Information can easily be lost and misunderstood when there is a lack of communication with patients in healthcare facilities, leading to lower satisfaction rates and patient resistance. Teaching the medical professionals in your clinics and hospitals how to improve patient interactions will make for successful outcomes and better-quality care. Sharpen your patient communication skills by being aware of body language and facial expressions, listening to understand, educating the individual, and including additional personnel when appropriate.
Be Aware of Body Language & Facial Expressions
The patient’s body language and facial expressions throughout their appointment are forms of non-verbal communication when they cannot express their thoughts or feelings in words. A lot of the time, when the patient can’t put into words what they are feeling or experiencing, you can tell by their faces or what they do with their body. As a medical professional, your body language is also essential for creating a comfortable environment for patients to share their thoughts and concerns.
Listen To Understand
Oftentimes, we think we must respond to every patient concern with immediate answers. Do not jump to conclusions—listen to understand the patient first before responding to their question or concern. Let the individual fully express their concerns before you ask questions to understand the situation better.
Educate the Patient
A sure way for medical professionals to improve patient interactions is to educate them on their findings during their appointment. Healthcare jargon can be confusing to the average person. Therefore, you must explain things to the patient in a way they understand. If they do not comprehend what you’re telling them, patient care decreases because they won’t know how to follow your instructions.
Include Additional Personnel When Appropriate
If there are scenarios beyond your expertise, consider including additional personnel into the equation to further guide the patient to a healthier lifestyle. For example, a nurse might not be able to explain a procedure to a patient as well as a doctor. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll be handling bad patient outcomes, which require clear communication with the individual’s family members so they can grasp the situation better.
Conclusion
Patient interaction is extremely important in the medical community. Without proper communication, the individual may not be satisfied with their care or feel they received the help they deserve. As a health care professional, you must improve these skills daily to create more positive outcomes.
