Noncongruence between Audiologist and Patient Preferences for Patient-Centeredness.

Background: Trends in preferences of both healthcare providers and patients to patient-centeredness have been emphasized in research. However, an understanding of the nature of preferences to patient-centeredness within the context of the audiologist-patient relationship is needed.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the congruence between audiologist and patient preferences for patient-centeredness.

Research Design: A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from audiologists and patients with hearing loss.

Study Sample: Participants included 75 audiologists and 105 consecutive patients with hearing loss.

Data Collection And Analysis: Participants completed the modified Patient-Practitioner Orientation Scale (PPOS) and provided selected demographic information. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t test to evaluate the differences between audiologist and patient congruence. Regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors contributing to preferences for patient-centeredness.

Results: Patients had significantly lower scores in PPOS full scale when compared to the audiologists [t = 0.78; p ≤ 0.001] with a very large effect size (Cohen's d = 1.43). Patients also had significantly lower scores when compared to the audiologists on both the sharing [t = 1.01; p ≤ 0.001] and caring [t = 0.56; p ≤ 0.001] subscales. Statistically significant lower scores were noted for patients when compared to audiologists on 12 items on the PPOS. No relationship between any demographic factors and preferences for patient-centeredness were found.

Conclusions: The current study results indicated noncongruence in preferences for patient-centeredness among audiologists and patients with hearing loss. Results point toward the need for more research considering the nature and impact of patient-centered audiology practice.