Abstract
This study explores how patients with chronic pain view the impact of physician self-disclosure on the patient–physician relationship. We conducted mixed-methods analyses of a cross-sectional survey eliciting experiences and attitudes regarding physician self-disclosure among 934 adults with self-reported chronic pain. Patients with chronic pain commonly recalled experiences of physician self-disclosure, most often “small talk” or physicians’ disclosure of their own chronic pain. Patients generally rated these experiences to be beneficial. Patients frequently said they would benefit from seeing a physician who has had chronic pain, or that they would want their physician to self-disclose their own chronic pain. Those who had never experienced self-disclosure were more likely to want their physician to self-disclose their own chronic pain. Nonetheless, patients held varying perspectives toward the advantages and disadvantages of physician self-disclosure, believing that self-disclosure could either positively or negatively impact the patient–physician relationship and care and communication.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Journal of Patient Experience |
Volume | 9 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- clinician–patient relationship
- communication
- empathy
- pain management
- patient expectations
- patient perspectives/narratives
- patient/relationship centered skills
- trust
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health(social science)
- Health Policy
- Leadership and Management