Methods—Thorough search of published literature (1949 - August 2008) producing separate effects
from 106 correlational studies and 21 experimental interventions. Determination of random effects
model statistics and the detailed examination of study variability using moderator analyses.
Results—Physician communication is significantly positively correlated with patient adherence;
there is a 19% higher risk of nonadherence among patients whose physician communicates poorly
than among patients whose physician communicates well. Training physicians in communication
skills results in substantial and significant improvements in patient adherence such that with
physician communication training, the odds of patient adherence are 1.62 times higher than when a
physician receives no training