Family caregivers’ perceived communication self-efficacy with physicians

Abstract

Objective Family-centered health care requires successful communication between patient, family caregivers, and healthcare providers. Among all providers, physicians are most likely to interact with caregivers. Using the Family Caregiver Communication Typology, this study examined perceived communication self-efficacy with physicians among four types of caregivers: Manager, Partner, Carrier, and Lone. Method A cross-sectional online survey included the Family Communication Typology Tool, Communication Perceived Self-Efficacy Scale, the Caregiver Quality of Life-Revised Index, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-2) questionnaire. Results An online survey of 220 family caregivers currently caring for an adult family member revealed significant differences in communication self-efficacy among family caregiver communication types, revealing that Partner caregivers have the highest perceived communication self-efficacy, and that for some caregiver types, higher perceived communication self-efficacy is associated with certain quality of life dimensions. Significance of results Differences in communication self-efficacy with physicians among the four caregiver communication types (Manager, Partner, Carrier, and Lone) provide further evidence that the typology represents variance in caregiver communication abilities. Development of future medical curricula targeting communication skill training should include an overview of the typology and communication strategies as these may increase effective communication between physicians and caregivers.

Impact of the family communication environment on burden and clinical communication in blood cancer caregiving

“…Findings also showed that participants whose family tended to communicate more openly reported better CCS mediated by SS. A recent study indicated family caregivers with open FCEs had more self‐efficacy communicating with physicians about the patient's needs 25 . Previous research found that individuals from families high in conversation orientation were more adaptable and competent communicators, which facilitated their ability and motivation to seek SS 20 .…”

“…A recent study indicated family caregivers with open FCEs had more self-efficacy communicating with physicians about the patient's needs. 25 Previous research found that individuals from families high in conversation orientation were more adaptable and competent communicators, which facilitated their ability and motivation to seek SS. 20 Caregivers from families high in conversation orientation might be more socialized (and comfortable) engaging in SS exchanges inside and outside of the family setting, which could promote their perceptions of their CCS.…”

“…23,24 Previous research shows that caregivers who selfidentified as "partners" with a patient and reported high conversation orientation had higher self-efficacy communicating with the patient's physician, providing and collecting information, and verifying information. 25 Conversation orientation is also linked with caregivers' comfort and competence talking with clinicians, such as requesting further explanation and sharing their parent's health information and symptoms. 17,26 Thus, conversation orientation may be associated with caregivers' clinical communication skills (CCS) and the quality of their clinical interactions.…”

“…The FCE may also influence how individuals relate to and trust clinicians 23,24 . Previous research shows that caregivers who self‐identified as “partners” with a patient and reported high conversation orientation had higher self‐efficacy communicating with the patient's physician, providing and collecting information, and verifying information 25 . Conversation orientation is also linked with caregivers' comfort and competence talking with clinicians, such as requesting further explanation and sharing their parent's health information and symptoms 17,26 .…”