How Clinician Communication Patterns Affect Patients' Comprehension and Satisfaction

Abstract

The literature is inconsistent in its portrayal of clinical communication associated with knowledge, compli ance, and satisfaction of patients. This study inves tigates whether different outcomes are associated with characteristic patterns of communication. En counters between 32 dia betes patients and a variety of diabetes professionals were videotaped. Statements by clinicians were analyzed and related to patients' comprehension of their regimens and satisfaction with care. Differences be tween the comprehension- and satisfaction-associated patterns call into question the assumptions that (1) there is a single best model for doctor-patient relationships in chronic diseases, and (2) active participation of patients is always a desirable goal.