Non-Therapeutic Communication, Essay Example

Establishing a therapeutic relationship between patient and doctor is critical for the delivery of medical care. In terms of personal inventory, I tend to switch off problem-centered data by talking about incidental material when interviewing patients, although I make a conscious effort to maintain focus on the patient. I keep superficial discussions to a minimum by effectively elaborating on the patient’s stated problem. Indeed, the patient’s stated problems are of paramount importance to address, so effective communication that avoids superficial discussion is necessary in order to underscore the significance of the patient’s stated problems. Avoiding asking close-ended questions is how I avoid such pitfalls. Maintaining a professional relationship with patients is another focal point in order to provide an effective medical intervention. As such, I am vigilant when articulating an opinion and sharing personal information. Sometimes, however, I tend to prematurely give reassurance to the patient rather than probing through all of the information available and given , which is reductive. I always answer patient questions as thoroughly as possible

Upon taking personal inventory, I think that my strengths lie in maintaining a professional relationship with the patient while thoroughly addressing the questions and concerns he or she has. However, I tend to probe a lot out of a desire to fully understand and diagnose the patient. Doing so can make the patient feel more like an object than a person. Fostering impersonal feelings in the patient often renders them unsatisfied with the medical services. I also must work on avoid giving so much advice to the patient, although some medical advice is necessary in order to best serve the interests of the patient. However, too much advice can make patients feel as though they are incapable of being self-directed.

References

Van Servellen, Gwen (2009).  Communication skills for the health care professional: Concepts, practice, and evidence (2nd ed).  Sudbury, Massachusetts: Jones and Bartlett.