Doctors communicate better when at a patient’s eye level

A systematic review published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine has explored the relationship between a clinician’s posture and how effective they are at communicating with patients.

Of the 14 studies that assessed clinician posture at the patient bedside, 10 noted at least one favourable outcome for clinicians who communicated at the patient’s eye level.

Three studies noted no difference in patient perception between clinicians who stood and clinicians who sat, while one study reported higher patient ratings for clinicians who stood.

“Eye-level communication by clinicians appears beneficial,” the authors noted.

“With its relatively easy implementation and potential for benefit, clinicians should consider communicating with their hospitalised patients at eye level,” they said.

Dr Nathan Houchens, of the University of Michigan, shared that the authors focused on posture because of the power dynamics that are present within hospital-based care.

Clinicians can shift these dynamics by sitting at a patient’s eye level rather than standing over them.

“We hope our work will bring more recognition to the significance of sitting and the general conclusion that patients appreciate it,” Houchens said.