SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-The Masked Doctor: Improving Patient Recognition of Inpatient Physicians in the Covid Era

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This pilot study examined whether simple visual tools could help hospitalized patients better recognize their inpatient physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, when universal masking made identification harder. The authors noted that patients often struggle to recall physician names and faces, which can weaken doctor-patient relationships and satisfaction.<br /><br />From July to November 2020, the team interviewed 8–15 patients each month on general medicine teaching services at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Patients who were disoriented or had been admitted less than 24 hours were excluded. They tested recognition of primary team physicians using a matching survey that included physician names, faces, and roles. Patient satisfaction was assessed using HCAHPS surveys, especially the “Doctor Communication” domain.<br /><br />Three interventions were studied: bedside whiteboards listing names and roles, MyChart Bedside tablets showing names, faces, and roles, and printed team rosters with the same information. Name recognition improved modestly with each intervention, with MyChart Bedside showing the greatest individual benefit. However, facial recognition changed very little, likely because masks obscured key visual cues. Patients who received multiple interventions generally performed better, suggesting additive benefit.<br /><br />Overall HCAHPS scores did not show a clear statistically significant increase, but there was an upward trend compared with the same period in the prior year, especially in Doctor Communication scores. The study was limited by a small sample size, but it highlights an additional challenge in patient care during the COVID era. The authors conclude that a multifaceted approach combining several communication tools is likely needed to help hospitalized patients recognize their care team.

Asset Subtitle

Sharon S. Clark

Meta Tag

Author List Antoinette Pusateri, Bernard Wen, Sharon S. Clark

Category Research

Concept Inpatient Physician Recognition

Concept Physician Name Recognition

Concept Physician Face Recognition

Concept COVID-19 Masking

Concept Whiteboard

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Presenting Author Sharon S. Clark

Track Communication

Keywords

COVID-19

hospitalized patients

physician recognition

doctor-patient relationship

universal masking

bedside whiteboards

MyChart Bedside

team rosters

HCAHPS scores

doctor communication

Inpatient Physician Recognition

Physician Name Recognition

Physician Face Recognition

COVID-19 Masking

Whiteboard