Communication training and patient satisfaction: A randomized trial study from Mashhad, Iran

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Quality Improvement
• Health Communication
• Patient Satisfaction Studies

Background:

• Client satisfaction is a key metric for assessing primary healthcare quality.
• Effective communication skills training for healthcare providers may enhance family planning services and patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of a communication skills training program on client satisfaction.
• To determine the extent to which enhanced communication influences patient experience in family planning services.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 35 health centers in Mashhad, Iran (July-September 2004).
• Healthcare providers in intervention centers (n=24) received communication skills training, while control centers (n=27) did not.
• Client satisfaction data were collected from 47 clients per group at two time points.

Main Results:

• Communication knowledge and skills of healthcare providers significantly improved in the intervention group (P < 0.05).
• Client satisfaction scores showed a significant improvement in the intervention group after a 1-month follow-up (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Communication skills training is an effective intervention for improving healthcare provider performance.
• This training program has the potential to significantly enhance client satisfaction rates in primary healthcare settings.