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Control, compliance, and satisfaction in the family practice encounter
1Communication and Journalism Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, USA. cecil@unm.edu
Family Medicine
|November 14, 1997
Summary
Physician communication style impacts patient outcomes. When physicians yielded control, patients reported higher satisfaction and compliance, aligning with patient-centered care principles.
Area of Science:
- Medical Communication
- Health Psychology
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Patient-centered interviewing is crucial for effective physician-patient communication.
- Understanding control behaviors in clinical encounters is essential.
- Verbal control patterns influence patient satisfaction and compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe verbal control behaviors in clinical encounters.
- To examine the relationship between control patterns, patient satisfaction, and compliance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 50 videotaped family practice encounters using the Relational Communication Control Coding Scheme.
- Patient surveys to assess satisfaction and compliance.
Main Results:
- Patients generally exhibited assertive control behaviors.
- Physicians showed a willingness to cede conversational control.
- Reduced physician control dominance correlated with increased patient satisfaction and compliance.
Conclusions:
- Observed control patterns support patient-centered communication approaches.
- Encouraging patient assertiveness in discussions enhances satisfaction and compliance.