Exploring Relationships of Cognitive Complexity, Person-Centeredness, and Communication Outcomes in Computer-Mediated Patient-Provider Communication

Abstract

ABSTRACT The current study explores the relationship between person-centeredness, cognitive complexity, and relevant outcomes in computer-mediated patient-provider communication. The study examined the relationships between constructivism constructs based on a hypothetical e-mail exchange between a healthcare provider and participants. Participants filled out a questionnaire after reading the hypothetical scenario and one of three manipulated messages. The results showed that outcomes including satisfaction, perceived communication competence, and likelihood to follow suggestions varied significantly based on the level of person-centeredness of a message received. Moreover, cognitive complexity had both direct and moderating effects on perceived communication competence and reply message person-centeredness. The findings validate but also extend the current understanding of constructivism and had implications for healthcare providers who communicate in mediated formats with their patients. Limitations and directions for future research were discussed.