Critical Care Physicians’ Perspectives on Nudging in Communication

What are the experiences and perceptions of critical care physicians in using nudges to frame medical choices and thereby guide patient decision-making without limiting alternative options?In this qualitative study of 54 critical care physicians from 3 hospitals in Boston, clinicians viewed nudging as a natural part of medical communication that could improve patient outcomes. However, most physicians raised ethical concerns about nudging, which varied by practice setting, sex, and experience.In this study, physicians reported that although use of nudges may be a necessary, effective, and sometimes appropriate mode of communication in intensive care units, ethical questions remain.

Corresponding Author: Derek R. Soled, MD, MBA, MSc, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA 02115 (dsoled@bwh.harvard.edu).

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