Bedside Manner-isms

I promised to get back some thoughts on the fact that most people rate bedside manner as the most important aspect of choosing a doctor. Intuitively, people seem know that bedside manner translates to better healthcare. So what is the evidence that a choosing a doctor with a good bedside manner ensures better healthcare? And if so, what exactly are these manner-isms? Is it a smile? Making good eye contact? Yes to both…but it goes beyond a smile and a handshake.

For a start, let’s look at a couple of recent studies that show remarkably similar results with regard to physician communication style and health-related outcomes.

In the first study, researchers at the University of Michigan found that when doctors provide more complete information and actively involve patients in diabetes treatment decisions, patients are more likely to follow-through with their self-care and achieve better control of their diabetes. ¹ In the second study, researchers in Houston found that a more collaborative communication style between doctors and patients led to better control of hypertension. ²

A close reading of these studies allows us to get a clearer picture of the bedside manner-isms found to be associated with better outcomes in these two chronic conditions. Both capture two key bedside manner-isms that make a difference:

better communication skills , specifically:

• giving more information,
• letting you know test results when promised,
• explaining treatment alternatives,
• letting you know what to expect from treatment

and a collaborative decision-making style , specifically:

• asking for your ideas in making treatment plan,
• giving choices about treatment,
• asking to talk about your goals for your care,
• thinking about your values/traditions when recommending treatments,
• helping to make a treatment plan that you can do in your daily life

So the next time you see your doctor, make a list of questions ahead of time and don’t nod an agreeable “ok” until you get answers in language you can understand – news you can use. Before your doctor writes a new prescription or orders a new test, make sure you understand your choices and agree that this one suits you best.

Afterall, it's a long-term investment in a relationship that can help you attain better health, and manner-isms really do matter.

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1. Heisler M, Cole I, Weir D, et al. Does physician communication influence older patients’ diabetes self-management and glycemic control? Results from the health and retirement study. J Geront 2007; 62:1435-1442.

2. Naik A, Kallen M, Walker A, Street R. Improving hypertension control in diabetes mellitus: the effects of collaborative and proactive health communication. Circulation 2008;117:1361-1368.