The impact of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings: implications for medical training and practice
Abstract Poor doctor-patient communication significantly contributes to patient dissatisfaction. This study investigates the impact of doctor-patient communication quality on patient satisfaction to guide medical education, clinical training, and hospital management improvements. Using validated que...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-06-01
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| Series: | BMC Medical Education |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07433-y |
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| author | Xinyi Chen Chang Liu Pengpeng Yan Hanle Wang Jingjie Xu Ke Yao |
| author_facet | Xinyi Chen Chang Liu Pengpeng Yan Hanle Wang Jingjie Xu Ke Yao |
| author_sort | Xinyi Chen |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Poor doctor-patient communication significantly contributes to patient dissatisfaction. This study investigates the impact of doctor-patient communication quality on patient satisfaction to guide medical education, clinical training, and hospital management improvements. Using validated questionnaires, we found a significant positive correlation between overall communication quality and patient satisfaction (r = 0.539, p < 0.001). Specifically, dimensions of medical information communication (r = 0.530, p < 0.001) and communication skills (r = 0.417, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with patient satisfaction, whereas cognitive and emotional communication dimensions were not significantly correlated. Regression analysis further demonstrated communication satisfaction as a reliable predictor of patient satisfaction (R² = 0.287, p < 0.001). We recommend enhancing healthcare providers’ communication skills and detailed medical information disclosure through targeted training programs. Emphasizing patient-centered communication strategies can substantially improve patient satisfaction and reduce doctor-patient disputes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-eda78e6abb1d4d2885ed6c46e1c6fb68 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1472-6920 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Medical Education |
| spelling | doaj-art-eda78e6abb1d4d2885ed6c46e1c6fb682025-08-20T03:26:43ZengBMCBMC Medical Education1472-69202025-06-0125111010.1186/s12909-025-07433-yThe impact of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings: implications for medical training and practiceXinyi Chen0Chang Liu1Pengpeng Yan2Hanle Wang3Jingjie Xu4Ke Yao5Eye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityDepartment of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityKidney Disease Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityEye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityEye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityEye Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of School of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityAbstract Poor doctor-patient communication significantly contributes to patient dissatisfaction. This study investigates the impact of doctor-patient communication quality on patient satisfaction to guide medical education, clinical training, and hospital management improvements. Using validated questionnaires, we found a significant positive correlation between overall communication quality and patient satisfaction (r = 0.539, p < 0.001). Specifically, dimensions of medical information communication (r = 0.530, p < 0.001) and communication skills (r = 0.417, p < 0.001) were significantly correlated with patient satisfaction, whereas cognitive and emotional communication dimensions were not significantly correlated. Regression analysis further demonstrated communication satisfaction as a reliable predictor of patient satisfaction (R² = 0.287, p < 0.001). We recommend enhancing healthcare providers’ communication skills and detailed medical information disclosure through targeted training programs. Emphasizing patient-centered communication strategies can substantially improve patient satisfaction and reduce doctor-patient disputes.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07433-yDoctor-patient communicationPatient satisfactionMedical education |
| spellingShingle | Xinyi Chen Chang Liu Pengpeng Yan Hanle Wang Jingjie Xu Ke Yao The impact of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings: implications for medical training and practice BMC Medical Education Doctor-patient communication Patient satisfaction Medical education |
| title | The impact of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings: implications for medical training and practice |
| title_full | The impact of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings: implications for medical training and practice |
| title_fullStr | The impact of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings: implications for medical training and practice |
| title_full_unstemmed | The impact of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings: implications for medical training and practice |
| title_short | The impact of doctor-patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings: implications for medical training and practice |
| title_sort | impact of doctor patient communication on patient satisfaction in outpatient settings implications for medical training and practice |
| topic | Doctor-patient communication Patient satisfaction Medical education |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-07433-y |
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