Gaps in Doctor-Patient Communication

Abstract Study of 800 outpatient visits to Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles to explore the effect of the verbal interaction between doctor and patient on patient satisfaction and follow-through on medical advice showed 24 per cent of patients to be grossly dissatisfied, 38 per cent moderately compliant and 11 per cent noncompliant. The extent to which patients' expectations from the medical visit were left unmet, lack of warmth in the doctor–patient relation, and failure to receive an explanation of diagnosis and cause of the child's illness were key factors in noncompliance. Complexity of the medical regimen and other practical obstacles also interfered with compliance. There was a significant relation between patient satisfaction and compliance. Also, illnesses that the mothers regarded as very serious were associated with increased compliance. There was no significant relation between the demographic variables tested and satisfaction or compliance.