TITLE:
Predicting the Effects of Pharmacists’ Communication on Patients: A Medical Communication Analysis Using Biological Signals
AUTHORS:
Yukina Miyagi, Haruno Yamagiwa, Saori Gocho, Yuka Miyachi, Chika Nakayama, Taeyuki Oshima
KEYWORDS:
Electroencephalography, Heart Rate Variability, Emotional Response, Clinical Communication, Patient Satisfaction
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.17 No.4,
April
20,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Understanding patients’ emotional responses during clinical communication is essential for patient-centered care. This study examined the psychological impact of pharmacists’ communication using objective physiological measures. Methods: Four simulated patients (SPs) and five pharmacists participated in medication counseling sessions. Electroencephalography (EEG) and heart rate variability (RMSSD) were recorded during the sessions. Emotions were classified into 10 categories based on verbatim transcripts and SPs’ feedback. Objective emotions identified by researchers and subjective emotions reported by patients were aligned with physiological indices and analyzed within a four-quadrant emotional model. Results: Significant associations were observed between objective and subjective emotions, particularly for fear, disgust, calm, and surprise. Pharmacists’ empathic communication and clear explanations were associated with positive emotion (e.g., calm and surprise), whereas inappropriate or unexpected expressions were linked to negative emotion (e.g., fear and disgust). Discussion: These findings suggest that EEG and RMSSD may serve as complementary physiological indicators of emotional responses during medical communication.