Association of perceived physician communication style with patient satisfaction, distress, cancer-related self-efficacy, and perceived control over the disease

R Zachariae, C G Pedersen, A B Jensen, E Ehrnrooth, P B Rossen, H von der Maase, R Zachariae, C G Pedersen, A B Jensen, E Ehrnrooth, P B Rossen, H von der Maase

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the association of physician communication behaviours as perceived by the patient with patient reported satisfaction, distress, cancer-related self-efficacy, and perceived control over the disease in cancer patients. Questionnaires measuring distress, self-efficacy, and perceived control were completed prior to and after the consultation by 454 patients attending an oncology outpatient clinic. After the consultation, the patients also rated the physicians' communicative behaviours by completing a patient-physician relationship inventory (PPRI), and the physicians were asked to estimate patient satisfaction. The overall results showed that higher PPRI scores of physician attentiveness and empathy were associated with greater patient satisfaction, increased self-efficacy, and reduced emotional distress following the consultation. In contrast, lower PPRI scores were associated with reduced ability of the physician to estimate patient satisfaction. The results confirm and expand previous findings, suggesting that communication is a core clinical skill in oncology.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Personal contact: Mean percentage scores (s.d.) of patient satisfaction (A), the physicians' perception of patient satisfaction (B), and the physicians' satisfaction with his/her own ability to establish contact with the patient (C).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Medical aspects: Mean percentage scores (s.d.) of patient satisfaction (A), the physicians' perception of patient satisfaction (B), and the physicians' satisfaction with his/her own ability to handle the medical aspects of the patient's situation (C).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Mean percentage PPRI scores (s.d.) on the subscales of Attentiveness and Empathy and mean (s.d.) per cent rated importance of these skills.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Mean percent scores (s.d.) of cancer-related self-efficacy, perceived control over disease, and mood prior to (1) and after the consultation (2).

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