Introduction
Words have an incredible power to influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Whether in healthcare, personal interactions, or professional settings, the language we use can significantly impact outcomes. This blog post explores the profound effects of words. Research has shown that the way information is framed can influence behaviour, change perceptions, and even alter physical sensations like pain.
The Role of Healthcare Professionals in Shaping Patient Decisions
Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in influencing patient decisions through the information they provide. For instance, in the context of rotator cuff surgery, patients were more likely to opt for surgery when informed about its benefits rather than its potential complications or risks. When the potential complications were highlighted, nearly half the patients chose to avoid surgery. This suggests that the way information is presented can significantly affect patient choices and treatment outcomes. This emphasizes that our decisions are shaped by the way options are presented to us—by the specific words used to describe risks, benefits, and outcomes.
The Impact of Beliefs on Treatment Acceptance
Patients’ beliefs about their conditions and treatments can influence their willingness to accept certain interventions. For example, individuals with knee osteoarthritis may be reluctant to engage in nonsurgical treatments if they believe their condition is solely due to wear and tear. Addressing these misconceptions through clear and empathetic communication can encourage patients to consider a broader range of treatment options. In clinical settings, doctors need to assess a patient’s prior experiences and beliefs to tailor communication that fosters trust and positive outcomes. Effective communication is essential not only to address these beliefs but also to ensure that patients correctly understand information about their condition and feel supported throughout their care.
Communication and Patient Understanding
Effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients is essential. Studies have shown that patients often misunderstand medical terms (as they are often unfamiliar with this terminology), leading to negative emotional responses and misconceptions about their conditions. Tailoring communication to the patient’s needs and ensuring they understand their condition can improve their overall experience and treatment adherence and make them feel supported throughout their treatment. Patients tend to prefer specific words to describe their conditions. This suggests that healthcare professionals need to be more aware of the emotional weight that words carry, choosing terms that resonate positively with patients rather than inducing fear or confusion.
The role of expectations
Pre-treatment information provided can modulate patient’s pain experience. Negative information can result in increased pain perception, known as hyperalgesia. Interestingly, while negative information led to increased pain perception, positive information did not necessarily create a better outcome than neutral information. This highlights the importance of avoiding negative framing and factual communication can be just as effective as overly positive messaging. This graded response underscores the role of expectations in pain management.
Conclusion
The power of words cannot be underestimated. From influencing treatment decisions to shaping pain perceptions, the language we use has far-reaching effects. Healthcare professionals must be mindful of how they communicate with patients to foster positive outcomes. By carefully selecting language that resonates with patients, avoiding negative framing, and fostering trust through empathic communication, we can create more effective and compassionate healthcare environments. By choosing our words wisely, we can foster better outcomes. Let us work together towards more empathetic and effective communication in healthcare.
Michel GCAM Mertens
Postdoctoral researcher Research Group MOVANT, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy (REVAKI), University of Antwerp (Belgium) and Research School CAPHRI, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Maastricht University, Maastricht (The Netherlands).
2024Pain in Motion
References and further reading:
