Doctor-Patient Communication: Impact on Adherence and Prognosis Among Patients with Primary Hypertension

Abstract

This study examined the effect of quality of doctor-patient communication on adherence and the effect of adherence on prognosis of patients diagnosed with primary hypertension. A sample of 30 doctors and 300 hypertensive patients with the ratio of one doctor and 10 patients participated in the study. Quality of communication was measured using similarity index that measured the transaction between the doctor and the patient as a whole. Adherence was measured through self-report while prognosis was measured by doctors’ ratings based on clinical symptoms and blood pressure readings of the patient. Results revealed that quality of communication significantly contributed to adherence and prognosis. Adherence significantly contributed to prognosis. The impact of quality of communication on prognosis suggested a definite pathway through adherence. The implications of enhancing the quality of doctor-patient communication are discussed.