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Hepatitis C virus-infected patients report communication problems with physicians.
Susan Zickmund1, Stephen L Hillis, Mitchell J Barnett
1Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh College of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. susan.zickmund@med.va.gov
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
|April 2, 2004
Summary
Many patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection experience communication issues with physicians, often linked to psychosocial challenges. Addressing physician communication skills and patient support is crucial for improving HCV care.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Patient-Physician Communication
- Psychosocial Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection presents unique challenges in patient care.
- Effective communication is vital for managing chronic conditions like HCV.
- Understanding patient-reported issues can improve healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and types of problems patients with HCV infection encounter in their interactions with physicians.
- To identify factors associated with these communication difficulties.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 322 outpatients with chronic HCV infection.
- Data collection included semistructured interviews, the Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), and the Hospital Anxiety Depression (HAD) scale.
- Interviews were analyzed by two blinded coders.
Main Results:
- 41% of patients reported communication difficulties with physicians.
- Common issues included poor physician communication skills (28%), perceived incompetence (23%), feelings of abandonment (16%), and stigmatization (9%).
- Psychosocial problems were significant predictors of communication difficulties; nonresponse to antiviral therapy correlated with perceived physician conflict.
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of HCV patients face interaction challenges with healthcare providers.
- These difficulties may stem from patients' psychosocial issues and highlight a need for enhanced physician education.
- Targeted educational efforts for specialists and primary care providers are recommended to address the psychosocial needs of HCV patients.