Shared decision making, patient-centered communication and patient satisfaction - A cross-sectional analysis

Objectives: The integration of shared decision making (SDM) and patient-centered communication (PCC) is needed to actively involve patients in decision making. This study examined the relationship between shared decision making and patient-centered communication. Methods: In 82 videotaped hospital outpatient consultations by 41 medical specialists from 18 disciplines, we assessed the extent of shared decision making by the OPTION5 score and patient-centered communication by the Four Habits Coding Scheme (4HCS), and analyzed the occurrence of a high versus low degree (above or below median) of SDM and/or PCC, and its relation to patient satisfaction scores. Results: In comparison to earlier studies, we observed comparable 4HCS scores and relatively low OPTION5 scores. The correlation between the two was weak (r = 0.29, p = 0.009). In 38% of consultations, we observed a combination of high SDM and low PCC scores or vice versa. The combination of a high SDM and high PCC, which was observed in 23% of consultations, was associated with significantly higher patient satisfaction scores. Conclusion: Shared decision making and patient-centered communication are not synonymous and do not always co-exist. Practice implications: The value of integrated training of shared decision making and patient-centered communication should be further explored.

Automated summary

This study found that shared decision making and patient-centered communication are not synonymous and have a weak correlation. In consultations, combinations of high SDM and low PCC or vice versa were common. The combination of high SDM and high PCC was associated with higher patient satisfaction scores.