Twenty original research papers and meta-analyses were included. Social differences in doctor-patient
communication were described according to the following classification: verbal behaviour including instrumental
and affective behaviour, non-verbal behaviour and patient-centred behaviour.
Conclusion: This review indicates that the literature on the social gradient in doctor-patient communication that
was published in the last decade, addresses new issues and themes. Firstly, most of the found studies emphasize
the importance of the reciprocity of communication.
Secondly, there seems to be a growing interest in patient’s perception of doctor-patient communication.