The Basics of Communication Skills Communication skills are central to clinical assessment. The following are the basic techniques that improve communications Skills.  Attending and listening Active listening Verbal techniques Funneling Paraphrasing Selective reflection Empathy building Checking for understanding.

Factors that Obstruct Effective Communication The following factors can interfere with effective communication during clinical assessment.  Lack of exclusivity, for example, assessment on the bedside inside a unit of 20 patients.  Anxiety by a doctor, because of which divides their attention and concentrating, not the assessment is difficult.  Awkward seating that makes it difficult to relax while assessing a patient.  Lack of attention to the nonverbal cues Offensive remarks. Frequent interruptions.  Selective listening. Daydreaming.