A methodology for the study of congruence in parent/provider treatment expectations.

Low patient appointment-keeping rates are a serious problem in many outpatient clinics. Poor communication between health care providers and patients, particularly in the area of treatment expectations, may be one reason for this problem. In this study, social workers tested communication congruity regarding expectations between health care providers and patients using a prospective assessment device. Discrepancies occurred approximately 50% of the time in most of the areas investigated. Implications for social work practice and research in this important area are discussed.