Doctor-patient communication is an unavoidable part of the work of clinicians. Good doctor-patient communication can gain the trust of patients, help improve the doctor-patient relationship, and resolve doctor-patient disputes. Poor doctor-patient communication can cause misunderstanding, distrust, and even resentment among patients, leaving hidden dangers for doctor-patient disputes. Below, the editor of Study La has compiled tips for communicating with patients for your reference.

Techniques for communicating with patients: Points to consider in doctor-patient communication.

1 "To say too much will lead to mistakes", explaining that the more detailed the condition is, the better. Many doctors believe that the more in-depth communication with patients the better, so they answer all questions and tell them everything they know. But we must know that "Too many words lead to mistakes". Too many words can easily be taken out of context by patients, so it is best to use careful and moderate words to clearly explain the issues that need to be explained. Before communicating, first record the key points that need to be communicated, express them in a relatively easy-to-understand language, and make sure that the patient or family member has understood them. Don’t refuse to answer the patient’s questions that are too in-depth or potentially risky, but don’t let the patient’s thoughts lead you either. Take the initiative, lead the patient's thinking, understand the communication matters, and end the communication in a timely manner after reaching the final understanding.

2 The word "absolute" should not appear. There are no absolutes in medicine, and surgery carries hidden risks, so there is no surgery that can guarantee 100% success. Therefore, when explaining your condition, you should delete words such as "absolutely safe," "can be successful," "can recover well," and "should be fine." You must never say "nothing". Instead, literature data should be used to evaluate risk and prognosis to answer the questions of "is it dangerous" and "how confident is it" that patients and their families are most concerned about. A senior sister told me about the way her teacher talked before PCI surgery: The current success rate of PCI surgery is about *%, the more common complications include, the incidence rate is about *%, and the less common complications include, The rate is approximately *%. If conservative treatment is adopted, the incidence of heart failure in the future will be approximately *%, while PCI treatment can reduce the incidence of heart failure by *% and mortality by *%. This method of communication shows the doctor’s professionalism. He accurately informs the risks without giving the patient the impression of being “well-prepared” or over exaggerating the complications to scare the patient. At the same time, he provides for possible unexpected situations. Leave leeway and don’t be afraid of audio and video recording at all.

3 Good communication requires many iterations and cannot be achieved overnight.

Many doctors are very stingy in communicating with patients. After communicating carefully once, they never communicate in depth again. Especially patients who have been hospitalized for a long time ignore the importance of communication because their condition may be relatively stable in the later stage. In fact, multiple communications will make patients feel valued, which is more conducive to a harmonious doctor-patient relationship.

4 The content of communication must be coherent and unified. Many patients complain that the doctor's words are not "accurate", sometimes one way and another now that. Sometimes the diagnosis and treatment may change because the patient's condition has changed. But most of the time, it is because the communication content is too casual, or only talks about the results but not the reasons, which ultimately leads to the patient feeling that the doctor is so "fickle" and lacks trust.

Communication skills with patients: Communication skills for patients in the face of disputes. Active communication and inquiry type. Many knowledgeable and experienced patients or family members will behave in this type. Although disputes have arisen, they behave relatively well. Be rational and actively ask doctors about the patient's situation, analyze the problem, explore treatment options, and research remedies. This type often communicates frequently with multiple department doctors, consulting doctors, intern doctors, nurses, and even nursing staff, recording and videotaping, secretly filming medical records, and collecting evidence. Medical staff are often deceived by their friendly appearance and speak carelessly.

For such patients and family members who may have disputes, medical staff should give early warning, and irrelevant personnel should not comment, and the attending physician should explain and inform the matter. When communicating, do not use the hypothetical language of "if possible". Initial treatment is the best choice at that time. There is no guarantee that 360° will be flawless. Problems are inevitable. We will provide rational suggestions on treatment options that can be implemented under the current situation. Never answer hypothetical questions!!! Remember to maintain a cordial attitude and a patient tone when facing the camera! Because if the video or audio appears in court, it must also leave a good impression on the judge.

2. Crying and begging for explanation. Almost all doctors have seen this type, including crying, making trouble, throwing things, and threatening. It is relatively difficult for such patients and their families to communicate calmly. Many patients lack a calm and rational mind. In order not to intensify the conflict, the hospital should actually allow the doctors and nurses involved to temporarily withdraw based on the principle of protecting medical staff. A communication team is formed in the hospital. It must first listen to the patients' demands and let the patients express their grievances, and then provide authoritative explanations based on the patients' questions to try to achieve full knowledge and understanding.