Communication competence, self-care behaviors and glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the relationship between physician communication competence and A1c control among Hispanics and non-Hispanics seen in primary care practices.


METHODS
Observational.


METHODS
Direct observation and audio-recording of patient-physician encounters by 155 Hispanic and non-Hispanic white patients seen by 40 physicians in 20 different primary care clinics. Audio-recordings were transcribed and coded to derive an overall communication competence score for the physician. An exit survey was administered to each patient to assess self-care activities and their medical record was abstracted for the most recent glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c) level.


RESULTS
Higher levels of communication competence were associated with lower levels of A1c for Hispanics, but not non-Hispanic white patients. Although communication competence was associated with better self-reported diet behaviors, diet was not associated with A1c control. Across all patients, higher levels of communication competence were associated with improved A1c control after controlling for age, ethnicity and diet adherence.


CONCLUSIONS
Physician's communication competence may be more important for promoting clinical success in disadvantaged patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Acquisition of communication competence skills may be an important component in interventions to eliminate Hispanic disparities in glucose control.
Department of Family & Community Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-4404, USA. parchman@uthscsa.edu
Michael L
ML
Parchman
Dorothy
D
Flannagan
Robert L
RL
Ferrer
Mike
M
Matamoras
D001786:Blood Glucose; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D003625:Data Collection; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; D015438:Health Behavior; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D006943:Hyperglycemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D012648:Self Care; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D014481:United States
D001786:Blood Glucose; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin