The influence of physician use of analogies on patient understanding

ABSTRACT Health information can be difficult to understand, and physician analogies might enhance patient understanding. The present study investigated if physician analogies enhance participants’ objective and perceived understanding, and perceptions of clarity. The experiment consisted of a 2 (familiar/unfamiliar health condition) x 4 (no analogies, diagnosis analogies, treatment analogies, both analogies) design with a within-subjects component of delivery format (video/vignette). An actor physician delivered a video message, diagnosing participants with a health issue. Then participants read a vignette of another physician diagnosing them with the other health issue. Participants were asked if healthcare provider analogies are helpful, and in which medical situations they are helpful. Though no main effects were found for analogies enhancing understanding-related variables, explanations containing analogies in vignette form resulted in increased objective understanding. Additionally, most participants indicated provider analogies are useful, especially when describing complex health issues.