In a narrow sense, doctor-patient communication refers to the communication between medical staff in medical institutions and patients and their families on injuries, diagnosis, health and related factors (such as fees and services), which constitutes a very important basic link in the practice of pure medical technology and comprehensive medical services, and is also the main component of doctor-patient communication. Because it occurs between individual doctors and patients in various medical institutions, although it is wide in scope and large in quantity, the communication between doctors and patients is generally small in scope, difficult and influential, and it is not easy to attract people's attention. Its main significance lies in scientifically guiding the diagnosis and treatment of patients' injuries and improving the actual medical and health service level.

Doctor-patient communication in a broad sense refers to all kinds of medical workers, health managers and medical and health institutions, including medical educators. Mainly around the laws and regulations, policies and systems, ethical norms, medical technology and service standards, medical personnel training and other aspects of medical and health services, through a variety of ways other than clinical services to communicate with the community, such as formulating new medical and health policies, revising medical technology and service standards, handling cases publicly, health education and so on. Doctor-patient communication based on doctor-patient communication in a narrow sense is triggered by many cases in which doctor-patient communication (relationship) is not handled well and has great social impact. However, the social benefits and long-term practical significance brought by extensive doctor-patient communication are enormous, which is not only conducive to the trust, cooperation and harmonious relationship between doctors and patients, but more importantly, it can promote medical development and social progress.

As one of the main bodies of doctor-patient communication, hospital has great influence in the process of doctor-patient communication.