Effect of wearing masks in the hospital on patient-provider interaction: “They (providers) need to stay safe for their family and keep us safe.”
Since March 2020 when the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic was widespread in the U.S., masks became a primary form of protection for healthcare workers when caring for patients. While wearing masks was not a new phenomenon in the health field, there is little known on how the use of them affects the patient-provider relationship. This study explored the experience of wearing masks on the patient-provider relationship in the hospital. This qualitative study involved interviews with both providers and patients at an academic hospital in the Midwest. At the time of this study, in July 2021, hospital policy required all healthcare providers and staff to wear surgical masks with patients, but patients were not required to wear masks while in their rooms. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed; they were coded using MAXQDA. Nine patients and nine providers took part in interviews. There were 4 women and 5 men in each group. The primary benefit of mask-wearing identified by both groups was safety and protection from disease. Connection with patients was a major theme as well. Providers adapted to try to improve connection in four primary ways: showing the patient their face, speaking loudly and clearly, spending additional time with patients, and being more expressive. It was also reassuring that safety was one of the main themes and encouraging that masks were not a substantial barrier to communication with patients.
Related content
-
Staff & Provider Engagement
The Power of Data Storytelling: Amplifying the Impact of Human Interaction in Healthcare
Data literacy has become an increasingly important skill for healthcare experience leaders. This also applies to telling the volunteer story. In this learning bite, learn how to become an effective data storyteller who can articulate the impact of volunteers in a way that drives meaningful action.
Learn more -
Staff & Provider Engagement
What is Projective Identification, and Why Should I Care?
We’ve all had an experience dealing with someone who is upset or angry. In these uncomfortable situations, it is sometimes difficult to know where the discomfort comes from—us or the other person. The projection of negative feelings from one person into another is what psychiatrists call “projective identification.” In this learning bite, Helen Riess, M.D.,
Learn more -
Environment & Hospitality | Staff & Provider Engagement
Lost Belongings Workgroup (November 15, 2023)
1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT –The Lost Belongings Workgroup is a meeting space for those interested in conversations and solution generation with patient advocates working to improve lost belongings policies and practices.
Learn more