Christopher McKinley; Yam Limbu; P. Ganesan
Abstract
Among those with chronic health conditions, the effective use of digital health services may foster more productive physician-patient encounters. This study examined the contribution of e-health literacy to patient communication behaviors and patient satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey was administered ...
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Among those with chronic health conditions, the effective use of digital health services may foster more productive physician-patient encounters. This study examined the contribution of e-health literacy to patient communication behaviors and patient satisfaction. A cross-sectional survey was administered to a sample of Indian adults with chronic health conditions. Hierarchical regression analyses indicated that e-health literacy directly predicted increased communication self-efficacy, patient empowerment, and reduced communication apprehension. Subsequent indirect effects tests showed that through these motivating factors, e-health literacy indirectly predicted increased patient communication and patient satisfaction. Overall, the findings indicate that the benefits of e-health literacy extend beyond digital information seeking more favorable medical consultations. Overall, enhancing chronically-ill patients’ digital health skills can lead to more productive medical consultations and better long-term health maintenance.
Christopher McKinley; Yam Limbu; Long Pham
Volume 8, Issue 1 , March 2020, , Pages 44-59
Abstract
Strong doctor-patient relationships generate greater patient satisfaction and compliance with physician recommendations. Although prior research has explored distinct factors driving favorable patient outcomes, investigations have yet to comprehensively address the efficacy of different communication ...
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Strong doctor-patient relationships generate greater patient satisfaction and compliance with physician recommendations. Although prior research has explored distinct factors driving favorable patient outcomes, investigations have yet to comprehensively address the efficacy of different communication styles. Furthermore, it is critical to explore the full impact communication approaches have on perceptions of medical services. This investigation addressed two patient-centered communication approaches – empathy and nonverbal immediacy – as antecedents to Vietnamese patients’ impressions of physicians and hospital services. Results showed that these two factors were powerful, independent predictors of satisfaction and trust. Conversely, patient participation was a less robust predictor of judgments toward physicians as well as a weak mediator between patient-centered communication skills and favorable physician impressions. In addition, results showed that patient satisfaction in physicians was a key intervening factor in the relationship between patient-centered communication skills and hospital satisfaction. Overall, the findings highlight the critical importance of physician connectedness with patients as central to patients' global judgments of medical services.