Researchers from the University of Florida analyzed the first few minutes of recorded consultations in U.S. clinics and found that, on average, patients have 11 seconds to explain the reasons for their visit before physicians interrupt. In 36% of the visits, patients were able to outline the reasons for their visits first. However, patients who had the chance to explain their symptoms were interrupted seven out of every 10 times within an average of 11 seconds from when they started speaking. Uninterrupted patients took an average of six seconds to explain their concerns. The lead researcher points to issues such as time constraints, inadequate training on patient communication and physician burnout that could be influencing physicians' interruptions. But he suggests this shows (we) are far from achieving patient-centred care, as it’s invaluable for patients to explain why they’re at the appointment and what specific concerns they have related to their condition.
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