Effect of physicians’ gender on communication and consultation length: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective: Physician gender may be a source of differences in communication between physicians and their patients, which may in turn contribute to patient satisfaction and other outcomes. Our aim was to review systematically research on gender differences in the length, style and content of communication with patients. Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched from inception to September 2010 with no language restrictions (included MEDLINE; PsychINFO; EMBASE; CINAHL; Health Management Information Consortium; Web of Science; and ASSIA). 'Grey' literature was also searched. Data extraction and quality assessment was carried out in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration guidelines by at least two reviewers. The review uses mainly narrative synthesis due to the heterogeneous nature of the studies, with only data on consultation length being pooled in a random effects generic inverse variance meta-analysis. Results: Searches yielded 6412 articles, of which 33 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogenous and of mixed quality. Conflicting results are reported for many communication variables. There is some evidence that female physicians adopt a more partnership building style and spend on average 2.24 min longer with patients per consultation (95% CI 0.62-3.86) than their male colleagues. Conclusions: Greater patient engagement by female doctors may reflect a more patient-centred approach, but their longer consultation times will limit the number of consultations they can provide. This has implications for planning and managing services.

Exploring gender differences in the working lives of UK hospital consultants

“…Differences in communication during medical consultations and longer consultation times have been reported, [3][4][5][6][7] but none of these studies are from a UK hospital setting. 7 Earlier observational studies from the US and Sweden suggest that a complex social system may influence the working lives of male and female doctors differently, with female doctors torn between behaving according to stereotypically 'feminine' traits of being a woman and the 'masculine' stereotype of being a doctor. 8,9 Since these studies were undertaken, the gender composition of the medical workforce has changed substantially, with estimates suggesting women will soon comprise over half of the UK medical workforce.…”

Communication skills of residents to families with Down syndrome babies

“…Having better patient management of female doctors due to good communication are known. 9 In a meta-analytic review, Roter et al found that female doctors engage in more positive talk (such as encouragement), ask more psychosocial questions, discuss more about emotions and demonstrate more partnership building behaviours. 10 By providing appropriate communication and assisting others with health and community care services, pediatricians may increase strong attachment with the patients and his/her family.…”

Are Women Really Better Physicians Than Men Are?

“…• Patient-centered communication (including patients as partners in care and sharing some decision-making) [12][13][14][15][16] • Psychosocial counseling (asking more psychosocial questions, offering encouragement and reassurance) 14 • More time with patients 14,16 Despite these recognized differences in practice, however, did patient outcomes differ between male and female physicians?…”