SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-A Multisite Qualitative Assessment of Patient Provider Communication Practices Across Institutions

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This multisite qualitative study examined clinician-patient communication improvement efforts across hospital medicine within the HOMERuN collaborative. Because communication strongly affects patient understanding, trust, and outcomes, the authors sought to identify current initiatives and barriers to better communication in hospitals.<br /><br />Using structured focus groups that included hospital medicine faculty and patient/caregiver representation, along with an embedded survey of institutional efforts, the study found that communication improvement work is widespread but uneven. Physician-centered initiatives were common, but they were often siloed, inconsistently implemented, and not well integrated across institutions. Training for trainees also varied widely, with clear gaps between what is taught and what is practiced. Patient and caregiver involvement was limited, and they were rarely engaged as co-designers of communication initiatives.<br /><br />Major barriers included heavy workload, time pressure, fragmented workflows, inadequate metrics, and limited buy-in from clinicians and institutions. The study concludes that while there is strong commitment to improving communication, many efforts are misaligned with patient needs and organizational priorities. The authors argue that relying mainly on HCAHPS is not enough; better metrics are needed to meaningfully influence clinician behavior. They also emphasize that implementation science and true patient co-design are essential next steps for improving hospital communication.

Asset Subtitle

Monish A. Sheth

Meta Tag

Author List Andrea Porrovecchio, Andrew White, Angela Keniston, Anita Hegde, Blair P. Golden, Hillary L. Western, James D. Harrison, Karnjit Johl, Lucy Z. Shi, Mark v. Williams, Monish A. Sheth, Patricia E. Litkowski, Satyam Nayak, Sonia Dalal

Category Research

Concept Patient Communication

Concept Patient Understanding

Concept Trust

Concept Patient Handoff

Concept Clinical Quality Improvement Initiative

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Baylor College of Medicine, Baylor Scott & White Health

Presenting Author Monish A. Sheth

Track Communication

Keywords

hospital medicine

clinician-patient communication

qualitative study

patient engagement

communication improvement

HOMERuN collaborative

implementation science

HCAHPS

workflow barriers

patient co-design

Patient Communication

Patient Understanding

Trust

Patient Handoff

Clinical Quality Improvement Initiative