ABSTRACT
The aim of this study was to examine the factors (such as quality of life [QoL], anxiety, depression, illness perceptions, and locus of control [LOC]) that predict patient satisfaction with the doctor consultation. Around 196 Indian patients undergoing cancer treatment participated in the study. The participants answered questionnaires on QOL, psychological distress, illness perception, LOC, and satisfaction with communication. A series of multiple regressions were conducted to understand the factors (such as QoL, anxiety, depression, illness perception, and LOC) that predicted patient satisfaction with consultation. The study revealed that: (1) relationship with doctor, functional well-being, anxiety, and external LOC predicted relief from distress; (2) relationship with doctor, functional well-being, and doctor’s LOC predicted comfort in communication; (3) relationship with doctor, internal, and chance LOC predicted doctor–patient rapport; (4) doctor LOC, communication comfort, and rapport predicted compliance intent. This highlights the importance of the relationship with the doctor on various aspects of patient’s satisfaction with consultation such as distress relief, communication comfort, and rapport. The study implies the need for introducing communication skills training programs for doctors in the Indian cancer setting.
