Communication matters when it comes to adverse events: Associations of adverse events during implant treatment with patients' communication quality and trust assessments. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schrimpff, Charlotte; Link, Elena; Fisse, Tanja; Baumann, Eva; Klimmt, Christoph
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 110(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Patient-provider communication -- Patient-centered communication -- Trust -- Adverse events -- Complications -- Chronic disease -- Implant treatment -- Cochlear implants -- Orthopedic implants -- Dental implants -- Surgery -- Germany; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2023.107675
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Because patients' trust in their physicians is a critical factor in improving health outcomes and patient response to adverse events, it is important to analyze the determinants of trust. One of these determinants is patient-centered communication. Because the occurrence of adverse events must be communicated to the patient, we asked whether the perceived quality of patient-physician communication acts as an isolating factor between adverse events and patient trust. Methods: We proposed and tested a structural equation model linking the occurrence of adverse events to the mediator patient-provider communication quality and to the outcome patient trust. The model was controlled for sociodemographic and health-related factors. We used online survey data from German implant patients (n = 1312), as implant treatment is associated with frequent adverse events such as infections. Results: Our results show that adverse events during implant treatment are associated with small but significantly lower trust levels. Patient-provider communication quality partially mediates this association. Conclusions: Patient trust does not appear to be immune to deterioration from adverse events. Patient-provider communication plays a role in mitigating this association. Practice Implications: To improve the quality of care, attention should be paid to how adverse events are communicated in a patient-centered manner. Highlights: Implant treatment is common, but associated with risk of complications. Complications are negatively associated with implant patients' trust in their treating physician. Thoughtful patient-provider communication might help mitigate this association.