Physicians' emotional intelligence and patient satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the relationship between patient satisfaction and physicians' scores on a test of emotional intelligence.


METHODS
Faculty and resident physicians at a southern medical school completed the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQi). Patient subjects were recruited at the conclusion of an office visit and completed a patient satisfaction survey. Spearman rank order correlations and t tests were used to examine the relationship between global, composite, and subscale scores on the EQi and patient satisfaction. Race, gender, and resident/faculty status were compared via t tests.


RESULTS
When patient satisfaction scores were used to dichotomize physicians into two groups, those with 100% satisfied patients and those with less than 100% satisfaction, only one subscale of EQi, "happiness," was related to higher satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings suggest a limited relationship between physicians'scores on a test of emotional intelligence and patient satisfaction. Implications for physician training programs are offered in light of recent focus on physician-patient communication in medical education. Application of emotional intelligence concepts to physician skills and patient attitudes needs further research that may lead to further educational opportunities.
Wagner
Peggy J
PJ
Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA. pwagner@mail.mcg.edu
Moseley
Ginger C
GC
Grant
Michael M
MM
Gore
Johnathan R
JR
Owens
Christopher
C
D000339:Affect; D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D004645:Empathy; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010820:Physicians / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States