Exploring Communication Approaches in Medication Consultations for Generation Z: a Cross-Sectional Descriptive Study of Two-Way and One-Way Methods

Background: In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare communication, medical staff—primarily from Generations X and Y—traditionally employ two-way communication. This approach fosters active engagement and shared decision-making in student-centered teaching. However, aligning this well-established method with the preferences of Generation Z remains unexplored. This study delves into these preferences, specifically comparing traditional two-way communication with modern, digital platform-based one-way methods.
Methods: Through a cross-sectional study conducted among externs and interns at Surin Hospital, Thailand, we examined communication preferences using a 1-5 rating scale. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the data, providing insights into the evolving communication landscape.
Results: Among the 67 interns and externs, with an impressive 80.6% response rate, preferences leaned toward hybrid consultation models. While two-way consultations received an average score of 3.2 (SD 0.88)—indicating moderate preference—respondents (63%) highly valued its educational benefits. Interestingly, 50% reported experiencing anxiety and insomnia before consultations, suggesting potential drawbacks. A key finding emerged, with 81.5% favoring a shift toward digital one-way communication for non-urgent cases. Moreover, nearly all participants expressed a preference for a three-level triage system, utilizing both methods: one-way for non-urgent, two-way for urgent, and two-way for emergency cases.
Discussion and Conclusion: This study underscores the need for tailored communication approaches in medication consultations for Generation Z medical trainees. Integrating digital platforms and offering a hybrid model can enhance communication effectiveness and adapt to the preferences of this emerging generation.