Doctor-patient interpersonal skills

I-             Doctor-patient interpersonal skills

   This refers to the basic skills that help to create an effective relationships, and including the following:

Appropriate physical environment: A prerequisite for communication is to prepare the environment for communication process, to enhance privacy, comfort and attentiveness. For example, arranging settings in a manner which is neither threatening nor distant, or having a curtain to create a sense of privacy, will improve the outcome of an interview.

Establsih doctor-patient relationship: through greeting the patient in an acceptable manner according to culture norms, considering his age, sex, etc. Using the patient name to establish a relationship, also treating the patient with respect to preserve his dignity and encourage his participation.

Active listening: using both verbal and non-verbal communication. The doctor is offering acceptance by using communication signals (cues) as nods and phrases such as “right”, “I see”, etc. The willingness to listen actively should be signaled by the use of open questions to elicit full answers; e.g. “Tell me about your problems”.

Empathy, respect warmth, support, reassurance and reflection: These issues are the heart of interpersonal skills and they also involve being non-judgmental in attitude. The doctor should clearly show his concern about patient’s problems, hopes and expectations. Reassurance is letting the speaker know that you understand his or her problem. Reflection is acknowledgement of feelings, they are statement rather than questions, that attempt to interpret the emotion behind what patients are saying. To tell the patient for example :you seem very concerned about your condition”.

Language:

-Doctor should monitor the level of medical jargon and use simple terms according to patient’s education and background to offer explanations and discuss alternatives.

- It is also important for the doctor to monitor the use of potentially frightening words as “cancer or lump”.

- The doctor should monitor the certainty with which he offers opinion so that the patient is neither misled by unreal certainty nor left confused by apparent doubt in doctor’s mind.

Nom-verbal communication: skills of non-verbal communication should convey to the patient that the doctor is attentive and interested. In the same time, a good communicator observes carefully as well as listens carefully. Doctor has to learn how to interpret the body language of the patient. This will help him to identify signs may contradict verbal messages, replace them, or reinforce them.