Who Is That Cardiology Fellow? A Cluster Trial Examining the Impact of Cardiology Fellows' Biographical Information on Patient Perceptions of Patient-Centered Care.

backgroundThe American College of Cardiology has called for greater emphasis on patient-centered care, but methods to accomplish this goal have not yet been elucidated, particularly in training settings. This study examined the effect of providing fellow biographical information versus medical clinic information on perceptions of patient-centered care, patient-provider relationships, and medical visit engagement in a large, rural-serving cardiology training clinic.

methodsParticipating patients were assigned to receive either a biography about their cardiology fellow provider or information about the clinic facility. Participants completed questionnaires assessing their perceptions of patient-centered care and their relationship with their provider following the clinic visit.

resultsParticipants (N=198; mean (M) age 62.72; 47.5% Black; 54.5% male) who received biographies perceived fellows as engaging in significantly higher levels of patient-centered care behavior (M: 74.54 versus 69.83, respectively,

conclusionsPatients reported improved perceptions of patient-centered care and asked more questions when provided with fellow biographies. Biographical information about cardiology fellows may be a viable and low-cost method of improving perceptions of patient-centered care with minimal provider burden.