Article Figures & Data
Tables
Characteristic Residents (n=30)a Parents (n=214)b Nurses (n=137 responses)b Attending Physicians (n=5; 121 responses)a Age, years, mean (SD) 29.4 (2.3) 31.9 (8.1) 30.7 (7.8) 36.1 (2.6) Sex Male 6 (20.0) 14 (6.5) 4 (2.9) 0 (0) Female 24 (80.0) 187 (87.4) 104 (75.9) 5 (100) Missing – 13 (6.1) 29 (21.2) – Postgraduate year 1 11 (36.7) – – – 2 10 (33.3) – – – 3 9 (30.0) – – – Race/ethnicity Caucasian 17 (56.7) 86 (40.2) 83 (60.6) 5 (100) African American 5 (16.7) 103 (48.1) 20 (14.6) – Hispanic 5 (16.7) 6 (2.8) 3 (2.2) – Other 3 (10.0) 3 (1.4) 1 (0.7) – Missing – 16 (7.5) 30 (21.9) – Note: Data are presented as n (%) unless otherwise indicated.
↵aDemographic information was provided by the residency program.
↵bDemographic responses were collected with each evaluation. Responses from nurses were collected anonymously, so the total number of nurses involved cannot be calculated. This method is the same as that used by Brinkman et al.9
HOW IS THIS DOCTOR AT … Parents Nurses Attending Physicians 1. Telling you (parents) everything; being truthful, upfront and frank; not keeping things from you (parents) that you (they) should know 4.75 4.13 4.16 2. Greeting you (parents) warmly; calling you (parents) by the name you (they) prefer; being friendly, never crabby or rude 4.76 4.09 4.19 3. Treating you (parents) like you’re (they’re) on the same level; never “talking down” to you (parents) or treating you (parents) like a child 4.80 4.26 4.07 4. Letting you (parents) tell your (their) story; listening carefully; asking thoughtful questions; not interrupting you (parents) while you’re (they’re) talking 4.76 4.26 4.04 5. Showing interest in you (parents) as a person; not acting bored or ignoring what you (they) have to say 4.77 4.18 4.11 6. Warning your child (children) during the physical exam about what he/she is going to do and why; telling you (parents) what he/she finds 4.72 4.03 3.66 7. Discussing options with you (parents); asking your (parents) opinion; offering choices and letting you (parents) help decide what to do; asking what you (parents) think before telling you (them) what to do 4.64 3.96 3.62 8. Encouraging you (parents) to ask questions; answering them clearly; never avoiding your (their) questions or lecturing you (them) 4.72 4.10 3.97 9. Explaining what you (parents) need to know about your (their) child's problems, how and why they occurred, and what to expect next 4.70 4.13 3.87 10. Using words you (parents) can understand when explaining your (their) child's problems and treatment; explaining any technical medical terms in plain language 4.79 4.11 3.75 Overall mean score 4.73 4.08 3.91 Notes: All data are presented as mean scores by rater group. For all 3 rater groups, the rating scale was as follows: 1=poor; 2=fair; 3=good; 4=very good; 5=excellent.
Question Theme Specific Responses What kinds of changes are you likely to implement in the ways you communicate with parents? Altering one's demeanor and awareness Increase patienceImprove body languageIncrease awareness of presentation/talk during roundsIncrease empathyDon’t interrupt family membersDon’t act shy/deferential when others are in the room (presumably other healthcare providers)Be more sensitive to how new information affects patientsAsk patient's permission or warn them about the exam I am about to do/during physical exams, warn kids about what I am doing and why Active and responsive communication Ask patient permission before doing somethingGive guidance on what to expect during exam/explain what I am doing during examOffer more options/continue to explain therapeutic optionsClearly state physical exam/lab findingsClearly state treatment/discharge planMake sure patient/family understands diseaseBe more transparent when explaining the medical problemAddress family's concernsBe as knowledgeable as possible about the specific caseExplain things more clearly/be more detailedSpeak slower and be more clear when discharging patients What kinds of changes are you likely to implement make in the ways you communicate with other health professionals? Speech quality Speak more loudly/assertivelySpeak more slowlySpeak more calmlyBe graciousDon’t convey fatigue or frustration in tone or attitude Improve team communication Present more conciselyKeep team members updated on plan/changes to plan/orders placedEnsure I am not missing ordersBe more assertiveHelp nursing know why I am not doing something (example, allowing the intern to see something) None None…I am comfortable with who I amNot likely to make changesNone