Patient perceptions of healthcare provider (un)helpful approaches to explaining health information

Abstract

ABSTRACT Healthcare providers give explanations that patients may appreciate or resent. This study examines patients’ perspectives on (un)helpful provider explanation approaches, and whether the approaches are more often mentioned for generalists or specialists. A content analysis was conducted evaluating open-ended responses from U.S. adults. Helpful approaches included providers sharing resources and giving clear explanations; unhelpful approaches included providers being negative, using jargon, and going quickly. Specialists were somewhat more likely than generalists to provide resources and use jargon. Providers could share resources and promote clarity while remaining positive and avoiding jargon when explaining information.