Doctor-Patient Communication Skills: Knowledge and Practice Among Physicians of Private Medical Colleges of Chattogram, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Quality patient care and fostering doctor- patient relationships with compassion and mutual respect rely on effective communication. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge and practice of Physicians of three private medical colleges and hospitals of Chattogram, Bangladesh towards Doctor- Patient Communication skills Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in Chattogram Maa O Shishu Hospital Medical College (CMOSHMC), Southern Medical College (SMC) and BGC Trust Medical College (BGC TMC) of Chattogram, Bangladesh from April 2024 to May 2024. A total of 384 physicians voluntarily participated in this study. A structured questionnaire including Knowledge and Practice towards Doctor-Patient Communication skills based on Calgary- Cambridge framework was distributed among the physicians. Data was analyzed by Statistical Package of Social Sciences version 24. Results: In this study, out of 384 physicians, 168(43.8%) were male and 216 (56.3%) were female. The mean age of the physicians was 33.0859 ± 9.241. 142(37%) were from Chattogram Maa O Shishu Hospital Medical College (CMOSHMC), 132(34.4) from BGC Trust Medical college (BGCTMC) and 110(28.6) from Southern Medical College (SMC). The total knowledge score was 41.914 (SD: ±3.893) and total practice score was 38.554 (SD: ±4.317). Physicians in this study had a good level of knowledge (>80%) but a Moderate level (76%) of Practice on Doctor Patient Communication skill because of Bloom’s scale. Conclusion: Though physicians in this study had a good level of knowledge but illustrated a Moderate level of Practice on Doctor Patient Communication skill. The barriers to practicing good communication skills must be overcome for a better Doctor Patient Relationship.