The study by Khan et al. (2014) explores how establishing eye contact during medical consultations enhances the doctor-patient relationship, leading to higher patient satisfaction and better therapeutic outcomes.
Research Context
Effective communication is crucial in medical consultations, with nonverbal behaviors such as eye contact playing a significant role. This study examines the perceptions and preferences of patients regarding eye contact during consultations at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
Methodology
- Participants: 120 patients from the Aga Khan University Hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, participated in the study. The participants represented a diverse demographic, including various age groups, genders, and educational backgrounds.
- Experimental Design: The study used a questionnaire-based cross-sectional approach to gather data on patients' attitudes towards eye contact during consultations.
- Data Collection: Patients were surveyed about their comfort levels and preferences regarding eye contact from their physicians. The data were analyzed using statistical methods to identify correlations.
Key Findings
- Enhanced Doctor-Patient Relationship: 86.1% of the participants believed that establishing eye contact indicates that the doctor is attentive and concerned about their well-being.
- Increased Patient Satisfaction: Patients reported higher satisfaction when doctors made regular but brief eye contact, viewing it as a sign of respect and engagement.
- Better Therapeutic Outcomes: Eye contact was associated with improved communication, making patients feel more understood and secure, which can lead to better adherence to treatment plans and overall health outcomes.
Impact
- Telehealth Settings: In telehealth and face-to-face consultations, maintaining eye contact can significantly enhance the doctor-patient relationship, leading to better patient engagement and satisfaction.
- Educational Settings: Medical educators should emphasize the importance of eye contact in patient interactions, training future healthcare professionals to use this nonverbal cue effectively.
- Technology Design: Telehealth platforms can integrate features that facilitate eye contact, such as eye-tracking technology or camera placement that simulates direct eye contact.
Conclusion
The study by Khan et al. (2014) highlights the critical role of eye contact in medical consultations. Establishing eye contact enhances the doctor-patient relationship, increases patient satisfaction, and contributes to better therapeutic outcomes. These findings underscore the importance of training healthcare professionals to use eye contact effectively and designing telehealth technologies that support this nonverbal communication cue.
References
Khan, F. H., Hanif, R., Tabassum, R., Qidwai, W., & Nanji, K. (2014). Patient Attitudes towards Physician Nonverbal Behaviors during Consultancy: Result from a Developing Country. ISRN Family Medicine. doi: 10.1155/2014/473654
