Effect of sitting vs. standing on perception of provider time at bedside: A pilot study

• Published in: Patient education and counseling 2012-02, Vol.86 (2), p.166-171
• Main Authors: Swayden, Kelli J, Anderson, Karen K, Connelly, Lynne M, Moran, Jennifer S, McMahon, Joan K, Arnold, Paul M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Attitude of Health Personnel; Biological and medical sciences; Communication; Doctors; Elective surgery; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Health care; Hospitals; Humans; Inpatients - psychology; Internal Medicine; Litigation; Male; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous; Neurosurgical Procedures; Nursing; Patient care outcomes; Patient Satisfaction; Perception; Physician behavior; Physician-Patient Relations; Physicians; Pilot Projects; Postoperative Care; Postoperative Period; Posture; Prospective Studies; Provider–patient communication; Public health. Hygiene; Public health. Hygiene-occupational medicine; Quality improvement; Quality of Health Care; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors
• ISSN: 0738-3991; 1873-5134
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2011.05.024

Abstract Objective Patients commonly perceive that a provider has spent more time at their bedside when the provider sits rather than stands. This study provides empirical evidence for this perception. Methods We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled study with 120 adult post-operative inpatients admitted for elective spine surgery. The actual lengths of the interactions were compared to patients’ estimations of the time of those interactions. Results Patients perceived the provider as present at their bedside longer when he sat, even though the actual time the physician spent at the bedside did not change significantly whether he sat or stood. Patients with whom the physician sat reported a more positive interaction and a better understanding of their condition. Conclusion Simply sitting instead of standing at a patient's bedside can have a significant impact on patient satisfaction, patient compliance, and provider–patient rapport, all of which are known factors in decreased litigation, decreased lengths of stay, decreased costs, and improved clinical outcomes. Practice implications Any healthcare provider may have a positive effect on doctor–patient interaction by sitting as opposed to standing during a hospital follow-up visit.