Modelling the Associations Between the Physician–Patient Relationship and Patient Outcomes via Self-Determination Theory Variables in Chronic Disease Management

Satisfaction of basic psychological needs plays an important role in predicting patient motivation and outcomes. The current findings provide evidence that the physician-patient relationship plays a direct role in facilitating satisfaction and frustration of psychological needs, as well as patient motivation. Attention should be placed on interventions aimed at improving the physician-patient relationship as a means through which to increase need satisfaction, autonomous motivation, and, consequently, patient adherence and outcomes.