How do you communicate clearly with patients? (2023)

What makes good communication with patients?

Good communication involves both the exchange of relevant information and the development of positive therapeutic relationships. According to GMC guidance, doctors must: listen to patients, ask for and respect their views about their health and respond to their concerns and preferences.

For nurses, good communication in healthcare means approaching every patient interaction with the intention to understand the patient's concerns, experiences, and opinions. This includes using verbal and nonverbal communication skills, along with active listening and patient teach-back techniques.

Skillful communication is essential to health care. Clear, honest communication between patient and provider paves the way for accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.

These levels of communication are verbal, physical, auditory, emotional, and energetic.

True 'communication' is not necessarily the message that the sender intended to send, nor is it even necessarily the words that the sender used – it is the message that was understood by the receiver. Clear communication exists when the message received is the same as the message which the sender intended to send.

Good communication makes residents feel valued, cared for and puts them at ease. Effective communication not only improves care services but also creates a better working environment for carers as it creates more transparency and openness related to daily tasks and requirements.

How can doctors communicate better with patients?

Doctors can help patients communicate their problems better and feel more understood by acknowledging what they're saying and encouraging them to continue, and even removing physical barriers between the two of them (i.e., not talking from behind a computer).

Being compassionate, spending appropriate time with patients, demonstrating active listening, and helping to advise and resolve the patient's problems will all contribute to building a trusting, respectful relationship.

Checking the patient understands and encouraging them to ask questions or raise concerns (e.g. you could ask them to repeat instructions). Checking the patient's willingness and ability to follow the plan. Encouraging the patient, their family and carer to provide feedback about their care experience.

Recently, the 5Cs of Consultation model (Contact, Communicate, Core Question, Collaborate, and Close the Loop) has been studied in Emergency Medicine residents using simulated consultation scenarios.

Although there are many types of communication systems in healthcare, they generally fall into three categories – provider-to-provider, provider-to-patient, and internal.

4 Types of Communication: Verbal, Non-verbal, Written, Visual.

If you want something from someone within a time frame for a specific reason, mention that very clearly. For example: "Even if you don't have all the information yet, please send me a mail filling me in as much as you can before 6:00 pm. That will be my last chance to check in today."

What is effective communication in healthcare?

What Is Effective Communication in Healthcare? Effective communication between healthcare professionals should be clear, timely and discrete. This communication is needed to make accurate diagnoses, ensure that treatments are appropriately provided, and to ensure that patients understand health status and needs.

Simple actions like using a person's name, making eye contact, and actively listening when a person speaks will make the person feel appreciated. On the phone, avoid distractions and stay focused on the conversation. Convey respect through email by taking the time to edit your message.

Therefore, effective communication between nurses and patients may be defined as mutual agreement and satisfaction with care (provided and received).

know how to keep a conversation going ▪ use listening skills to check understanding ▪ organise a conversation ▪ use non-verbal communication ▪ ask questions ▪ understand cultural differences and how they might impact communication ▪ understand how disability and physical and mental conditions might impact communication ...

Remember, listening is the most important aspect of communication. Talk openly about your fears, worries and needs. This will invite frank and meaningful dialogue. Other family members may feel comfortable sharing as a result.