Communication, as defined by Oxford Dictionaries* is the exchanging of information by speaking, writing or another medium. Communication is a tool that is an integral part of the health system and a key element in providing high-quality health care. Communication plays a significant part in increasing the knowledge of the patient. The knowledge* or information the patient acquires through being educated by the doctor and gaining an understanding of their medical condition depends greatly on this communication link. Good and effective communication in the doctor-patient relationship encounters many barriers including patient anxiety and fears, doctors’ burden of work and unrealistic expectations. *A patients’ perspective on the quality of their
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However, the busy schedule of a medical doctor often leads to poorly developed communication skills. The doctor and patient should be viewed as partners in health with communication being the vehicle in which a common ground can be reached. Observations have to lead us to believe that communication skills tend to decline over time where doctors because of their busy schedule frequently lose focus on holistic patient care. As a result, the main goals of doctor-patient communication are not met. Creating great interpersonal relationships, facilitating the exchange of information and the inclusion of patients in decision making are all goals in effective doctor-patient communication. These goals are all set to increase the medical experience of doctor and patient as the patient is satisfied with their care and the doctor has greater job satisfaction, accurate prognosis, reduced burnout and less work-related …show more content…
Medical professionals debate the best strategies for effective communication, with the knowledge that each doctor must develop their own style of communication. However many organizations have defined key elements of communication skills needed for improved healthcare. These skills include but are not limited to effective listening, effective questioning skills, effective explanatory skills while providing information, counselling and educating patients; and making informed decisions based on patient information and preference.* The use of both patient and doctor centred interview styles are relevant to the healthcare system. This is in no way saying one method is wrong and the other right, however, doctors should have the skill to distinguish when each method should be used. The patient centred interviews have proven to improve the quality of healthcare while reducing the costs. In the doctor centred approach doctors may ask ‘how long have you had this pain? Is it sharp or dull?’ In order to build good communication, the doctor’s goal should be getting the best outcomes for patients. Physicians should focus on improving different aspects of patient-doctor interaction. Doctors should ask open-minded questions such as ‘how long have you had this pain, how do you feel, what do you think caused the problem?’ to encourage each patient to describe their concerns and feelings
However, the busy schedule of a medical doctor often leads to poorly developed communication skills. The doctor and patient should be viewed as partners in health with communication being the vehicle in which a common ground can be reached. Observations have to lead us to believe that communication skills tend to decline over time where doctors because of their busy schedule frequently lose focus on holistic patient care. As a result, the main goals of doctor-patient communication are not met. Creating great interpersonal relationships, facilitating the exchange of information and the inclusion of patients in decision making are all goals in effective doctor-patient communication. These goals are all set to increase the medical experience of doctor and patient as the patient is satisfied with their care and the doctor has greater job satisfaction, accurate prognosis, reduced burnout and less work-related …show more content…
Medical professionals debate the best strategies for effective communication, with the knowledge that each doctor must develop their own style of communication. However many organizations have defined key elements of communication skills needed for improved healthcare. These skills include but are not limited to effective listening, effective questioning skills, effective explanatory skills while providing information, counselling and educating patients; and making informed decisions based on patient information and preference.* The use of both patient and doctor centred interview styles are relevant to the healthcare system. This is in no way saying one method is wrong and the other right, however, doctors should have the skill to distinguish when each method should be used. The patient centred interviews have proven to improve the quality of healthcare while reducing the costs. In the doctor centred approach doctors may ask ‘how long have you had this pain? Is it sharp or dull?’ In order to build good communication, the doctor’s goal should be getting the best outcomes for patients. Physicians should focus on improving different aspects of patient-doctor interaction. Doctors should ask open-minded questions such as ‘how long have you had this pain, how do you feel, what do you think caused the problem?’ to encourage each patient to describe their concerns and feelings