From the Guidelines
Effective patient-provider communication is crucial in managing erectile dysfunction (ED), as it significantly improves treatment outcomes, patient satisfaction, and quality of life. To support this statement, a relevant peer-reviewed source is the 2023 study by Duffy et al. published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research 1. This research demonstrated that a therapeutic relational connection (TRC) between healthcare providers and patients, which includes high-quality communication, mutual respect, and caring, can lead to improved well-being, increased commitment to follow-up, and enhanced relationship. The study found that TRC results in improved health outcomes, improved adherence to treatment plans, patient satisfaction, and feeling heard and understood. Some key points from the study include:
- TRC allows providers to obtain quality information from patients, resulting in improved well-being and a sense of purpose
- For patients, TRC results in an increased commitment to follow-up, feeling emotionally supported, and an increased ability to cope
- TRC promotes long-term partnership, collaborative decision-making, greater satisfaction with care, patient and provider more at ease, empathy, more accurate diagnosis of problems, and being present. Therefore, healthcare providers should prioritize building a strong therapeutic relational connection with their patients to improve ED treatment outcomes and overall patient quality of life.
From the Research
Patient-Provider Communication in Managing ED
- Effective communication between patients and providers is crucial in managing erectile dysfunction (ED) 2.
- Quality communication can improve patient-centered health outcomes, including patient satisfaction, quality of care, and quality of life 2.
- Patients may feel embarrassed or reluctant to discuss sexual health issues, which can hinder effective diagnosis and treatment [no direct evidence, but implied by the importance of effective communication in (2)].
- Encouraging open dialogue through compassionate communication can significantly improve patient comfort levels and adherence to treatment plans 2.
Role of Compassionate Communication
- Compassionate communication is essential for patient-centered care, and its absence can lead to poor health outcomes 3.
- Patients emphasize the importance of compassionate human interactions in their care experience 3.
- Embedding compassion in healthcare delivery and organizational culture can meet patients' expressed desires for empathic and respectful human interactions 3.
Impact on Patient Outcomes
- Effective communication and compassionate care can lead to improved patient outcomes, including better self-management and adherence to treatment plans [(2,4)].
- Diagnosis and successful treatment of ED can promote improved adherence and management of comorbid diseases 4.