Doctors are highly skilled intellectually astute, determined professionals who acquire a wealth of knowledge in their chosen specialty but that all counts for nothing if they are unable to show empathy and communicate appropriately with all different types of patients .
While extensive medical knowledge is imperative to confidently treat patients the ability to translate understandable explanations, display genuine care and interest and respond to cultural differences in a patient are perhaps just as important to providing successful medical care .
There are several ways a doctor can demonstrate care and their desire to communicate transparently with a patient . This article intends to highlight the communicative traits a doctor must display to ensure patients are well-informed feel cared for and can continue their health and treatment journey with absolute confidence in their doctor’s competence.
Actively Listening to a Patient’s Issue
When we consider how strong a doctor’s communication skills are our mind often associates the trait with how well they’re able to articulate themselves and if we find their language understandable .
But listening is equally important to communication, and in patient doctor encounters the first thing a doctor should do to ensure they have a full understanding of a patient and their current and previous health conditions .
Doctors should practice active listening by maintaining eye contact nodding to show understanding and paraphrasing to confirm their comprehension . By listening attentively doctors can build rapport with their patients and establish a foundation of trust .
Doctors have no excuse for not actively listening to a patient’s concerns since they often have medical scribe present to take care of any paperwork or documentation required to be completed during an appointment or procedure . Medical scribing plays a crucial role in ensuring a patient feels appropriately communicated to whether this is through documenting symptoms and an overview of the appointment or actively engaging with the patient .
Displaying Empathy and Compassion
Nobody goes to see a doctor for fun. Patients are often experiencing discomfort in their health or personal lives and booking an appointment with a doctor is often a last resort to resolve whatever issue they are enduring. Patients might need reassurance communicated to them with empathy and support or compassion if their health has taken an unexpected turn for the worse.
Doctors should strive to empathize with their patients’ emotions whether they are experiencing fear anxiety or uncertainty about their health . By acknowledging and validating these emotions doctors can create a supportive environment where patients feel cared for and valued .
Communicating with Clear and Simple Language
In any walk of life somebody who uses excessive jargon at the expense of being understandable or relatable is frustrating but even more so when the topic of conversation is related to your health . Doctors should refrain from reciting everything they learned in medical school to patients and instead communicate in a way where they can be easily understood and their messages aren’t likely to be misinterpreted . This is particularly important because some more reversed patients might be hesitant to question what something a doctor has said means and so end up leaving their appointment or treatment unclear about their health condition .
Doctors should communicate in clear, simple language that is easily understood by patients of all backgrounds and education levels . Instead of using technical terms they should use analogies visual aids, and everyday language to explain medical concepts and treatment options . By simplifying complex information, doctors can empower patients to take an active role in their healthcare decisions .
Respecting a Patient’s Autonomy
Patients have the right to make decisions about their own healthcare journey and shouldn’t feel forced to do anything by doctors. There are some treatments that are culturally inappropriate, against an individual’s own moral code, or just not in alignment with what a patient wants from life. While patients visit doctors for professional medical guidance, they also should know that whatever they feel is best for them is also valid .
Doctors should respect their patients’ autonomy by involving them in decision making processes and considering their preferences and values when developing treatment plans . Instead of dictating orders doctors should collaborate with patients to explore different options weigh the risks and benefits and arrive at decisions that align with their goals and values .
Allowing Time for Questions
While doctors are often prone to busy schedules, patients should never be communicated to in a way that makes them perceive that their healthcare treatment is being rushed or how they feel about it is unimportant . At the end of appointments or procedures, a doctor should allow time for questioning and provide in depth explanations for any query a patient may have .
Encouraging patients to ask questions fosters an open dialogue and ensures that they have a clear understanding of their medical conditions and treatment plans . Additionally, doctors should reassure patients that no question is too trivial or insignificant creating a safe space for open communication .
