Determinants of communication dynamics on doctor-patient interactions: a descriptive cross-sectional investigation

Introduction: Communication dynamics in doctor-patient relationships are vital for improving patient outcomes, with effective communication fostering clear understanding, information gathering, and compassionate relationships. Studies highlight that physician communication skills lead to earlier problem detection, better outcomes, higher satisfaction, and improved adherence to treatment plans. While factors like patient demographics, doctor characteristics, and environmental influences affect doctor-patient communication, research is limited, especially in the context of rising violence against doctors and legal challenges. Objectives: Our study aimed to evaluate patients’ perceptions and identify the determinants associated with negative perceptions of communication dynamics in doctor-patient interactions. Methods: The community-based cross-sectional study included 230 participants (?18 years) selected via simple random sampling and was conducted in Angadipuram panchayat, North Kerala, India. A pre-tested validated questionnaire collected socio-demographic data, DPC effectiveness, and influencing factors. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26, with chi-square tests for bivariate analysis (p ? 0.05). Results: Our study found that 61.3% (n=141) of participants reported positive doctor-patient interactions, with 75.3% (n=55) aged 31-45 years reporting good communication and 86.9% (n=106) of females expressing higher satisfaction levels (p=0.001). Attentive listening and involvement in decision-making (p=0.001) positively influenced DPC, while factors like religious/cultural influences (p=0.001), high fees (p=0.0001), and rude staff behaviour (p=0.0001) were linked to poorer communication experiences. Conclusion: Our study emphasized that doctor-patient communication was shaped by various demographic and contextual factors. While many participants reported positive interactions, challenges such as religious/cultural influences, high fees, and staff rudeness pose significant barriers, emphasizing the need for patient-centered communication strategies to improve healthcare quality and satisfaction