What are the factors known to improve effective communication?
The following is a list of the factors that contribute to effective communication with patients during clinical assessment.
Use Minimal Prompts
Interrupting your patient during a clinical assessment prohibits them from explaining their concerns. Points that are important for you as a clinician are often less important for the patient. Knowing whatever is important to the patients and addressing their concerns is immensely important from a holistic and biopsychosocial model of health care. Using minimal prompts helps patients to communicate their concerns so you can address them.
- Sit squarely in relation to the patient
- Open body position in relation to the patient
- Leaning slightly towards the client
- Eye contact maintained
- Relax while listening
- Listen to the message content
- Listen for feelings
- Respond to feelings
- Note all non-verbal cues