When language heals: Evaluating patient-centered communication in Chinese telemedicine through communication accommodation theory

The findings reveal overreliance on stable, professionalized talk and underuse of adaptive, empathetic strategies, signaling a gap between current practice and patient-centered ideals. Incorporating CAT-based communication training could enhance linguistic flexibility, interpretive clarity, and emotional engagement in Chinese telemedicine, fostering clearer, more compassionate, and culturally attuned digital healthcare.