What makes a physician an exemplary communicator with patients?

A pilot study was conducted to examine the characteristics, capacities (beliefs, values and intentions) and skills that distinguish exemplary communicators from less exemplary communicators in patient-physician encounters.

Forty physicians participated in a four-station videotaped OSCE focusing on a variety of adolescent sexual health issues and assessed using seven quantitative measures. Results determined the top 15%, and the bottom 15%. An interviewer reviewed and discussed two of the videotaped scenarios with physicians in both groups. Interviews were analyzed to determine differences between groups.

Results consistently identified the top 15% (6) and bottom 15% (6) physicians. The t-tests showed statistically significant differences on all skills and capacity measures. "Notable" differences (25% or higher) were found on two quantitative instruments assessing skills. There were no notable differences in capacities. The qualitative inquiry confirmed notable differences in skills and identified capacities of empathy, non-judgement and self-reflection as restricted to the exemplary group.

Using quantitative and qualitative measures, it is possible to determine skills and capacities that distinguish exemplary communicators from less exemplary communicators.

In addition to effective skills, physician empathy, non-judgement and self-reflection appear to be necessary components for exemplary physician communication with adolescents.