The Importance of Patient Expectations

A Mixed-Methods Study of U.S. Psychiatrists

Bibliographic Data

ID15520439
AuthorsMaayan Rosenfield (Brown University, corresponding author), Maayan N Rosenfield, Michael H Bernstein (0000-0001-7221-0697, Brown University)
Year2021
Volume12
Pages781494-781494
Publication date2021-12-03
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
PublisherFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2021.781494
PMID34925105
OpenAlexW4200319029
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited35

Objective: To examine how psychiatrists think about and modulate non-specific factors (e.g., hope, expectations) in clinical practice. Methods: U.S. psychiatrists were recruited for two studies assessing attitudes and behaviors related to non-specific factors. Study 1 entailed remote qualitative focus groups ( k = 7) with n = 26 participants (36.0% female). Study 2 was a quantitative survey with n = 346 respondents (34.0% female) designed to assess the generalizability of focus group findings. Results: Four themes were identified in Study 1 that were used to inform the survey (Study 2): (1) Expectations (2) Hope, (3) Placebo Effect, and (4) Aesthetic Features. Nearly all surveyed psychiatrists (92.2%) considered patient expectations at least "most of the time" when interacting with a patient. Focus groups revealed that psychiatrists often attempt to balance optimism and realism to improve outcomes. A majority of survey respondents believed office design and physician attire could at least somewhat influence expectations (72.5 and 77.3%, respectively) and even outcomes (51.5 and 58.7%, respectively). Focus group psychiatrists described how physical features may be used as therapeutic tools. Conclusions: Psychiatrists are highly mindful of patient expectations. Although there is variability in the perceived importance of expectations, hope, the placebo effect, and aesthetic features, many utilize these factors in clinical practice

Developmental psychology · Focus group · Generalizability theory · Optimism · Psychotherapist · Clinical Psychology · Empathy and Medical Education · Medicine · Mental Health and Psychiatry · Pain Management and Placebo Effect · Psychology