LAUSR

OBJECTIVE To investigate how patient-physician interpersonal processes of care are related to levels of diabetes-related distress, diabetes medication-taking behavior, and HbA1c during conversations with patients about intensifying medication. METHODS We randomly recruited 1270 patients from diabetes specialty clinics in Tehran, Iran who were taking an additional oral diabetes medication or starting insulin during the prior 3 months. This interviewer-administered cross-sectional survey assessed multiple aspects of patient-physician interpersonal processes, diabetes-related distress, and diabetes medication-taking. Clinical history and HbA1c were collected from electronic medical records. Regression estimates and Structural Equation Modeling were used to test associations. RESULTS Some communication scales indicated a significant relationship with total diabetes distress (P < 0.001). Diabetes medication-taking was associated with less diabetes distress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.45, P < 0.001), lower Hurried Communication (aOR=0.72, P = 0.013), higher Elicited Concerns (aOR=1.30, P = 0.012), and higher Explained Results (aOR=1.41, P < 0.001) scores. SEM analyses showed medication-taking behavior was associated with a 0.68 decrease in HbA1c. Hurried Communication and diabetes distress were directly associated with HbA1c. CONCLUSION Aspects of patient-physician interpersonal processes at the time of intensifying diabetes treatment may be related to experiencing less distress, effective medication-taking, and improved HbA1c. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The results are intended to inform communication strategies that physicians might incorporate into practice.