Communication

Active listening is a critical skill in healthcare that involves fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to what the patient is communicating.

Key Points:

• Maintain eye contact and show genuine interest in the speaker.
• Avoid interrupting the patient while they are speaking.
• Repeat and paraphrase key points to ensure understanding.
• Use empathetic phrases like, “I understand,” or “That must be difficult.”

Empathy helps build trust, reduce anxiety, and improve patient satisfaction.

Key Points:

• Put yourself in the patient’s shoes to understand their experience.
• Acknowledge feelings without judgment.
• Use empathetic statements such as, “I can see why that would be upsetting.”
• Allow patients to fully express themselves.

Non-verbal cues like gestures, posture, and facial expressions build trust and empathy.

Key Points:

• Maintain open and relaxed body language.
• Use appropriate facial expressions to show concern.
• Avoid closed or distracted postures.
• Nod or use visual cues to show engagement.

Clear communication ensures patients understand their diagnosis, treatment plans, and next steps.

Key Points:

• Use simple, non-technical language.
• Avoid jargon and explain terms clearly.
• Break instructions into manageable steps.
• Ask patients to repeat back for confirmation.

Difficult conversations should be handled with empathy and professionalism.

Key Points:

• Prepare thoroughly with relevant information.
• Choose a private and supportive setting.
• Be honest while remaining sensitive.
• Encourage questions and provide reassurance.
• Follow up to ensure patient support.