The Effect of Depression on Physician–Patient Communication Among Hispanic End-Stage Renal Disease Patients

Abstract

End-stage renal disease is associated with increased level of depression. Depression is associated with a reduction in the ability of people to effectively communicate in interpersonal settings. The interaction between end-stage renal disease patients and their physicians has important implications for the course of the treatment of this disease; however, there is limited research examining the influence of depression on general patient–physician communication. This study examines the association between depression and physician–patient communication in a sample of Hispanic end-stage renal disease patients. Participating patients filled out the Beck Depression Inventory and self-reported their feelings about meeting with physicians. Patients then met with a physician, and a nurse practitioner observed the interaction. Results indicate that depression was negatively associated with patients' self-reported perceptions of their readiness for the appointment (r =−.20) and with self-reported communication efficacy (r =−.19). Moreover, the nurse practitioner rated patients with depression as being significantly less likely (a) to ask for clarification (r =−.40), (b) to be engaged in the conversation (r =−.46), and (c) to be forthcoming with the physician (r =−.37). Results of this study have significant implications for communication between physicians and end-stage renal disease patients and for the influence of depression on patient–physician communication.

Acknowledgments

This article was supported by grant R39OT08451 from the Health Resources and Services Administration's Division of Transplantation, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The contents of this article are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Health Resources and Services Administration's Division of Transplantation. The authors thank Deborah Maurer, Petra Frey, Stephen Gross, and Jan Stein for their invaluable contributions to this project. Thanks are also due to Courtney Powers and Frances Butler for their input on proposal development.

Notes

Note. All tests are one-tailed.

*p < .05; **p < .001.

Note. All tests are one-tailed.

*p < .05; **p < .01; ***p < .001.