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Study Notes

Dr. Mark Sklansky has always disliked shaking hands because he believes it is a poor way to greet patients.
Many physicians disagreed with Sklansky's stance, arguing that the handshake is an important part of the doctor-patient relationship.
Since the pandemic began, social touch has decreased significantly, with hugs, high fives, fist bumps, back pats, and shoulder squeezes all becoming less common.
Some experts believe that social interactions may become uncomfortable once the pandemic ends, as people attempt to re-establish their social lives.
Touching others serves an evolutionary purpose and is associated with feelings of social bonding.
Touching acquaintances and strangers is a way to reduce aggression and increase social closeness.
Touching has decreased in American society since the Me Too movement, smartphones have taken care of the rest.
There are many alternatives to the handshake, but it is unclear which will prevail.
The handshake has long been a way for doctors to quickly establish rapport with their patients, but something contactless is now necessary—not only because of the pandemic, but also because of the rise of telemedicine.
While about a third of providers were resistant—especially physicians, and especially men—nearly all of the patient families were in favor of not being touched by their doctor. Fewer than 10% said they wanted to be greeted with a handshake.
The vast majority preferred instead when health care providers looked them in the eye, smiled, addressed them by name or asked about their wellbeing.
Touch-free alternatives can be a substitute for language in some cases, but over-communicating with words the feelings you would once get across through physical contact may be necessary.