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 sought to evaluate the physicians' knowledge and proficiency in doctor-patient communication skills across three private medical colleges and hospitals in Chattogram, Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods: From April to May 2024, Chattogram, Bangladesh's Southern Medical College (SMC), BGC Trust Medical College (BGC TMC), and Chattogram Maa O Shishu Hospital Medical College (CMOSHMC) conducted a descriptive cross-sectionalresearch. 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 were 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 mean of total knowledge score was 41.914 (SD: ±3.893) and total practice score was 38.554 (SD: ±4.317). According to Bloom's scale, the doctors in this research had a moderate degree of practice (76%) but an excellent level of knowledge (>80%) about doctor-patient communication.

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 practice good communication skills must be overcome for a better Doctor Patient Relationship.