The relationship of patients\u27 perceptions of physicians\u27 communication style to patient satisfaction

This thesis examines the relationship between physician communication style and patient satisfaction in the diagnostic medical interview. Patient satisfaction is a critical issue for health care organizations today. Health care organizations are coping with the recruitment and maintenance of patient consumers in a competitive and costly market. The literature indicates that effective communication between the physician and the patient is important to patient satisfaction. The physician needs to structure the medical visit in order to acquire medical information and, at the same time, invite communication with patients to determine their concerns and needs. Patient satisfaction may ensue if the patient perceives the physician as possessing a positive communication style