Durham, N.C.-based Duke Health researchers assessed the impact of a one-page form given to patients prior to their appointments.
The researchers created a three-question form for Duke clinical specialty practices to give patients over a one-year timeframe. The form was designed to complement the Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician survey. The study involved 14,600 patients, with a 96 percent completion rate.
Neurosurgery published the study.
Here are five insights.
1. The form included a section for patients to write specific topics they wanted to discuss with their physicians during their appointments.
2. Patients also wrote down whether providers addressed all of their questions during the appointment and if they felt satisfied.
3. Lead study author Oren Gottfried, MD, Duke University School of Medicine's neurosurgery department clinical vice chair for quality, and his team developed the survey to offer providers real-time, actionable feedback.
4. The researchers found the survey boosted physicians' global rating scores via the CG-CAHPS survey as well as enhanced patient satisfaction.
5. Dr. Gottfried said, "In a typical visit, patients might forget or not articulate all of their concerns, due to being intimidated by the doctor's office or doctor, feeling anxious or rushed, or not knowing how to share or voice their questions."