During a medical consultation, a doctor is expected to obtain adequate information about a patient’s medical history and current concerns. They need to ask questions and listen attentively to the responses the patient provides.
However, cases of physicians not giving patients enough time to talk have been reported. A study found that physicians interrupt patients after an average of 18 seconds.
Here is what you should know about such interruptions:
2 types of interruptions
The primary types of interruptions that have been reported in medical consultations are cooperative and intrusive interruptions. A cooperative interruption is beneficial and is considered to enhance the interaction between a physician and a patient. This type of interaction occurs when a doctor requests clarification or says something that builds upon what a patient is saying without changing the content or flow of the interaction.
On the other hand, an intrusive interruption disrupts the content and flow of the interaction, leading to reduced patient satisfaction. It occurs when a physician:
- Abruptly changes the topic
- Frequently cuts off a patient’s explanations
- Dismisses a patient’s concerns, leading to disagreements
- Asks close-ended questions prematurely, preventing a patient from providing in-depth explanations
Various factors can contribute to a doctor engaging in intrusive interruptions. These include time constraints, communication style and gender.
A doctor with a tight schedule is more likely to ask close-ended questions prematurely. A physician with a tendency to be in control over conversations may keep interrupting a patient or change the topic to assert dominance. Further, reports have shown that female doctors make more cooperative interruptions than their male counterparts.
How is interrupting a patient dangerous?
A doctor who engages in intrusive interruptions can miss out on crucial information, increasing the chances of medical errors occurring. If you have experienced medical malpractice due to this aspect, consider legal guidance to understand your options.
