https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3772-5617
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected physician–patient communication (PPC) in multiple ways. This study aims to report on the impact of physician–patient communication (PPC) skills on COVID-19 patients’ psychology in Jordan.
Sample and Methods
In this study, two questionnaires were designed. The first questionnaire targeted physicians, with 72 responses, and the second questionnaire targeted patients, with 248 responses. Both questionnaires contained common sections covering nine aspects of communication such as empathy, honesty, optimism, simple and deliberateness.
Results
This study found that the psychological effect of physicians’ positive communication skills on COVID-19 patients is significant. There were almost statistical agreement between physicians’ and patients’ questionnaire responses that the physicians’ communication skills have positively affected the patients’ psychological status; all patients’ responses confirmed this finding.
Conclusion
Based on this study’s findings, appropriate and continuous training will advance physicians’ communication skills in the form of exercises that could be as simple as class- or lecture-based activities, or using technology-based learning. Using a protocol or handbook to guide such communication is another essential strategy to enhance physician–patient communication (PPC). The study recommends that physicians must be aware that PPC skills required may vary depending on whether they are dealing with a pandemic or non-pandemic situation. Generally, appropriate or positive communication skills are considered one of the main factors effecting patients’ psychological responses to their diagnosis.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the support provided by the German Jordanian University, Amman, Jordan. The authors also are grateful to everyone who took the time to complete our questionnaires, both physicians and patients. We would also like to thank the Specialty Hospital for their assistance in distributing the questionnaires and the specialists who reviewed the questionnaires.
Disclosure
The authors report no financial or other conflicts of interest in this work.