Bridging the Communication Gap for Patient Adherence

Background: Effective patient communication is key in providing excellent care. This study provides insight as to the most appropriate form of communication to ensure patient adherence based on the confidence level of the patients understanding of their diagnosis and treatment plan. It also outlines if the preferred form of communication changes based on the complexity of his/her diagnosis and treatment plan. Methods: A survey was distributed to 30 patients following their primary care eye exam willing to take part in our study at the Michigan College of Optometry. The survey consisted of questions inquiring their confidence level on the diagnosis and treatment plan according to a Likert scale. At the end of the survey the patient was asked to provide their preferred form of doctor to patient communication in order to attain adherence. The choices of communication are as follows; a written letter sent home, electronic version such as email, traditional verbal communication. Results: A chi square analysis was used to compare two categories of patients divided into Refractive and Medical primary diagnosis. 100% of patients with a refractive diagnosis were confident in explaining their diagnosis and treatment plan. At least 85% of patients with a medial primary diagnosis were confident in explaining their diagnosis and treatment plan. 90% of the patients surveyed preferred supplemental information at the end of the exam to aid in remembering their diagnosis and treatment plan. Conclusions: Overall, our null hypothesis was accepted in that patients felt confident in explaining their diagnosis and treatment plan with traditional verbal communication at the conclusion of the eye exam regardless of the primary diagnosis. Despite being confident at the conclusion of the exam nearly all patients preferred supplemental information on their diagnosis and treatment plan to aid in proper adherence.