The Psychological Effects of Physicians’ Communication Skills on COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Purpose The COVID-19 pandemic has affected physician–patient communication (PPC) in multiple ways. This study aims to report on the impact of physician–patient communication (PPC) skills on COVID-19 patients’ psychology in Jordan. Sample and Methods In this study, two questionnaires were designed. The first questionnaire targeted physicians, with 72 responses, and the second questionnaire targeted patients, with 248 responses. Both questionnaires contained common sections covering nine aspects of communication such as empathy, honesty, optimism, simple and deliberateness. Results This study found that the psychological effect of physicians’ positive communication skills on COVID-19 patients is significant. There were almost statistical agreement between physicians’ and patients’ questionnaire responses that the physicians’ communication skills have positively affected the patients’ psychological status; all patients’ responses confirmed this finding. Conclusion Based on this study’s findings, appropriate and continuous training will advance physicians’ communication skills in the form of exercises that could be as simple as class- or lecture-based activities, or using technology-based learning. Using a protocol or handbook to guide such communication is another essential strategy to enhance physician–patient communication (PPC). The study recommends that physicians must be aware that PPC skills required may vary depending on whether they are dealing with a pandemic or non-pandemic situation. Generally, appropriate or positive communication skills are considered one of the main factors effecting patients’ psychological responses to their diagnosis.

A Systematic Review: The Dimensions utilized in the Performance Evaluation of Healthcare- An Implication during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In addition, communication between HCWs and patients was also investigated during the pandemic. A study in Jordan [117] found that physician-patient communication (PPC) positively affected the patient's psychological status in COVID-19. It recommended avoiding communication errors using jargon, not being available to patients, and not showing empathy in communication.…”

The Psychological Effects of Physicians’ Communication Skills on COVID-19 Patients [Letter]

“…Al-Zyoud et al aim to explore physician communication and its “psychological impact” on Covid-19 patients by implementing a two-stage questionnaire for both physician and patient perspectives. 2 Despite this, ‘patient’s psychological status’ is poorly defined in the study aims – something which is challenging given its subjective nature. In the methodology, the authors state that the study “further uncovers the extent of a positive effect of such skills on a COVID-19 patient’s psychology”.…”

“…In the methodology, the authors state that the study “further uncovers the extent of a positive effect of such skills on a COVID-19 patient’s psychology”. 2 However, the questionnaires are designed in such a way that the outcome that is measured is the statistical agreement between what skills the physicians say they use and how these communication skills then impact how the patient feels, instead of measuring true outcomes of patient–physician interactions. A more useful method might be to have the patient respond through a questionnaire to a specific consultation or physician, where they evaluate what communication skills were used and how this impacted their experience of healthcare services.…”

YouCare: a COVID-19 Telehealth App

“…In the most critical cases, the lack of healthcare personnel (or even just phone contact with a physician) has also negatively affected home care, so systems that can DOI reference number: 10.18293/DMSVIVA2021-009 minimize the need for direct human intervention in monitoring patients at home can prove very valuable. However physicians' positive communication skills have a significant psychological effect on COVID-19 patients [2], so limiting direct interaction between patient and health professional may be negative from that perspective. Moreover, for such patients, in addition to the disease, typically a quarantine at home is imposed as well.…”