Communication techniques used by pediatricians during well-child program visits: a pilot study

Abstract

Good communication between a parent and pediatrician may increase therapeutic adherence and the parent satisfaction. Therefore, a pediatrician's main goal during a consultation is obtaining and giving information.

Objective: To analyze occurrences during well-child program visits, specifically the communication techniques used by pediatricians.

Methods: We analyzed 49 visits to 5 pediatricians in Seville (Spain). To assure the visits were accurately studied, we audio-taped and transcribed them. To quantify the communication techniques used by pediatricians we developed a check list with 27 categories divided into 3 main communication categories for the visit; "concrete data gathering," "narrative support" and "information and counseling."

Results: We identified 2025 instances in which pediatricians used a communication technique, 1201 (59%) instances in which the pediatrician used a communication technique to gather information, and 824 (41%) instances in which they gave information and counseling. Pediatricians used a limited range of techniques to inform, counsel and give narrative support to patients. Significant differences among pediatricians were observed in the use of most techniques.

Conclusion: A limited range of communication techniques were observed. The lack of homogeneity among pediatricians suggests different styles of communication, depending on the quantity and quality of communication techniques used.

Practice implications: This finding can be regarded as a useful hypothesis and should be confirmed with larger pediatrician samples, as it would help to better understand consultation practices that may, in time, help improve communication with parents.