Does ei matter? Exploring the association between physician emotional intelligence and patient-physician relationships

Emotional intelligence is increasingly recognized as important in nurturing the patient-physician relationship in medical education; however, current studies have found limited evidence for an association between a physicianj|s emotional intelligence and the patient-physician relationship. The study explored the associations among a physician]]s emotional intelligence, patient trust, and the patient-physician by using tri-angular and multi-level approaches. Nine hundred and ninety-four outpatients and 39 physicians representing 11 specialties were surveyed. Results indicated these was no significant association between the patientjjs rating of trust and the physician jjs self-rated emotional intelligence, but there was a significant association between the patientjjs rating of trust and the physicianj|s emotional intelligence as rated by the nursing director (r = -.301, p <.001) and senior staff (r = -.301, p < .001). Results of structural equation analysis indicated that composite emotional intelligence of physicians (r=.93, p < 0.01), ratio of outpatient number in the specialty (r=.19, p < 0.10), and ratio of follow-up patients ((r=. 56, p <.0.05), had positive effects on patient trust. Patient trust had a positive impact on the patient-physician relationships (/O = .65, p <. 0.01), which modulated the effect of trust on patient satisfaction (/O = .95, p <.001). The final model proved to be valid (chi square/df = 26.46/28, p =0.55), showing a sound fit (GFI = 0.91 and RMSEA = 0.001). The model explained 37% of the variance of trust, 48% of patient-physician relationships and 56% satisfaction. Multiple sources for assessment of physician emotional intelligence may be more objective and predictive than physician self-ratings in ascertaining the associations among patient trust, patient-physician relationships, and patient satisfaction, emotional intelligence coaching for physicians and an interdisplinary collaboration among clinicians are needed to optimize the efficient and therapeutic function of the patient-physician relationships for patients.