The Mediating Role of Shared Decision-Making in the Effect of the Patient–Physician Relationship on Compliance With Treatment

BACKGROUND: For a successful treatment outcome, the components of the treatment process are very important. The patient–physician relationship plays a key role in the successful therapeutic process and effective health service delivery. The patient’s compliance with the treatment directly affects the success of the treatment. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the effect of the patient–physician relationship on compliance with the treatment and to determine whether shared decision-making has an mediating role in this effect. PATIENT INVOLVEMENT: Most of the study participants (55%) were younger than 35 and their average age was 30. The majority of the participants have an associate degree or higher education. METHOD: The study used a 4-part survey form as the data collection tool. The sample in this study consisted of 399 participants. To analyze the obtained data, Structural Equation Modeling was used by employing the Smart PLS3 software. RESULTS: The results of the study show that the patient–physician relationship positively affects the patient’s compliance with the treatment and shared decision-making. In addition, shared decision-making positively affects the patient’s compliance with the treatment. The effect of the patient–physician relationship on compliance with treatment was strengthened through shared decision-making. DISCUSSION: The results of the study revealed that patient–physician relationship and shared decision-making are two important factors in patients’ compliance with the treatment. Accordingly, the stronger the patient–physician relationship and the more patients participate in their treatment decisions, the higher their compliance with the treatment.