Doctor-Patient Communication In Ghana: A Comparative Study Between Public And Private Hospitals

Abstract

Effective doctor-patient communication enhances healthcare outcomes such as patient satisfaction and adherence to therapeutic instructions. Globally, poor communication between doctors and their patients has been reported in many studies. In Ghana, it has been reported that patients are confronted with long waiting times without any explanations from providers, abusive attitudes of some healthcare providers, inappropriate communication on the part of providers. Despite the benefits and challenges of effective doctor-patient communication, most studies have focused on general health service quality with little attention being paid to the exploration of communication quality. The main objective of this study was to examine communication among doctors and patients in public and private hospitals in Ghana. Quantitative research method and convenient sampling technique were used. A total of four hundred and three (403) respondents were recruited. Data were analysed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), version 20. Quantitative results were presented using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, cross tabulation using chi-square test, and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis. Though communication quality was found to be satisfactory in both public and private hospitals, it was found to be better in the private hospital than the public one. However, four communication barriers were identified. There was a significant association between overall communication quality and the following: facility type, gender and educational level. Two of the Four Habits Model (Habits 3 & 4) and facility type were found to be significant predictors of overall communication quality. It is recommended that management of health facilities use the Four Habits Model as a blueprint to ensure effective communication.