This study reports on 242 diabetic patients from the practices of 42 physicians. Communication from physician to patient was studied to determine the effect of communication on subsequent patient outcomes. Patients and physicians were questioned on instructions provided for diabetic management and self-care. The average level of effective communication for all patients in the study was 67 percent. Insulin-dependent diabetics had the best communication scores, those controlled on diet alone the poorest, while oral medication patients were intermediate.
Although overall communication scores showed to significant correlation with diabetic control status, patient satisfaction, compliance in taking prescribed medication, or frequency of hospitalization, specific communication items were highly correlated with corresponding behavioral outcomes.
Dr. Hulka is Associate Professor, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514. Dr. Kupper is Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics, University of North Carolina, and Dr. Cassel is Professor and Chairman, Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina. Dr. Mayo is Professor and Chairman, Department of Family Practice, Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University. The project upon which this paper is based was performed persuant to Grant No. HS00026-03 between the National Center for Health Services Research and Development and the Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina.