Doctor-Patient Communication

#1WHAT IS IT?

It is simply the interaction between a physician and a patient

It should be an open and clear

communication in a comfortable

environment

This communication does not only include

speaking, it includes:

Number of words

spokenDistance clinician sits from patient

Angle clinician

holds her h

ead

If the clinician

nods or frownsIf the clinician smiles or touches

the patient

#2WHO USES IT?

The physician is the most important!

(duh)

And it is used all around the world…

It is also used in:

Interpersonal communication

Organizational communication

Health communication (of course!)

#3SO WHAT?

An effective doctor-patient communication is recognized by healthcare providers and patients as essential to high quality medical care

A better doctor-patient relationship may be missed if essential skills are

lacking

Communication has been linked to improved patient

outcomes, ranging from blood pressure control to

patients mental health scores

#4CRITICISM

Patient’s expectations of medical encounters are not always fulfilled

patients desire increased participation and

information sharing

There are significant gaps between the intended message and the message received in physician-patient communications

#5PRESENTER’S CHOICE

It has become so important that most medical schools have incorporated

training in doctor-patient relationships and communication into their curricula

Because of this, physicians trained prior to the

communication training may have more paternalistic

approaches

while younger

physicians may be

more apt to advocate patient

autonomy

So next time you go to the doctor, I bet you will catch on to every little

thing your doctor is doing to make you feel

comfortable!

And if you are planning to be a

doctor, be conscientious

with your communication

skills!

Credit!PHOTOS• http://www.flickr.com/photos/59632563@N04/6104068

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