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Abstract
Communication in the in-patient environment is crucial, and the relationship between a patient and physician enhances patient health and wellness. Patients should feel confident with their abilities to feel comfortable conversing with physicians, which would thus treat symptoms more effectively. This communication has decreased over time, hence patients are often are unable to obtain medical information from their healthcare providers. What is the relationship between psychological factors, such as self-esteem, and quality of patient-physician communication? And can physicians ensure increased patient comfort in the medical environment?
Various factors can affect the patients’ comfort with their physicians, and when addressed, these factors can help improve patient-physician communication. I explored articles that analyzed the effect of language barriers, the role of familial support in the mental strength of the patient, and the effect of increased time spent online on communication. All of these aspects lead to a disparity between the patient and the physician as the patient cannot adequately communicate himself as a result of a lack of confidence and support, thus putting the responsibility on the part of the healthcare provider. Physicians have the ability to create a comforting environment for the patient and need to take a more active role in patients’ lives and provide more resources to communicate their concerns effectively to help the patient feel secure and comfortable in the medical environment. This change will thus enable patients to work alongside their physicians in managing their health to allow improvement of communication as well as overall patient health.
Publication Date
2015
Subject Major(s)
Psychology
Keywords
Communication, patients, physicians, technology, language, community, health
Disciplines
Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Health Psychology | Medicine and Health
Current Academic Year
Freshman
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Faye Prichard
Rights
© The Author(s)
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Health Psychology Commons, Medicine and Health Commons