PATIENT-CENTEREDNESS IN PEDIATRICS: PARENTAL PERCEPTIONS OF PHYSICIAN COMMUNICATION

The present study aims to assess interpersonal communication between pediatricians and the parents of pediatric patients using the validated Communication Assessment Tool (CAT). The study involved 15 pediatricians and 230 parents. The results indicate an overall adequate level of patient-centered communication; however, certain areas of concern were identified, particularly regarding the involvement of parents in decision-making and the encouragement of questions. Materials and Methods. The Communication Assessment Tool (CAT), consisting of 14 items, was used to evaluate communication skills. The study included 15 pediatricians and 230 parents of pediatric patients. The survey was administered following the medical consultation, with parents completing the questionnaire to assess various aspects of their interaction with the physician. Additionally, an analysis of the distribution of referrals to pediatric subspecialties was conducted. Objective of the Study. To assess the interpersonal communication skills of pediatricians in their interactions with patients' parents using the Communication Assessment Tool (CAT), which has been adapted and validated in both Russian and Kazakh languages. Results. The average score for communication skills was 4.38 (SD = 0.059), with 76.3% of ratings marked as “excellent” (SD = 11.1). The highest scores were observed in areas such as greeting, respectful attitude, and clarity of explanations. Lower scores were noted for involving parents in treatment planning and encouraging them to ask questions. The analysis of referral distribution revealed the highest demand for consultations with cardiologists, traumatologists, and neurologists (collectively accounting for 40% of all referrals), while the lowest number of visits were made to allergists, rheumatologists, and maxillofacial surgeons. Conclusion. The results highlight a satisfactory level of communication skills among pediatricians, while also indicating the need for further improvement. Particular attention should be given to fostering open dialogue, actively involving parents in treatment planning, and optimizing the time allocated for consultations.