Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #112925

Ashley P. Duggan, PhD, Communication, Boston College, 140 Commonwealth Ave, Chestnut Hill, MA 02460, 617-527-3070, dugganas@bc.edu

Research over the last ten years suggests interpersonal communication in health contexts is an important issue for clinicians and educators to consider. Within the provider / patient interaction, research in interpersonal communication addresses the kinds of communication skills clinicians and patients need to accomplish tasks of medical consultation. Specifically, the ways communication enhances quality of care are addressed. Examples of quality of care address both the process of care, such as how the consultation is conducted and the manner in making medical decisions, as well as outcome of care, or participants' actions and experiences following the consultation, such as adherence to a treatment regimen and eradication of disease. Research suggests overall improved quality in process and outcomes are associated with clinicians' and patients' verbal and nonverbal behaviors. Suggestions for ways to better address both the process and outcomes of the provider-patient interaction are presented. In close relationships with someone with a mental or physical health issue, research in interpersonal communication addresses social influence of romantic partners and close friends in behavior change, the ways family relationships are defined by illness, the role of emotional and tangible social support in health-related decision making, group membership and risk-taking behavior, and the ways identity within relationships influences health behavior. The close relationship provides a rich forum for studying communication patterns over time, control dynamics, social influence, and social support in decision-making about health, relational development, relational consequences, caretaking behaviors, and the progression of illness. Suggestions for educators and training programs are presented.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to
• Identify ways communication contributes to quality and process of care.
• Describe communication behaviors associated with a provider’s ability to produce patient-centered communication.
• Describe communication behaviors associated with a patient’s ability to actively participate in care.
• Identify the ways close relationships influence health-related decision making.
• Describe the role of social influence, control dynamics, and social support in communication about health within a close relationship.

Keywords: Communication, Practice

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.