Open AccessPatient communication pattern scale: psychometric characteristics
Author(s) -
Ilan Sara,
Carmel Sara
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
health expectations
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.314
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1369-7625
pISSN - 1369-6513
DOI - 10.1111/hex.12381
Subject(s) - scale (ratio) , confirmatory factor analysis , health communication , psychological intervention , psychology , religiosity , applied psychology , medicine , social psychology , nursing , computer science , structural equation modeling , communication , physics , quantum mechanics , machine learning
Background In western societies, a shared decision‐making model for doctor–patient relationships calling for open and collaborative communication is recommended. Research focuses mainly on the doctor's communication patterns, while research on patient communication patterns is rare. The purpose of this study was to develop a tool for evaluating patient's communication patterns – the Patient Communication Pattern Scale (PCPS). Methods Interviews based on structured questionnaires were conducted with 251 cancer patients. In addition to the 14‐item PCPS, the questionnaire included questions regarding education, religiosity and desirability of control in general and over one's own health in particular, for validating the scale. Results The PCPS was found to be a valid and reliable tool for evaluating patients' communication patterns. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the PCPS designed structure of five facets: (1) Information, (2) Clarification, (3) Initiation, (4) Preferences and (5) Emotions. Conclusion The PCPS is a reliable scale for evaluating patient communication patterns. The use of this scale can assist in promoting related research and in developing interventions for enhancing open and collaborative doctor–patient communication.