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## 4. Communication Skills Community pharmacists have tried to address privacy issues facing their patients by increasing the amount of privacy within their setting. For example, pharmacists often use glass partitions, planters, or dividers to create the feeling of a private conversation area. ###...

## 4. Communication Skills Community pharmacists have tried to address privacy issues facing their patients by increasing the amount of privacy within their setting. For example, pharmacists often use glass partitions, planters, or dividers to create the feeling of a private conversation area. ### 2. Personal Barriers Many personal characteristics can lead to distractions in communication, such as: * Low self-confidence * Shyness * Dysfunctional internal monologue * Lack of Objectivity * Cultural differences * Discomfort in sensitive situations * Negative perceptions about the value of patient interaction Individuals who lack confidence in their ability to communicate effectively may influence how they communicate. If you believe that you do not have the ability to communicate well or are rather shy, you may avoid talking with others. Many people feel that an effective communication style is something you are born with and may use shyness as an excuse to avoid interacting with others. However, communication skills can be learned and developed. They require practice and reinforcement. ### Pharmacist-Related Personal Barriers A personal barrier for some pharmacists involves the degree of personal shyness. Individuals with high levels of shyness tend to avoid interpersonal communication in most situations, including interactions with patients, physicians, or other health care providers. Overcoming this barrier requires time and effort, and many times, professional assistance. Another personal barrier to communication is the internal conversation you may have within yourself while talking with others. Another potential personal barrier involves emotional objectivity. While taking care of patients, you may be tempted to take on their emotional problems. Culturally based factors may also serve as personal barriers to effective communication. Another personal barrier involves the pharmacist's personal perception of the value of patient communication. Many pharmacists believe that talking with patients is not a high-priority activity. They may perceive that patients neither expect nor want to talk with them. Thus, they are reluctant to approach patients. If they do not value patient interaction, then they will not be eager to participate in patient counseling activities.