“Good doctors are like kind mothers,” an old proverb speaks to the important role of physicians in taking care of people’s health. Besides specialized medical knowledge, healthcare staff’s communication skills play a crucial role, contributing to effective treatment and building patient trust and comfort.
Healthcare Communication Skills: The Secret Behind “Bitter Medicine Cures Sickness”
The Importance of Communication Skills
“Kind words cost nothing, but they are worth much,” a folk verse reminds people of the power of words. In healthcare, communication skills are extremely important. They are the bridge that helps healthcare staff understand patients’ thoughts and desires, thereby providing appropriate and effective treatment methods.
According to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van A, a leading expert in community health: “Communication is the key that opens the door to success in healthcare. A healthcare professional who is excellent in their specialty but lacks communication skills will find it difficult to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.”
Essential Communication Skills for Healthcare Staff
1. Active Listening:
- Understanding Thoughts: Healthcare staff need to listen to patients attentively, not only to their words but also to pay attention to body language, facial expressions, and emotions to understand their thoughts and desires.
- Asking Skillful Questions: Asking skillful questions helps healthcare staff gather information effectively while creating a sense of trust and comfort for patients.
2. Speaking Clearly and Understandably:
- Simple Language: Use simple, easy-to-understand language, avoiding medical jargon unless necessary.
- Warm Tone: Use a warm, gentle tone, expressing empathy and sharing with patients.
3. Respecting Patients:
- Patience and Tact: Be patient and tactful, avoiding harsh or impolite language or offensive remarks to patients.
- Confidentiality: Keep patient’s personal information confidential, avoiding disclosure to others.
4. Handling Situations Skillfully:
- Emotional Control: Stay calm, control emotions, and avoid letting personal feelings affect communication with patients.
- Empathy and Sharing: Show empathy and share with patients, especially in cases where patients are experiencing difficulties or pain.
5. Using Effective Body Language:
- Eye Contact: Eye contact shows focus and concern for the patient.
- Smile and Gestures: Smiles and gentle gestures show friendliness and create a sense of closeness and comfort for patients.
A Story About Healthcare Staff’s Communication Skills
Dr. Nguyen Thi H, a doctor with excellent expertise but lacking good communication skills, often faced difficulties in medical examination and treatment. Patients often felt uncomfortable, even frustrated, when communicating with Dr. H. Dr. H often spoke harshly and did not listen to patients, leading to disagreements and a lack of trust in the treatment process.
After participating in a training course to improve communication skills for healthcare staff, Dr. H made significant changes. Dr. H learned to listen actively, speak clearly and understandably, respect patients, and handle situations skillfully. As a result, Dr. H has achieved much success in her work. Patients feel comfortable, trust her, and feel truly cared for wholeheartedly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthcare Staff’s Communication Skills
- How to improve communication skills for healthcare staff?
- Which communication skills are most important in healthcare?
- How to build a good relationship with patients?
- How to solve difficult communication problems with patients?
- What to do when encountering difficult patients?
Conclusion
Communication skills are an important factor in helping healthcare staff improve work efficiency and bring satisfaction to patients. Remember that communication is not just about exchanging information but also the art of connecting hearts. Learn, cultivate, and apply effective communication skills to become a professional, dedicated healthcare professional, loved and trusted by patients!
Contact us for advice and support on soft skills training courses for healthcare staff! Phone Number: 0372666666, or visit the address: 55 To Tien Thanh, Hanoi. We have a 24/7 customer care team.
You can share more stories or experiences about healthcare staff’s communication skills in the comments section below!