Communication Skills in Medical Practice

Improved doctor-patient relationships, better understanding of patient problems, easier management of difficult situations, reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, higher patient satisfaction, improved patient compliance, and positive impact on patient psychology and quality of life

Both verbal and nonverbal communication play crucial roles. Nonverbal cues significantly influence patient satisfaction, adherence, and clinical outcomes.

Lack of insight, insufficient patient information, overlooking nonverbal cues, language barriers, limited knowledge about the disease or treatment, and factors like stress, fatigue, or time constraints.

Paying attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues from the patient to fully understand their concerns and needs.

Create a comfortable environment and show engagement (non-verbal cues), avoid interrupting, and ask for clarification at the end.

Respecting patient information and maintaining a private environment during consultations.

Greet the patient, know their name, make eye contact, and be ready for the discussion.

An interview focusing on the patient's needs and concerns, rather than just the disease.

Pay attention to both what the patient says and their body language.

Explanation of the disease's progression and expected outcome, both short and long term.

Discussing available treatments and their potential impact.

Encouraging the patient to participate in treatment decisions.

Encouraging healthy habits to improve health and/or illness management.

How to interact professionally and respectfully with those accompanying the patient.

Respecting their research and providing accurate resources to address their concerns.

Explain the ever-changing nature of the disease, particularly to critically ill patients.

Actively seeking and considering a second perspective on the diagnosis or treatment plan.

Maintaining positive and respectful interactions with all members of the medical team.

Building a cohesive and motivated team environment among medical staff.

Acknowledge that some doctor-patient interactions can be challenging and require specific skills to navigate.

Maintain professional boundaries, involve the patient in decisions, and assure them of continued care.

Avoid judgment, demonstrate empathy, and ensure best care.

Empathize, listen attentively, set clear limitations, and reformulate treatment plans.

Set realistic expectations, explore reasons for non-adherence, and offer psychological support.

Prepare for the interview, create a private environment, maintain eye contact, and allow time for discussion. Use simple language and assess understanding.

Assess how much detail the patient wants about their condition.

Use clear, non-technical language, provide information in small portions, and assess understanding frequently.

Acknowledge and address the emotional impact of bad news.

Formulate and discuss future treatment plans with patients, involving them in decisions.