New Study Reveals the Power of Physician Posture in Patient Interactions
A simple change in posture could significantly improve patient care in hospitals, according to a new study from the University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System. The research suggests that when doctors sit or crouch to speak with patients at eye level, it can lead to increased trust, satisfaction, and even better clinical outcomes compared to standing conversations.
The systematic review, published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine, analyzed 14 studies that met the criteria for evaluation. While the researchers note that many of these studies had limitations and potential biases, the overall trend points to a clear preference among patients for clinicians who communicate at eye level.
Breaking Down Barriers in Hospital Hierarchy
Nathan Houchens, M.D., a faculty member at the U-M Medical School and VA hospitalist who led the study, explains that the focus on physician posture stems from the inherent power dynamics in hospital-based care. “An attending or resident physician can shift that relationship with a patient by getting down to eye level instead of standing over them,” he notes.
The research team reviewed studies that measured various outcomes, including the length of patient encounters, patient impressions of empathy and compassion, and overall hospital patient evaluation scores. While the results weren’t universally consistent, the general picture suggests that patients prefer clinicians who make an effort to communicate at eye level.
Interestingly, the study also addressed a common concern among healthcare providers: that sitting down might prolong patient interactions. However, the evidence reviewed by the team suggests this is not the case, potentially allaying fears about time management in busy hospital settings.
Why it matters: This research highlights a simple yet potentially powerful way to improve patient care and satisfaction in hospitals. By encouraging clinicians to sit or crouch during bedside conversations, healthcare institutions could foster stronger patient-provider relationships, potentially leading to better health outcomes and increased trust in the medical system.
For patients, this shift in approach could make hospital stays less intimidating and more comfortable. It may also lead to improved communication, ensuring that patients better understand their diagnoses and treatment plans.
The study’s findings have already prompted some practical changes. The VA Ann Arbor has installed folding chairs in many hospital rooms at the Lieutenant Colonel Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, making it easier for clinicians to sit during patient interactions.
However, the researchers acknowledge that implementing this change consistently may face some challenges. Concerns about infection transmission and the availability of seating in patient rooms can make it difficult for physicians to always get to eye level. Houchens suggests that making seating readily available and encouraging senior physicians to model this behavior could help overcome these obstacles.
Looking ahead, a new study funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality aims to further investigate the impact of physician posture as part of a broader initiative to create more healing hospital environments. This research, called the M-Wellness Laboratory study, will examine how a bundle of interventions, including sitting at the bedside, affects factors such as hospital length of stay, readmissions, and patient satisfaction scores.
As healthcare continues to evolve, small changes like this could have a significant impact on patient care. By recognizing the importance of non-verbal communication in medical settings, hospitals and clinicians can work towards creating more patient-centered, empathetic care environments.
The research team’s work serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most impactful changes in healthcare can come from simple, human-centered approaches. As further studies explore this area, we may see a shift in hospital culture towards more eye-level, engaged patient interactions, potentially transforming the hospital experience for patients and providers alike.
