Although doctors' communication style and perception influence outcomes, few studies have examined how these perceptions relate to the way doctors communicate with patients. Furthermore, although many factors can influence the communication process, few studies have examined these effects together to identify the strongest influences on physician communication and perception. Doctors (N = 29) and patients ( N= 207) from 10 outpatient facilities in the United States participated in the study. Based on audio recordings of these visits, coders assessed doctors' communication and affect, as well as patients' participation and affect. Doctors were more patient-centred in terms of patients they perceived as communicating better, more satisfied and more likely to comply with recommendations. Doctors showed more patient-centred communication and better perceived patients who expressed positive emotions were more engaged and less argumentative. Doctors argued more with black patients, whom they also perceived as less effective in the area of communication and less satisfied. Finally, doctors who reported being patient-centred in the doctor-patient relationship were also more patient-centred in their communication. The results suggest that reciprocity and peer influence have a strong impact on these interactions, as more positive (or negative) communication from one participant leads to similar reactions from the other. Physicians' encounters with black patients revealed communication difficulties that may reduce the quality of care for these patients.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738399106001868?via%3Dihub