Patient experience and satisfaction with shared decision-making: A cross-sectional study among outpatients

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate how doctor-patient communication, trust in doctors impacted patients’ experience and satisfaction in shared decision-making (SDM). MethodsThis study is based on the data from a cross-sectional survey (n = 12,401) conducted in 27 public specialist outpatient clinics in Hong Kong. ResultsThe multivariable regression models revealed that doctors’ better communication skills were associated with lower decision-making involvement (odd ratio, 0.75 [95 % CI, 0.88–0.94], P < .001) but higher satisfaction with involvement (odd ratio, 6.88 [95 % CI, 5.99–7.93], P < .001). Similarly, longer consultation durations were associated with reduced involvement in decision-making (odd ratio, 0.71 [95 % CI, 0.66–0.73], P < .001) but increased satisfaction with involvement (odd ratio, 1.91 [95 % CI, 1.80–2.04], P < .001). Trust in doctors significantly mediated these associations, except for the association between consultation duration and patients’ satisfaction with decision-making involvement. ConclusionDoctors’ better communication skills and longer consultations might not necessarily increase patient involvement in SDM but correlated with increased satisfaction with involvement. Trust in doctors emerged as a mediator for participation and satisfaction in decision-making. Practice implicationsClinics should consider patients’ preferences and capabilities when tailoring communication strategies about decision-making and optimizing patient satisfaction.