Hospital Trends

Patient communication refers to the exchange of information between healthcare providers and patients through a common system of symbols, signs, and behaviors. It is an essential component of patient-centered care, enabling physicians to better understand the patient's agenda and form a rapport with them. Effective communication skills are necessary to gain patient trust, elicit feedback, and provide comfortable and responsive healthcare. There are various ways healthcare providers can improve patient communication, including establishing a rapport, gaining trust, and practicing good communication skills. Open-ended questions can help elicit the patient's agenda, while empathy, acceptance, and responsiveness are important qualities that contribute to effective communication. Healthcare providers can also communicate with patients through various means, such as observation, conversations with the healthcare team, and review of communication roadblocks. Overall, patient communication is crucial in ensuring patients receive quality care and feel satisfied with their healthcare experience. By effectively communicating with patients, healthcare providers can better understand their needs and concerns, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.