A groundbreaking study from the University of Oxford, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, reveals that the way doctors communicate with their obese patients (doctor-patient communication) can significantly influence their weight loss success. This pioneering research delves into the unexplored territory of not just the importance of words, but also their impact in a medical context over the short and long term.
THE STUDY
The researchers analysed 246 recordings of doctor-patient conversations and discovered that subtle aspects of communication, such as word choice and tone of voice, influenced patient outcomes. The study suggests that training providers on compassionate communication could aid weight loss efforts.
THE GAP
Despite obesity treatment guidelines encouraging doctors to discuss weight loss with patients and offer them referrals to weight loss services if appropriate, this only meaningfully happens for around 5% of those affected yearly. This gap between policy and practice underscores the need to better understand the most effective communication approaches for doctors.
THE HESITATION
Doctors often report hesitancy about discussing such personally and socially charged matters, expressing concerns about causing offence or uncertainty when discussing sensitive topics. Patients confirm that negative feelings arising from the tones or word choices used can inadvertently strain the rapport.
THE FINDINGS
The study identified three main approaches doctors took: delivering the referral offer as “good news”, “bad news” or neutrally. The researchers found that only 50% of people offered weight loss programmes in a neutral way attended, but if offered as ‘good news’ 83% attended, and people who received ‘good news’ lost half a stone more (or 3.6kg).
THE IMPACT
Lead author and researcher Dr Charlotte Albury stated that when doctors framed the conversation as ‘good news’ – emphasising the benefits and opportunities of weight loss in a positive manner – patients were more likely to enrol in a weight loss programme, attend more sessions, and, importantly, lose more weight compared to a neutral or negative framing.
Words matter and this research show they really do – in the short and long term. Subtle changes in communication can significantly influence patient outcomes one year later. The elements that constituted ‘good news’ were subtle but had a clear and positive impact. This study underscores the power of words in healthcare and the potential benefits of training doctors in compassionate communication.
