The art of talking to patients involves putting them at ease and making sure you are communicating effectively -- all in a short time.
Whether you are doctor, nurse, dentist, medical assistant, or pharmacist, much of your profession is patient interaction. How you talk to patients can greatly improve or greatly upset your working life. Here are some steps for better patient communication.
Instructions
1. Smile and introduce yourself if you haven't met the patient before.
2. Make small talk, if your schedule isn't too crunched. Many patients are nervous for medical or dental visits, and talking to them about something other than their visits will put them at ease.
3. Sit at eye level when you talk to the patient. Don't check your iphone or stare at their chart when they are talking. Look them in the eye and focus on what they are saying.
4. Ask about any concerns they have. Repeat the concern to make sure you understand them. Offer what they can reasonably expect you to do as a solution.
5. Find a way to get your patient to repeat what you explained back to you. "I just want to make sure you understand what I told you. Would you mind repeating my answer?"
6. Tell some cheesy jokes. Especially if you have to do something uncomfortable, like give a shot.
