Factors Affecting the Quality of Practitioner-Patient Communication (and Care): Implications for Medical Education

This study investigated the factors that affect the quality of communication during medical practitioner-patient encounters. To achieve this purpose, the study sought the perceptions of university student-participants using a quantitative-qualitative survey methodology. A significant number of the student- participants were enrolled in healthcare -related programs. Factor Analysis was conducted on the survey items followed by multiple regression analyses and ANOVA. The results of the study suggest that gender and ethnic concordance, doctor quality and medical dynamics are important factors regarding perceptions of case management satisfaction. Additionally, female practitioners were rated higher for case management satisfaction and quality of care. Based on these findings, the study recommends critical and progressive reforms of current medical education policies and curricula which have the potential to improve the quality of communication during medical encounters as well as overall patient care outcomes.