Sitting or crouching at a hospitalized patient’s bedside was associated with more trust, satisfaction, and better clinical outcomes than standing, according to a new study.
Most studies on this topic varied with their interventions and outcomes, with high risk of bias, prompting researchers to conduct a systematic review.
Only 14 studies met criteria for evaluation in the systematic review, with only two being rigorous experiments.
Patients generally prefer clinicians who are sitting or at eye level, although this preference wasn’t universally true in all studies.
Encouraging clinicians to sit at eye level with patients, providing seating options, and including physician posture as part of interventions in hospital settings can lead to improved patient outcomes and perceptions.
Doctors and healthcare providers, listen up! A new study has found that something as simple as sitting down or getting to a patient’s eye level during conversations about their care can significantly impact trust, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, highlighted the importance of non-verbal factors in patient care.
The research team emphasized the need for clinicians and hospital administrators to promote sitting at the bedside, as it can improve the patient-provider relationship and overall experience. Providing folding chairs and stools in patient rooms could facilitate this practice. Despite concerns about time constraints and infection transmission, the evidence suggests that taking a moment to sit with patients can make a difference in their perception of care. Ongoing efforts, such as the M-Wellness Laboratory study, are incorporating physician posture as part of interventions to create a healing environment and strengthen bonds between patients and healthcare providers.
In conclusion, this study underscores the significance of non-verbal communication in healthcare and the positive impact that something as simple as sitting down can have on patient outcomes. By encouraging providers to sit at eye level with patients, hospitals can enhance the patient experience and potentially improve health outcomes. This research sheds light on the importance of small gestures in healthcare that can positively impact patient care and satisfaction.
