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Strengthening Doctor-Patient Relationships through Science Communication Strategies: Beyond Empathy [PCC193]

Wednesday May 6, 2026 09:00 - 11:15 Poster Arena

Track: Poster session, Healthcare Governance

Medical jargon often hinders doctor-patient communication, with 65.4% of Chinese doctors reporting frequent misunderstandings. While empathy is crucial, it cannot fully resolve these knowledge gaps. Science communication (SC) strategies are essential for translating complex medical information into actionable knowledge, thereby potentially improving trust, treatment adherence, and clinical outcomes. This study investigates the application and role of digital AI-integrated SC frameworks in optimizing patient-centered care. Effective SC involves simplifying medical concepts, such as explaining diabetes in lay terms, which research suggests enhances patient trust and improves health outcomes across cultures. Key strategies include providing patients with access to their medical records, which fosters better communication and adherence, and using analogies and visual aids to make information accessible. Digital AI-integrated SC frameworks, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, further enhance communication by offering personalized, real-time explanations of medical conditions and treatments. Studies indicate that AI-powered chatbots have supported pregnant women and post-surgery patients, improving engagement and adherence. Additionally, AI can assist physicians in drafting clear and empathetic responses to patient messages, reducing cognitive burden and enhancing communication quality.Integrating these frameworks into healthcare systems requires careful implementation to ensure accuracy and address diverse patient needs. Incorporating SC training into medical education, supported by tools like virtual patients, is essential for preparing healthcare professionals. Policies, such as the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which ensures patients’ rights to access their medical records, promote transparency and support SC efforts.In conclusion, digital AI-integrated SC frameworks offer promising strategies to strengthen doctor-patient relationships by making medical information more accessible and understandable. These frameworks complement empathy and address the challenges posed by medical complexity. However, their success depends on training for doctors, supportive policies, and ongoing research to address challenges and ensure patient-centered care worldwide.
Language

English

Conference

GCPCC

GCPCC Code

PCC193