Association between nonverbal communication during clinical interactions and outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

作者：Henry Stephen G^*; Fuhrel Forbis Andrea; Rogers Mary A M; Eggly Susan

来源：Patient Education and Counseling, 2012, 86(3): 297-315.

DOI：10.1016/j.pec.2011.07.006

• Nonverbal communication
• Systematic review
• Meta-analysis
• Patient-clinician communication
• Clinically relevant outcomes
• Direct observation

Objective: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting associations between patients%26apos; and clinicians%26apos; nonverbal communication during real clinical interactions and clinically relevant outcomes. %26lt;br%26gt;Methods: We searched 10 electronic databases, reference lists, and expert contacts for English-language studies examining associations between nonverbal communication measured through direct observation and either clinician or patient outcomes in adults. Data were systematically extracted and random effects meta-analyses were performed. %26lt;br%26gt;Results: 26 observational studies met inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed for patient satisfaction, which was assessed in 65% of studies. Mental and physical health status were evaluated in 23% and 19% of included studies, respectively. Both clinician warmth and clinician listening were associated with greater patient satisfaction (p %26lt; 0.001 both). Physician negativity was not related to patient satisfaction (p = 0.505), but greater nurse negativity was associated with less patient satisfaction (p %26lt; 0.001). Substantial differences in study design and nonverbal measures existed across studies. %26lt;br%26gt;Conclusion: Greater clinician warmth, less nurse negativity, and greater clinician listening were associated with greater patient satisfaction. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the impact of nonverbal communication on patients%26apos; mental and physical health. Practice implications: Communication-based interventions that target clinician warmth and listening and nurse negativity may lead to greater patient satisfaction. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd.

• 出版日期2012-3