Objective To examine the situation and influencing factors of information communication between doctors and patients under the new medical reform context and to provide evidences for developing strategies to improve doctor-patient information communication (DPIC).

Methods We selected grade A tertiary hospitals in 22 cities across China as the study sites with random cluster sampling. Then we randomly recruited 2 727 doctors and nurses of various departments (D group) and 1 781 outpatient patients and their relatives (P group) at the selected hospitals for a questionnaire survey on general situation, expression and platform demands, and role of governmental agencies and relevant associations for DPIC between March and May 2016.

Results The proportion of the participants being very much to conduct DPIC was 45.9% (n = 1 251) in D group and 44.1% (n = 786) in P group, with a significant difference (P < 0.001). There were significant differences in the selection of occasion and DIPC between D group and P group (both P < 0.01). The proportions of the participants considering that feedback from government agencies is necessary for DPIC were 75.9% (n = 2 070) in D group and 71.4% (n = 1 271) in P group; while the proportions of the participants regarding media involvement in DPIC as necessary were 49.0% (n = 1 336) in D group and 53.9% (n = 969) in P group, with significant differences (both P < 0.01). There were significant differences in evaluations on the range, degree, and flexibility of positive influences of medias on DPIC between D group and P group (P < 0.05 for all); but there were no significant differences in cognition on medias′ transparency and independence between the two groups (both P > 0.05). More participants (21.6%, n = 589) in D group reported the approval of representative role of medical associations in DPIC than those (18.0%, n = 320) in P group; but more participants (26.7%, n = 477) in P group than those (14.5%, n = 395) in D group reported the approval of representative role of consumers′ associations, with significant differences (both P < 0.01). The organizations having impact on the implementation of DPIC included People's Congress, the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, political parties and groups, public media, hospital associations, and research institutions. The platforms for DPIC listed by the participants included multilateral discussion, public hearings, news papers and journals, and academic seminars.

Conclusion Doctor-patient information communication should be further improved under the collaboration of governmental agencies, medias, and professional associations and various platforms for doctor-patient information communication need to be established in China.