Impact of Face Mask Wearing on Patient-Doctor Communication, and Associated Physical Side Effects

Abstract

Background: Our study investigated the effect of face masks on communication between doctors and patients and the physical side effects associated with long-term mask use. (of) Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Jordan University hospital (Hospital) outpatient clinic between October 2021 and February 2022. Some 415 patients completed a self-administered questionnaire developed by the researchers based on their clinical observation and literature review. The questionnaire consisted of three main parts which assessed general sociodemographic information, the effect of mask-wearing on patient-doctor interaction, and common physical side effects of mask-wearing. Results: This study shows that wearing face masks had a significant impact on communication between doctors and patients, making it more difficult for patients to understand what the doctor was explaining to them. This poor communication could lead to non-compliance by patients and negatively affect treatment outcomes. Additionally, the study found other negative physical side effects of wearing face masks, such as the appearance of new or worsened acne, breathing difficulties, new-onset headaches, and an increase in the severity and frequency of pre-existing chronic headaches. Conclusion: Suggestions for future research would be to focus on measuring the extent to which poor communication during a consultation affects compliance and treatment outcomes. We also emphasize the importance of bringing these communication difficulties to the attention of healthcare professionals to avoid poor management and direct efforts towards finding solutions that ensure adequate healthcare for patients.