Empathy, understanding and even sympathy. These three characteristics are part of what patients demand from their health care providers. Through repetition, the “mantra” that while nurses have these communicative qualities, doctors lack them is proven. But is it really like this?
Connie Lee studied nursing first and then medicine. Now, a family doctor who works in the emergency service of Hospital Sant Joan de Déu (Manresa) talks to the Medical Editorial Board about communicating with patients of doctors and nurses through the experience of someone who has been in both fields. He does this with a prevailing idea: The stereotype of the cold doctor and the friendly nurse It’s nothing more than that, a stereotype.
“Nursing is the profession responsible for constantly entering rooms to monitor Patient developmentAnd address your doubts, requests and inconveniences. Show him Main functions He explained that care was found.
Communication differences between doctors and nurses
“In the case of a doctor, his job is He does not care about the patient.but His diagnosisTreat him and provide him with medical guidance. Your communication is More moment It usually lasts between five and ten minutes, where he asks about certain aspects and then gives the necessary instructions to the nurse.”
How is communication between doctors?
Regarding this potential “coldness” that doctors may display when interacting with their patients, Lee highlights that this coldness does exist. Professionals with “very good” communication.But there are also those who are “not the joy of heaven.” “In these cases, it is important to put ourselves in the patients’ shoes. They come to the hospital with anxiety and worry. If they are treated like robots and nothing is explained to them, they will obviously feel afraid.” Worse,” he highlighted.
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“It is important to improve communication between doctors starting in their training. First, at universities, and then during their clinical practice.”
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To supply doctors summit communication skillsThe first step is to do this from its formation. Firstly in universities, where there are subjects where this aspect is emphasized. And then, through Clinical practice.
“When a student or resident is in training, they are paying attention to their teacher and learning Adopting their methods. Therefore, if the teacher empathizes, provides good treatment, or communicates smoothly with the patient, it is likely that the doctor who is learning will also acquire that way of working and those gestures.
Although it may contain statements, statements or observations from health institutions or professionals, the information contained in medical writing is edited and prepared by journalists. We recommend that the reader consult any health-related questions with a healthcare professional.
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