Therapeutic conversation: The effectiveness of intensified physician-patient communication

Project lead: Rosemarie Felder-Puig
Duration: June 2006 - October 2006

Research question: Intensified physician-patient communication, which is reimbursed in Austria as “therapeutic conversation”, may lead to higher patient compliance (understanding of and adherence to physician’s instructions) and a better health outcome. In this project, the question whether these expectations can be met and proven by empiric data is to be answered. Aim: A systematic review of literature addressing the effectiveness of intensified physician-patient communication should not primarily address theoretical knowledge (e.g., the expectation of higher compliance), but should focus on the summary of empirical data. The report will also include a description of how intensified physician-patient communication is established and reimbursed in comparable health care systems.

Method: Systematic review

Content: Systematic review of empirical studies of the effects of intensified physician-patient communication; review of reimbursement issues and frequencies of intensified physician-patient communication in a number of other health care systems in Central Europe in a comparison with Austria

Project report: HTA-Projektbericht 01

Contact: Rosemarie Felder-Puig