Physician Patient Communication
The process of curing a patient requires an approach which involves considerations beyond treating a disease. It requires several skills in a doctor along with technical expertise. Studies have shown that good communication skills in a doctor improve patient’s overall satisfaction. There are certain basic principles of practicing good communication. Patient listening, empathy, and paying attention to the paraverbal and non-verbal components of the communication are the important ones that are frequently neglected. Proper information about the nature, course and prognosis of the disease is beneficial. Besides, patients and attendants should always be explained about the necessity and yield of expensive investigations and risks/benefits involved in invasive procedures. One should be extremely cautious while managing difficult encounters and breaking bad news. Formal training of the doctors in improving communication skills is necessary and has proven to improve overall outcome.