Abstract
ObjectiveTo comprehensively analyze and further enhance the established E4 communication model for online medical counseling in Chinese settings, by proposing the novel E5 model. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the performance of Chinese doctors in fulfilling the E5 model. MethodsThrough thematic analysis and grounded theory of 500 online medical consultations in China, we developed the extended E5 model from the E4 model. We identified four dimensions of patient attitudes and behaviors using Stanford Topic Modeling Toolbox, then employed Chi-square analysis to investigate their influence on doctors' performance of E5 model. ResultsOur study illustrates that the extended E5 model, with its operable strategies, accurately mirrors the nuanced dynamics of online medical counseling in China, significantly varying in doctors' execution in response to the four identified dimensions of patient attitudes and behaviors. ConclusionThe extended E5 model, coupled with insights into patient attitudes and behaviors, provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and enhancing communication in China's online healthcare context. Practice implicationsThe findings highlight the necessity for doctor training in the E5 model for effective online communication. Furthermore, fostering conducive relationship between patients and doctors could potentially boost doctors' E5 performance.
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