Nonverbal Communication in Provider-Patient Interaction: A Case Study of a Mental Health Patient During COVID-19

Abstract

Nonverbal communication is an important component of face-to-face clinical health interactions, especially for conveying relational or emotional information within provider–patient encounters. Like any interpersonal communication situation, provider–patient interactions are influenced by nonverbal communication in a variety of ways (Mast, 2007; Roter et al., 2006). Moreover, nonverbal communication within these interactions can influence various outcomes, including patient compliance to treatment recommendations, patient satisfaction, and even the probability of malpractice litigation (Levinson et al., 1997; Street et al., 2009; Zolnierek, & DiMatteo, 2009). The scientific study of nonverbal communication in physician–patient interactions is well documented (Duggan & Parrott, 2001; Robinson, 2006). The research findings across many studies suggest that nonverbal communication plays a key role within physician–patient relationships.