Enhancing Patients' Satisfaction and Sun Protective Behaviors Using the ABC Method of Physician-Patient Communication

BACKGROUND: Despite knowing the risks of unprotected UV exposure, many dermatology patients frequently fail to use UV protection optimally. The ABC (addressing behavioral change) Method of Physician-Patient Communication is a behavioral intervention developed for dermatologists to administer to patients during skin examinations in order to enhance sun protection (Mallett et al., 2011).

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the ABC method is associated with changes in patients' satisfaction and intentions to enhance sun protective behaviors.

METHODS: Clinical ambulatory care offices in two hospitals served as treatment and control sites. Participants included 60 dermatology patients. Treatment group patients (n=30) received the ABC by a trained dermatologist during a skin exam. Control group patients (n=30) received treatment as usual. Participants completed an anonymous 10-minute survey following their appointment.

RESULTS: Treatment group patients reported significantly higher intentions to increase overall sunscreen use (p < 0.01) and use sunscreen before outdoor activities (p < 0.01) relative to controls. They reported that their doctors were more likely to ask about their willingness (p < 0.01) and barriers (p < 0.01) to using sunscreen and offer suggestions about sun protection (p < 0.01). They were also more satisfied with physician communication practices (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Patients who received the ABC intervention reported high satisfaction with their care and had stronger intentions to increase sunscreen use and practice sun protective behaviors relative to patients who received traditional physician-communication methods, showing promise for a brief, sustainable physician-delivered approach to enhance both patient care and dermatological protective behaviors.