Hospital study tests 'Bonding Bundle' to boost doctor empathy

NCT ID NCT06354920

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Michigan Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tested whether a set of simple strategies, called the Bonding Bundle, could help doctors build better relationships with their hospitalized patients. Nearly 1,000 patients and their doctors took part. Doctors in the intervention group were asked to use specific approaches during patient visits, while the control group provided care as usual. The goal was to see if these strategies could improve doctors' empathy and patients' perception of their care.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Bonding Bundle (a set of behavioral strategies for doctors)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward simple ways to improve doctor-patient relationships in hospitals, potentially leading to better patient care and satisfaction.
What could go wrong: This is a completed behavioral study, not a drug trial. The results may show only small improvements or none, and the strategies may not work in all hospital settings or with all doctors.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

PHYSICIAN-PATIENT RELATIONS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States

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