Is Timing Everything?: The Role of Time on the Relationship between Patient-Centered Communication and Provider Empathy

Several studies have indicated that providers that successfully implement patient-centered communication (PCC) practices related to health literacy and exemplify higher levels of empathy improve patient health outcomes. Time is frequently noted as a barrier when implementing PCC practices. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of time on the relationship between PCC and provider empathy. A cross-sectional study design was employed utilizing data from the 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey-Household Component (MEPS-HC) and a supplemental survey, Self-Administered Questionnaire (SAQ), including a total of 6,459 patient respondents (N = 6,459). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized for the analysis including PCC as the independent variable, time adequacy as the mediating variable, and provider empathy as the dependent variable. The results indicated the relationship between PCC and provider empathy is partially mediated, 54%, by time adequacy. These findings suggest that patients are not only concerned with the amount of time spent with providers, but also how that time is utilized by providers. Additionally, it suggests that for providers to be perceived as empathetic, spending more time with patients should not be the only priority. Quality improvement efforts of health care organizations should be aimed at including more PCC practices related to health literacy.