A Watched Pot Never Boils: Attentive Care Needs No Timer

Abstract

In this issue introduction, the editor-in-chief of Journal of Patient-Centered Research and Reviews comments on the premise that length of patient consultation time is less important than what patients perceive happened during that time. Regardless of the time allotted to a clinical visit, health care providers should make efforts to address the emotional and psychosocial needs of their patients. As always, taking a little time to express empathy can make a big difference in patient satisfaction.

Keywords

• consultation time
• clinic visit
• patient satisfaction
• patient engagement
• primary care