Patient experience and satisfaction with shared decision-making: A cross-sectional study among outpatients

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate how doctor-patient communication, trust in doctors impacted patients' experience and satisfaction in shared decision-making (SDM).

Methods: This study is based on the data from a cross-sectional survey (n = 12,401) conducted in 27 public specialist outpatient clinics in Hong Kong.

Results: The multivariable regression models revealed that doctors' better communication skills were associated with lower decision-making involvement (odd ratio, 0.75 [95 % CI, 0.88-0.94], P < .001) but higher satisfaction with involvement (odd ratio, 6.88 [95 % CI, 5.99-7.93], P < .001). Similarly, longer consultation durations were associated with reduced involvement in decision-making (odd ratio, 0.71 [95 % CI, 0.66-0.73], P < .001) but increased satisfaction with involvement (odd ratio, 1.91 [95 % CI, 1.80-2.04], P < .001). Trust in doctors significantly mediated these associations, except for the association between consultation duration and patients' satisfaction with decision-making involvement.

Conclusion: Doctors' better communication skills and longer consultations might not necessarily increase patient involvement in SDM but correlated with increased satisfaction with involvement. Trust in doctors emerged as a mediator for participation and satisfaction in decision-making.

Practice implications: Clinics should consider patients' preferences and capabilities when tailoring communication strategies about decision-making and optimizing patient satisfaction.