Physician's gender,communication style,patient preferences and patient satisfaction in gynecology and obstetrics: A systematic review

Objective

Review of studies published in the last 10 years about women seeking gynecological- or obstetrical care and physician's gender in relation to patient preferences, differences in communication style and patient satisfaction.

Methods

Studies were identified by searching the online databases PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The search strategies ‘gender’; ‘obstetrics’ and ‘gynecology’ were combined with ‘communication’; ‘physician–patient relations’; ‘patient preference’ and ‘patient satisfaction’.

Results

After screening title and abstract, evaluating full text and quality assessment, 9 articles were included in this review. Most patients preferred a female rather than a male gynecologist–obstetrician. This was partly explained by a more patient-centered communication style used by female gynecologists–obstetricians. Also experience and clinical competence were important factors in choosing a gynecologist–obstetrician. It was not clear whether patient's age or ethnicity influenced patients gender preference. Patient satisfaction increased when gynecologists–obstetricians used a patient-centered communication style.

Conclusion

Preference for a female gynecologist–obstetrician might be explained by a more patient-centered communication style used by female gynecologists–obstetricians. Using a patient-centered communication style increases patient satisfaction.

Practice implications

To increase patient satisfaction, gynecologists–obstetricians should learn to integrate patient-centered communication style into the consultation.