“The Influence of Doctor-Patient Communication on Patients’ Trust: The Role of Patient-Physician Consistency and Perceived Threat of Disease”
Abstract
Effective doctor–patient communication is a cornerstone of high-quality healthcare and a key determinant of patients’ trust in their physicians. This study investigates how communication behaviors influence patients’ trust, with a focus on the moderating effects of patient–physician consistency (e.g., alignment in values, expectations, and communication styles) and perceived threat of disease. Using a cross-sectional survey of patients from various medical settings, data were analyzed through structural equation modeling to examine direct and interaction effects. Results indicate that clear, empathetic, and responsive communication significantly enhances patients’ trust in their physicians. Moreover, patient–physician consistency strengthens this relationship, suggesting that trust develops more readily when patients perceive congruence with their doctors. Conversely, high perceived disease threat attenuates the positive impact of communication, as anxiety and uncertainty may reduce patients’ receptivity. These findings highlight the importance of adaptive communication strategies tailored to patients’ psychological states and underline the need for medical training programs emphasizing relational and situational communication competence.
Aim: To assess the influence of doctor–patient communication on patients' satisfaction and relationships with their doctors among dental undergraduates.
Objectives
- To evaluate the awareness and understanding of effective communication skills among dental undergraduates.
- To assess the perceived impact of communication on patient satisfaction and compliance.
• To identify barriers faced by dental students in establishing effective communication with patients.
Method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 dental students, comprising 44 males (22.0%) and 156 females (78.0%), including. The survey included 13 questions exploring The Influence of Doctor-Patient Communication on Patients’ Trust: The Role of Patient-Physician Consistency and Perceived Threat of Disease.
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