The impact of gender dyads on doctor–patient communication: A systematic review

Objective: Systematic review of evidence about the impact of gender dyads on clinician–patient
communication.
Methods: Search of Medline, CINAHL and PsychINFO (1960–2007) and the British Library of grey
literature, and hand searching of Patient Education and Counselling and Social Science and Medicine
(2005–2007), returning 648 articles. Ten studies met all inclusion criteria.
Results: Gender dyads influenced the patient agendas elicited, talk content, communication style, nonverbal
communication, the exhibition of power, and consultation length. Consultation length was
studied and affected by gender dyads more frequently than any other phenomenon. Distinctive
differences between the dyads were identified, largely as expected, but with some surprises. For
example, female/female dyads were the most patient-centred, and had longer consultations containing
the most talk. However they also contained the most bio-medical talk.
Conclusion: The evidence base is small, and a more rigorous approach to reporting quality indicators is
needed. However, observed dyad differences may provide different opportunities for effective
communication and clinical outcomes for patients. Further research with a primary focus on gender
dyad effects is needed to test this.
Practice implications: Findings have implications for policy, healthcare organisations, and individual
doctors alike, raising awareness about workforce issues and communication skills training needs in
particular.