For the process of health care to be successful, patients and their providers must be able to communicate with one another clearly and efficiently. Interpersonal communication involves an exchange of messages or meanings between people, in this case between patient and provider. Communication can have many differing kinds of content and can take several forms.
Patient–provider communication, interaction between patients and professional and familial caregivers in formal health-care contexts, has significant influences on healthcare outcomes. During health-care, patients interact with numerous health-care professionals (e.g., primary providers, specialists, nurses) and familial providers (e.g., elderly adults’ children, spouses, young children’s parents). Familial providers interact with health-care professionals on behalf of patients (Eggly
This article explores the pivotal role of disclosure in patient-provider communication within the realm of health psychology. Beginning with an overview of the significance of effective communication in healthcare, the discussion delves into factors influencing patient disclosure, such as trust, cultural considerations, and the fear of judgment. Subsequently, the article elucidates communication strategies that facilitate