Communication Between Patients and Physicians
Authors: JOHN P. KIRSCHT
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1977)

Editorials1 April 1977Communication Between Patients and PhysiciansJOHN P. KIRSCHT, PH.D.JOHN P. KIRSCHT, PH.D.Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-86-4-499 SectionsAboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail ExcerptThat everyone has communication problems is a truism of our times; we are attuned to recognizing that there are difficulties in transmitting information and feelings in ways that are accurately understood by our peers. With professionals, however, there is a particular set of problems: the transmission of technical information and advice derived from highly complex procedures and judgments to medically unskilled consumers who are seeking help while in emotionally distressing circumstances. More accurately, there are special needs in both directions because the process is necessarily two-way, with both parties trying to achieve their own goals. Even with the best intentions,...References1. BECKERMAIMAN ML: Sociobehavioral determinants of compliance with health and medical care recommendations. Med Care 13:10-24, 1975 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar2. SACKETTHAYNES DR: Compliance with Therapeutic Regimens. Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1976 Google Scholar3. PODELL R: Physician s Guide to Compliance in Hypertension. Rahway, New Jersey, Merck & Co., Inc., 1975 Google Scholar4. MECHANIC D: Social psychologic factors affecting the presentation of bodily complaints. N Engl J Med 286:1132-1139, 1972 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar5. ZOLA K: Pathways to the doctor—from person to patient. Soc Sci Med 7:677-689, 1973 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar6. MCKINLAY J: Who is really ignorant—physician or patient? J Health Soc Behav 16:3-11, 1975 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar7. FRANCISKORSCHMORRIS VBM: Gaps in doctor-patient communication: patients' response to medical advice. N Engl J Med 280:535-540, 1969 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar8. HULKAKUPPERCASSEL BLJ: Doctor-patient communication and outcomes among diabetic patients. J Community Health 1:15-27, 1975 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar9. BECKERDRACHMANKIRSCHT MRJ: A field experiment to evaluate various outcomes of continuity of physician care. Am J Public Health 64:1062-1070, 1974 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar10. MCINTOSH J: Processes of communication, information seeking and control associated with cancer: a selected review of the literature. Soc Sci Med 8:167-187, 1974 CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar This content is PDF only. To continue reading please click on the PDF icon. Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAffiliations: School of Public Health University of Michigan Ann Arbor, Michigan PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Metrics Cited ByHistory and Physical ExaminationIssues of Diversity in Adolescent Health Psychology: Exploring Sociocultural Influences on Adolescent HealthHistory and Physical ExaminationHealth Beliefs and Experiences in Asian CulturesPatients at risk on a cardiac rehabilitation unit: Implications for a liaison modelA pilot study Dietitians’ effectiveness and patient compliance with dietary regimensTreatment adherence: A contemporary overviewPatient Compliance and the Role of the ExpertThe medical interview satisfaction scale: Development of a scale to measure patient perceptions of physician behaviorCounselling and compliancePatient-Physician Communication: A Student's View 1 April 1977Volume 86, Issue 4Page: 499-500KeywordsEmotions Issue Published: 1 April 1977 PDF DownloadLoading ...