Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital researchers investigated the effect of physician empathy on outcomes and medical care satisfaction.
The study analyzed 112 new patients' ratings of their personal interactions with their hand surgeons. Journal of Hand Surgery published the study.
Here are five highlights:
1. The study found 65 percent of patient satisfaction linked to physician empathy.
2. Wait time for an appointment, wait time in the office, time with the surgeon, resident involvement, health literacy and treatment choice did not impact satisfaction. Whether or not patients were seeking second opinions also did not impact satisfaction.
3. Principal investigator David Ring, MD, PhD, suggested surgeons practice more effective empathetic communication strategies.
4. Surgeons may want to surround themselves with staff members who are trained in effective communication and customer service.
5. The study's findings prove crucial, as reimbursements are directly correlated to patient satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes.
"This study shows that physician empathy is the best opportunity to improve the patient experience," said Dr. Ring.