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Background Good physician-patient communication is an important aspect of patient-centered care and contributes to positive health outcomes. However there is a lack of standard EU communication training policies for physicians. This study explores the barriers to good communication for both physicians and patients across four EU countries as part of the EU-funded Project “H-COM”, Health Communication Training for Health Professionals. Methods Eight focus groups were conducted with a total of 31 patients and 38 physicians from Germany, Greece, Spain, and Cyprus. Three themes were covered; perceptions, barriers and needs for health communication. Results Commonalities and differences between countries and target groups were identified, with participants discussing attitudinal, emotional, educational, and systemic barriers to good communication. Identified barriers among patients include a deeply embedded hierarchical notion and arrogance among physicians, inadequate or difficult to understand language, busy schedules. Among doctors barriers identified were mostly systemic having to do with busy schedules, large number of patients, and lack of time. Participants especially patients indicated a significant gap in health communication knowledge, skills, and training for physicians, with several regional differences being present especially between Mediterranean and central European countries. Conclusions The results imply a strong need for communication training, tailored accordingly in specific countries. Further development of policies related to the inclusion of such training in medical studies across EU would be of great importance. Key messages There are differences concerning health communication needs and barriers between EU regions and the development of tailored training. Although identified as important there is a lack of health communication training in certain EU MS and an urgent need to incorporate training in basic medical and nursing education.

Physician-patient communication: A qualitative study of perceptions, barriers, and needs in 4 EU MS