How can you improve doctor-patient communication?

Doctor-patient communication is one of the most important aspects of excelling in any medical career. You need patients to be open and honest to help build trust and improve care – but this is often easier said than done.

Communicating with your patients as a medical professional is a careful balance of asserting expertise and showcasing understanding.

Doctor-Patient relationships in Australia

Here in Australia, we’re lucky to lay claim to a high calibre of care. From general practitioners (GP) to medical professionals research shows that by and large, patients feel respected, listened to and sought after. Here are just a few of the numbers from the Australian Bureaus of Statistics:

Percentage of patients that felt they were always carefully listened to by:

• Their GPs: 75 per cent
• Their Medical Specialists: 79 per cent

Percentage of patients that reported they were always shown respect:

• Their GPs: 80 per cent
• Their Medical Specialists: 82 per cent

Percentage of patients that noted they were always given adequate time in appointments:

• Their GPs: 76 per cent
• Their Medical Specialists: 80 per cent

Keeping up this level of quality care requires a commitment to constant improvement – especially when it comes to communication. So, how can Australian doctors improve their patient communication?

1. Learn to be an active listener

Active listeners pick up on more than just verbal communication, they take in non-verbal cues and pick up on client emotions. All of these extra details can help you respond to your patients more appropriately – effectively opening up a stronger line of communication.

2. Ask open-ended questions

The key to better communication for doctors has a lot to do with talking less and listening more. A great way to get your patients talking is by avoiding ‘yes’ or ‘no’ questions. Use open-ended queries and encourage detailed descriptions. The more information you get from your patient, the better you can treat them. On top of that, this kind of dialogue-encouragement shows them you care about what they have to say.

3. Be deliberate about your own non-verbal cues

The way you carry yourself is critical to communication. For example, if you are constantly checking your phone or looking off into the distance when your patient is speaking they will be less likely to open up. On the other side of the spectrum, when you show interest by leaning in, making eye contact or nodding your head, your patients will share more.

Here at Careers Connections, we know the skills employers are looking for in medical professionals because we’ve spent years placing candidates in hospitals across Australia. To learn more about how our team can help you find your next locum or permanent doctor job in Australia, reach out to one of our team members today!