Efficient communication between a doctor and a patient plays a major role in ensuring quick and efficient diagnosis and even treatment. Both doctors and patients need to polish up on their communication skills to make the consultation process very effective. Clear communication in a small medical practice is very essential for ensuring patients’ quality of care. The following is a break-down of main methods doctors can put into use when talking to their patients about their problems.
1. Active listening
This is among the most important tool for doctors to ensure there is effective communication. It promotes understanding on what a patient is going through. Understanding is never complete without this helpful tool. A doctor will internalize and comprehend on what is being passed through while he listens. Effective listening could include doctors repeating what has been said for confirmation. In case a doctor did not get a certain point correctly, he or she will have a chance to be corrected.
Listening is a value that can’t be separated from medical practice. Once you lose your ability to listen keenly as a doctor, you will probably not get it right and, consequently, not provide the quality of care expected of you. As much as thorough listening might be time-consuming, it is effective and worth it.
2. Giving patients time to explain the reason for the visit
According to research conducted by University of Florida researchers, many doctors don’t give much time to patients to explain their reasons for a visit. This is never a good thing. If you want to excel in your practice, you should learn to give your patients enough time. It goes hand-in-hand with the ability to listen effectively. They co-exist. Have you ever felt like a doctor is in a rush and he wants you out as soon as possible? Well, such doctors exist and they will probably not give you the care you need.
3. Be clear and concise to foster effective communication
In a small practice, you don’t want anyone to second-guess how you do things. Doctors in such a practice should strive to make sure they get a grasp of what exactly is ailing their patients. Otherwise, patients might not get the care they need and not come back next time they need your services. Apart from being a good listener, a doctor should ask concise, clear and objective questions. Effective communication will go a long into getting the right prescription. Doctors should try not to stray off the point.
4. Benefits of effective communication in a small medical practice
Effective communication helps doctors in finding out what is ailing their patients. Though a doctor needs to know about diagnosis, surgical blades, and other medical equipment, there is an initial stage of establishing a relationship with a patient in an effort to understand him or her better. Effective communication ensures that there is no fine detail left out.
5. Some procedures can be done in a small medical office
Small offices carry out procedures, such as abscess incision and drainage, laceration repair, joint injections, ear irrigation, minor burn care, ingrown toenail repair and many more. For such procedures, you don’t need to visit a hospital. Unless you’re looking for a gynecologist and the like, small offices take care of many common procedures.
Small practice doctors are well equipped and trained to perform such procedures. With the right equipment, such as surgical blades, the doctors can take of your ingrown toenail repair and other conditions easily. Many people are used to rushing to emergency rooms for some conditions that can be handled by small offices. It is a waste of time and, sometimes, money to visit full-fledged hospitals for such procedures.
Imagine booking an appointment with a doctor in a hospital for ear irrigation. Absurd, right? Well, such needs can be handled with the ever-available, well-equipped small offices. The small offices are everywhere. You will be listened to and the staff will take care of your needs. It is worth noting, however, that effective communication is two-way and, therefore, patients should also strive to make their points clearly and in a concise manner.