Investigating the Communication Apprehension Model of Physicians in Public Hospitals of Yazd City

Abstract

Background: A good and healthy communication between the physician and patient and the therapeutic staff is the basis of good medical care, and communication skills play an important role in patient's satisfaction and their treatment. The aim of this study was to explore the physicians' communication in public hospitals of Yazd city using phenomenological methods. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted using the phenomenology method from January 2021 to August 2022. The location of the study was 2 hospitals affiliated to Shahid Sadoughi University of Yazd. The statistical population included general practitioners and specialists from the government hospitals of Yazd city. Among these doctors, 12 people who had a working experience of more than 11 years and were willing to cooperate with the researcher were selected as the sample using a selective and purposive method. Data were collected through interviews. Lincoln and Guba criteria were used to assess validity and reliability of the research, and these data were analyzed by NVIVO11 software. Results: Results demonstrated that physicians' communication pattern consisted of 11 sub-themes: psychological factors; family factors; lack of skills; information disorders; challenges related to patients, colleagues, and medical profession; hospital environment; social harm; and religious factors. These sub-themes were categorized into five main themes: environmental, individual, communicative, cultural, and professional aspects. Conclusion: Establishing a proper relationship between the patient and physician is the essential component of a high quality medical care. Improving this relationship will cause patient's more commitment to the treatment, more satisfaction with the medical team, and less medical errors and complaints.