Communication techniques used by pediatricians during well-child program visits: a pilot study.

UNLABELLED Good communication between a parent and pediatrician may increase therapeutic adherence and the parent satisfaction. Therefore, a pediatrician's main goal during a consultation is obtaining and giving information. OBJECTIVE To analyze occurrences during well-child program visits, specifically the communication techniques used by pediatricians. METHODS We analyzed 49 visits to 5 pediatricians in Seville (Spain). To assure the visits were accurately studied, we audio-taped and transcribed them. To quantify the communication techniques used by pediatricians we developed a check list with 27 categories divided into 3 main communication categories for the visit; "concrete data gathering," "narrative support" and "information and counseling." RESULTS We identified 2025 instances in which pediatricians used a communication technique, 1201 (59%) instances in which the pediatrician used a communication technique to gather information, and 824 (41%) instances in which they gave information and counseling. Pediatricians used a limited range of techniques to inform, counsel and give narrative support to patients. Significant differences among pediatricians were observed in the use of most techniques. CONCLUSION A limited range of communication techniques were observed. The lack of homogeneity among pediatricians suggests different styles of communication, depending on the quantity and quality of communication techniques used. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS This finding can be regarded as a useful hypothesis and should be confirmed with larger pediatrician samples, as it would help to better understand consultation practices that may, in time, help improve communication with parents.