When you’re lying on a hospital bed, how your doctor interacts with you can make a big difference in your experience as a patient. A new study suggests that one simple change by physicians — having them sit down instead of standing over patients — may significantly improve how patients perceive their care.
Researchers from the University of Michigan and Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System reviewed 14 studies examining how a doctor’s posture affects patient perceptions in hospital settings. Their findings, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, indicate that patients tend to view seated doctors more favorably.
“The studies measured many different things, from length of the patient encounter and patient impressions of empathy and compassion, to hospitals’ overall patient evaluation scores as measured by standardized surveys like the federal HCAHPS survey,” notes Nathan Houchens, MD, a U-M Medical School faculty member and VA hospitalist who worked with U-M medical students to review this evidence, in a media release.
This may seem like a small detail, but in the high-stress environment of a hospital, these perceptions can have meaningful impacts. Patients who feel their doctors communicate well and care about them tend to be more satisfied with their care overall. They may also be more likely to follow treatment plans and have better health outcomes.
The idea behind this effect is rooted in nonverbal communication and social psychology. When a doctor stands over a patient’s bed, it can create a sense of hierarchy or intimidation. By sitting down, the doctor puts themselves at eye level with the patient, which can feel more equal and collaborative.
This doesn’t mean doctors need to pull up a chair for every brief interaction. The studies reviewed looked at more substantial conversations, like discussing diagnosis and treatment plans. For these important talks, taking a seat could make a real difference.
However, getting doctors to consistently sit down may be easier said than done. Several studies noted that even when instructed to sit, doctors often remained standing. Reasons included lack of available seating, concerns about efficiency, and worries about hygiene for patients in isolation.
Houchens suggests hospitals could encourage sitting by ensuring each patient room has a dedicated chair for clinicians and by creating a culture where sitting with patients is the norm. With minimal cost and effort, this small change in body language could lead to more positive hospital experiences for patients.
Source: https://studyfinds.org/sit-down-doc-patient-satisfaction/?nab=0