Patient Engagement: Dealing with Smartphone Use in Medical Consultations

Introduction

The use of smartphones during medical consultations remains a contentious issue among healthcare practitioners. In this article, we explore the attitudes of various professionals towards this behavior, its impact on the therapeutic relationship, and strategies to address the issue effectively.

Views on Smartphone Use During Consultations

Dr. Sarah Thompson, a seasoned psychiatrist with over 40 years of experience, shares her views on the matter:

In my 40 years of practice, I have never had a patient use their phone during a visit. If this had happened, I would calmly ask them to end the call or we would end the session. This behavior shows the patient doesn’t value the appointment and their attention would rather be elsewhere.

Dr. Thompson’s approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining respect for the consultation time. However, others take a more firm stance:

This situation doesn’t bother me at all. If a patient remains on the phone when I am with them during an evaluation, I simply walk out of the room. They can wait until I have seen all my other patients.

This viewpoint highlights the professional's right to control the environment within their practice. It also raises questions about the patient's awareness of the financial and time investment in the consultation.

Motivations Behind Smartphone Use

The phenomenon of patients using their phones during consultations is not purely a matter of disrespect. In some cases, it may result from financial concerns:

Funny isn’t the patient paying for this time. Curious if he/she thinks that he’s here for pleasure instead of for a duty.

When patients are paying for their appointments, they often feel as if they are getting value for money. However, using their phones during a consultation may indicate a lack of perceived value, leading to a more transactional view of the therapeutic process.

Professional Expectations and Strategies

From a professional perspective, maintaining a respectful and focused environment is crucial. Any therapist worth seeing will emphasize the importance of their time and the role the patient plays in facilitating successful therapy:

It is irrelevant how the therapist feels. Any therapist worth seeing will tell the patient that he/she is not serious about getting help is wasting his/her money and/or is taking up time that the therapist could be helping someone else.

Clear communication about expectations is key. Therapists should explicitly inform patients about the importance of being present and engaged during consults. Additionally, strategies to address and prevent the use of smartphones include:

Preparing patients beforehand: Clearly communicate the expectations and the importance of being present during the session.

Implementing technology-free zones: Designate consultation rooms as technology-free areas to promote focus and respect.

Providing alternatives: Offer alternative activities or suggestions to help patients manage distractions.

Using agreements: Have patients sign a form agreeing to turn off their phones or leave them in a designated area.

By setting clear boundaries and expectations, therapists can help create a more respectful and effective consultation environment.

Conclusion

The use of smartphones during consultations is a multifaceted issue that requires a nuanced approach. Whether through clear communication or practical strategies, therapists must prioritize patient engagement to ensure the most effective and respectful therapeutic environment.