Perspectives
CME Article: Interpersonal Contexts of Communication Between Sickle Cell Disease Patients and Providers
Abstract
It is well established that the communicative relationship between patients and healthcare providers is essential for the provision of high-quality care.1 Strong and affirmative communication skills not only enhance the patient–provider relationship but also are known to be significantly associated with treatment efficacy, patient commitment to treatment regimens, and a range of positive health-related outcomes.2In contrast, weak and/or difficult communication between patients and providers may challenge the therapeutic relationship and lead to distrust/mistrust, poor adherence to treatment regimens, and a range of adverse health-related outcomes.3,4 For nearly 2 decades, sickle cell disease (SCD) researchers have acknowledged the fundamental role of the patient–provider relationship for the delivery of high-quality care1,5; however, specific studies that examine the clinical implications of poor communication in SCD are relatively rare. Only recently have researchers begun to link the problematic hospital experiences that often are reported by individuals living with SCD to poor, incomplete, or insufficient communication between patients and providers.6–8This content is limited to qualifying members.
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