Title: Relating physician emotional expression to shared understanding and shared decision-making with patients

Authors: Raymond T. Lee, Brenda L. Lovell, Celeste M. Brotheridge

Addresses: Department of Business Administration, I. H. Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5V4, Canada. ' Department of Business Administration, I. H. Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 5V4, Canada. ' Department d'organisation et ressources humaines, Ecole des sciences de la gestion, Universite du Quebec a Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3P8, Canada

Abstract: This study examines how physicians| emotional expression facilitated shared understanding and shared decision-making with patients. A sample of 278 Canadian physicians reported how often they expressed genuine emotions, faked and withheld other emotions during patient care. The results revealed that: the two communication outcomes were highly interrelated; deep acting was positively related to shared understanding; faking was negatively related to both outcomes; hiding was unrelated to either outcome. Addressing patients| emotional needs enhances patient-centred care and patient safety. More research on managing physician|s and patient|s emotions is needed, given the challenges and constraints of medical practice.

Keywords: shared decision making; emotional labour; patient-centred care; patient care; chronic disease management; patient safety; physician wellbeing; physician emotional expression; Canada; healthcare; genuine emotions; faked emotions; shared understanding; hiding emotions; emotional needs.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2010.035323

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2010 Vol.3 No.4, pp.336 - 350

Published online: 21 Sep 2010 *

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