Doctor-patient communication and its effects on patients’ quality of life in public hospitals of Multan city, Pakistan

Sonia Jamil; Tehmina Sattar; Muhammad Imdad Ullah; Aneesa Kafait

Abstract
Objective: To determine the effects of Doctor-Patient Communication (DPC) on patients Quality of Life (QoL) in public medical institutes of Multan city, Pakistan.
Methodology: The present research was conducted in three public hospitals from February to July 2020. A sample size of 225 registered patients were selected through a simple random sampling technique. Interviews were conducted from patients about their demographics, DPC, and QoL. The data were analyzed through simple linear regression analysis using SPSS 21.
Results: The age, gender segregation, monthly income, education level, family size, family type along with residence of the patients were the major demographic factors that affected the patients’ QoL. Major factors of DPC that produced positive and significant changes in patients QoL were i) doctors listening to the patients carefully (61.4%) ii) respectful behavior of doctors towards patients (72.4%), and iii) doctors provide necessary information to patients about their medical conditions (77.1%).
Conclusion: DPC is the communication bridge between doctors and patients. This bridge revolved around careful listening, soft speech, and polite behavioral conduct of doctors with patients. Doctors must be given training to master their communication skills through seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Key words: Doctor, patient, communication, quality of life, public hospitals.

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