3 communication mistakes doctors make. And how to fix them.

It is not something that is taught enough in medical school, but practicing physicians quickly realize that in this business: Communication is everything. The reality of health care is that you can be the worst physician in the world clinically (not that it’s something desirable to be), display great interpersonal skills, communicating well with your patients — and they will do absolutely anything you say and put you up on a pedestal. Everyone in health care knows a physician like this. Then, at the opposite end of the spectrum, we have the doctors who are superb clinically, can quote you any scientific paper over the last decade, yet haven’t got a clue how to talk to patients or their families! As somebody who regularly teaches communication skills and has observed the common habits of physicians, while also hearing the common complaints that patients have, here are three ways doctors can communicate better: 1. Sit down. This is such a simple thing to do, but most doctors tower over their patients in the hospital and buzz in and out of the room like light speed. Did you know that if you sit down and talk for the same amount of time, studies show that patients perceive you spent longer with them than if you stood up? Furthermore, patients have even been shown to be happier and more likely to be compliant when their doctors sit down. Other recommended postural techniques include making direct eye contact and leaning in when you speak. 2. Listen. The average physici...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Primary care Source Type: blogs