Publication Date

5-1992

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Randall Capps, Larry Winn, Judith Hoover

Degree Program

Department of Communication

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Abstract

In recent years medical societies have begun to recognize the effects and benefits of good communication between physician and patient. Like any other relationship, the exchange of information with fluent understanding creates a stronger bond of trust. Most applied research conducted in the area of physician-patient communication concentrates on physician behaviors which the patient views as problematic. This thesis focuses on patient assertiveness and its relationship to physician-patient satisfaction in the consultation process. Specifically, the study focuses on the relationship between patient assertiveness and physician-patient satisfaction.

For the study the researcher developed a patient questionnaire and pre- and post-physician questionnaires to assess patient assertiveness. This factor relates to outcomes of satisfaction from the physician-patient consultation. Twenty doctors and two hundred patients participated in the study. The implications of these finding should provide insight into the patient-physician consultation process.

Disciplines

Communication | Health and Medical Administration | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication | Medicine and Health Sciences | Social and Behavioral Sciences

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