Information provision and attentive listening as determinants of patient perceptions of shared decision-making around chronic illnesses

Abstract

BackgroundWhile chronic illnesses are a major concern of the health system worldwide, little is known about patients–physicians communication. Growing demand for patient-centered care and shared decision-making have increased the interest for patients–physicians communication. Based on previous literature, we propose a model in which the effect of information provision and attentive listening over patients’ perceptions of shared decision-making (PPSDM) is mediated by the variables self-efficacy and proactivity. Primary data were collected between April and August 2014 through an online survey of patients with haemophilia. Haemophilia is a chronic disease in which many options of treatment are available. The right option depends, to some extent, on patient’s preferences. In this context, great uncertainty exists when choosing treatment option and shared decision-making plays an essential role.ResultsA total of 181 patients with haemophilia participated in the survey. The psychometric properties of the measurement scales were evaluated by means of a confirmatory factor analysis. A structural equation model was designed. Results show that provision of information and attentive listening determine PPSDM through patients’ self-efficacy and proactivity in requesting information.ConclusionsIt is important to incorporate communication training in medical education, particularly provision of information and attentive listening. These skills help the healthcare professional to gain a deeper understanding of the patient. Furthermore, provision of information and attentive listening are fundamental in helping patients not to undervalue their personal knowledge and expertise in relation to their doctors. These strategies encourage them to adopt a more active position in requesting information. Encouraging a proactive behaviour of patients and their relatives helps them to realize the need to participate and to make them feel that they are part of the decision-making process.

Shared decision making for the allergist

“…41,42 Good clinical communication skills, including building a rapport with the patient and attentive listening, need to be the foundation of SDM. 43,44 Different approaches to the SDM process have been proposed. The 3-talk model recommends SDM in 3 steps comprised of the Figure 2.…”

Measuring therapeutic relationship in the care of patients with haemophilia: A scoping review

“…Thirteen of the twenty articles described a standardized measurement tool. Ten unique tools were identified: the “Specialist/Nurses” subscale of Hemo‐SAT, the “treatment satisfaction” domain of Hemofilia‐QoL, Mountain States Regional Haemophilia and Thrombosis Center Patient Satisfaction Survey, Multi‐dimensional Health Locus of Control Scale, University of Oviedo Survey (UOvS), QUOTE‐Communication Questionnaire (QUOTE), Theoretical Model of Deliberation Dialogues (TMDD), the “Communication” subscale of the Veritas‐PRO, the Wake Forest Trust in Physician Scale (WFTPS) and the Working Alliance Inventory for Chronic Conditions (WAI‐CC).…”

Shared decision making: Does a physician's decision‐making style affect patient participation in treatment choices for primary immunodeficiency?

“…The study found that decision-making style, whether intuitive or rational, is associated with the level of patient participation and suggests that perhaps some traditional assumptions underlying SDM should be reassessed and more research focus should be on physician behaviour as opposed to patient behaviour. 76,77 Or, at a minimum, several physician-driven factors should be considered when designing optimal physician-patient interaction.…”