Real-Life Communication
The patient-doctor relationship is only as solid as the communication
link between them. So says physiatrist Dr. Paul Pannozzo of Arizona.
"A
patient sees the doctor for his knowledge and wants his or her opinion. The
doc must listen to the patient, examine the patient, then formulate a treatment
plan which will provide a good outcome and not interfere with other problems
the patient has.
"This plan needs to be communicated so that the person
understands everything. This is extremely critical in all aspects of work.
Obviously no one likes to be barked at, so these ideas need to be communicated
in a pleasant and clear manner that is not seen as aggressive or like you
are trying to 'hard sell' the patient on the treatment plan."
Dr. Yao
agrees, saying additional sensitivity is also often called upon. "Because
we are concerned with our patient's function in society, we have to be sensitive
to the diversity of lifestyles that patients come with and the practical challenges
that our patients face on a day-to-day basis."
And communications skills
aren't limited to the patient. Because physiatrists should work in harmony
with other health professionals, good communications skills are as essential
to patient care as a stethoscope or x-rays.
A 20-year-old male, Brian,
has suffered brain damage that has left him with some short-term memory problems.
Physically he's fine. He'd like to return to his college dorm and complete
his last week of school in order to graduate with his friends. He'd like some
way to accomplish this.
He's not sure how to approach his roommate,
and asks you to draft a note explaining his condition and how his roommate
can help.