Influence of social competence of physicians on patient compliance with osteoporosis medications – a study on Polish postmenopausal women

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to examine the impact of social competence of physicians on the effectiveness of patient compliance and persistence with therapy. Material and methods: The study included physicians and their patients, previously diagnosed with osteoporosis, and eligible to receive pharmacological treatment. The physicians were evaluated with the Social Competence Questionnaire involving three dimensions: social exposure, intimacy and assertiveness, as well as in the combined scale. All patients in the study group were prescribed the same medication: alendronate once a week. Compliance and persistence of the patients were juxtaposed with social interaction skills of physicians during 7 scheduled appointments at 2-month intervals. Results: Doctor’s effectiveness in situations demanding close interpersonal contact was higher in the group with good compliance - group A (p<0.001), as well as in the situations of social exposure, (p<0.001). On the other hand, their assertiveness was higher in the group with poor compliance – group B (p<0.001). Co-morbid conditions (group A: 76%, group B: 74%), as well as earlier fractures (40.43% vs. 36.78%) were comparable in both groups. Disease acceptance and suggested methods of treatment were more often accepted by patients from group A than group B (56% vs. 33%, respectively). Conclusions: 1. Disease acceptance is essential for effective treatment. 2. Social skills of physicians influence patient adherence to therapy recommendations. 3. Close interpersonal contact between physicians and their patients eliminates the feeling of fear and increases patient compliance.