US doctors interrupt their patients every 11 seconds on average!

Yes, the statistic you've just read may be unbelievable, but its's true! A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that, on average, physicians interrupt patients just 11 seconds after they begin speaking.

Patients are allowed to speak for just 11 seconds before being interrupted!

As part of the study, researchers analysed 112 recorded clinical encounters at general practices in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including the Mayo Clinic and its affiliates.  What they discovered was that only about one-third of doctors provided patients with an adequate opportunity to describe their situation, and even when patients were given the chance to speak, doctors interrupted them in 67% of the encounters, often within an average of 11 seconds. These interruptions were frequently closed-ended questions, requiring a simple "yes" or "no" response, thus closing off any further opportunity for patients to express themselves.

A worsening of standards

This actually represents a worsening of standards.

Back in 1984 a study reported that doctors interrupted patients after an average of 18 seconds, and while the shortening down to just 11 seconds, might be an indication of the time pressures that doctors now face, it also serves to highlight a persistent issue in doctor-patient communication: doctors don't listen enough!

Significant implications

The implications of such early interruptions are significant. When patients are not allowed to fully express their concerns, it can lead to misdiagnoses, decreased patient satisfaction, and a lack of trust in the healthcare system, so there's no doubt that that improving communication skills among healthcare providers and allowing patients more time to speak can enhance the quality of care and patient outcomes.

How does the OET help with this?

Well, one of the key components of the OET communication criteria is that candidates start by asking open questions before moving on to closed questions. You can use this video to help you.

In order to demonstrate that they are listening, candidates are encouraged to summarise and check they have understood, or ask for clarification.

Furthermore, the use of echoing language is encouraged.

By doing all of these things, healthcare professionals can establish a rapport with the patient which can only lead to better patient outcomes.

For more help with your OET speaking, take a look at our YouTube playlist.