Table 1.

Individual Davis Observation Codes and Clusters

Codes in Each ClusterAbbreviated Definitions of Codes
Technical cluster
    Structuring interactionDiscussing what is to be accomplished in current interactions
    History takingPhysician inquiring about or patient describing details related to the current complaint or to prior illnesses
    Family informationDiscussing family, medical, or social history and/or current family functioning
    Physical examinationAny aspect of physical examination of patient
    Evaluation feedbackPhysician telling patient about results of history, physical, laboratory work, etc.
    Planning treatmentPhysician prescribing a medication, diagnostic, or treatment plan
    Treatment effectsPhysician inquiring about or patient describing result of ongoing therapeutic intervention
    ProcedureAny treatment or diagnostic procedure done in office
Health behavior cluster
    ComplianceDiscussing previously requested behavior
    Health educationPhysician presenting information to patient regarding health
    Health promotionPhysician asking for change in patient’s behavior to increase or promote health
    NutritionAny question about or discussion about nutrition
    ExerciseAny question about or discussion about exercise
Addiction cluster
    Substance useAny question about or discussion of drinking alcohol or use of other substances
    Smoking behaviorAny question about or discussion of smoking or use of tobacco
Patient activation cluster
    Health knowledgePhysician asking or patient spontaneously offering what patient knows or believes about health and disease
    Patient questionPatient asking question
    ChattingDiscussing topics not related to current visit
Preventive service cluster
    Preventive servicePhysician discussing, planning, or performing any screening task for disease prevention
Counseling Cluster
    CounselingPhysician discussing interpersonal relations or current emotional state of patient or patient’s family
  • Those Davis Observation Codes in bold print are included in the modified version of DOC, which measures Patient-Centered Care.