnaire. This tool based on a synthesis of the literature was then validated in a prospective study in two hospital emergency departments.ResultsWe found 22 pertinent questionnaires and scoring systems. From these, we extracted items and built a scale based on 15 questions with graded responses (Likert from 1 to 4). The mean time for questionnaire completion was 3 minutes. We included 189 adults and adolescents in the study and analyzed complete responses to the questionnaire by 149 patients, gathered over the phone one week after their consultation. The scale had high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89) and good external validity. Two questions were removed due to redundancy giving a scale based on 13 questions.ConclusionsWe have created an easy-to-use and validated generic questionnaire to assess DPC in a context of acute conditions, usable both in clinical research and in routine practice.

Fibromyalgia is a common chronic pain pathology with an incidence of 4.3 per 1,000 person-years. An open, randomized clinical trial of patients with fibromyalgia comparing an immediate vs. delayed 18-day spa therapy in five spa therapy care facilities in France enrolled 220 patients. Randomization was in blocks of four, stratified by center, severity of fibromyalgia and previous spa therapy. Patients continued usual treatment. The main endpoint was the number of patients achieving minimal clinically important difference at 6 months, defined as 14% change in their baseline fibromyalgia impact questionnaire score. The intention-to-treat analysis included 100 and 106 patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively. At 6 months, 45/100 (45.0%) and 30/106 (28.3%) patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively, achieved a minimal clinically important difference (P= .013). There was also a significant improvement in pain, fatigue, and symptom severity (secondary outcomes) in the intervention group but not for generic quality of life (QOL), sleep or physical activity. None of the 33 serious adverse events reported by 25 patients were related to the spa therapy. Our results demonstrate the benefit of spa treatment in patients with fibromyalgia.Perspective: A 12-month, open, randomized clinical trial of 220 patients with fibromyalgia compared an immediate versus delayed (ie, after 6 months) 18-day spa therapy. The results showed a clinically significant improvement at 6 months for those who received immediate therapy which was maintained up to 12 months.

ObjectiveIn the context of acute conditions seen in an emergency department, where communication may be difficult, patient information leaflets (PILs) could improve doctor–patient communication (DPC) and may have an impact on other outcomes of the consultation. Our objective was to assess the impact of PILs on DPC, patient satisfaction and adherence, and on patient and doctor behaviours.DesignProspective, controlled, before–after trial between November 2013 and June 2015.SettingTwo French emergency departments.ParticipantsAdults and adolescents >15 years diagnosed with ankle sprain or an infection (diverticulitis, infectious colitis, pyelonephritis, pneumonia or prostatitis).InterventionPhysicians in the intervention group gave patients a PIL about their condition along with an oral explanation.Main outcome measures7–10 days later, patients were contacted by phone to answer questionnaires. Results were derived from questions scored using a 4-point Likert scale.Main findingsAnalysis of the 324 patients showed that PILs improved the mean DPC score (range: 13–52), with 46 (42–49) for 168 patients with PILs vs 44 (38-48) for 156 patients without PILs (p<0.01). The adjusted OR for good communication (having a score >35/52) was 2.54 (1.27 to 5.06). The overall satisfaction and adherence scores did not show significant differences. In contrast, satisfaction with healthcare professionals and timing of medication intake were improved with PILs. The overall satisfaction score improved significantly on per-protocol analysis. When using PILs, doctors prescribed fewer drugs and more examinations (radiology, biology, appointment with a specialist); the need for a new medical consultation for the same pathology was reduced from 32.1% to 17.9% (OR 0.46 [0.27 to 0.77]), particularly revisiting the emergency department.ConclusionIn emergency departments, PILs given by doctors improve DPC, increase patients’ satisfaction with healthcare professionals, reduce the number of emergency reconsultations for the same pathology and modify the doctor’s behaviour.Trial registration numberNCT02246361.