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The importance of listening to the patient

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Patients often complain that doctors do not listen to them, and feel that they are just a number or a token to be attended to. Therefore, to be a good doctor, it is not enough to have the knowledge; it is also necessary to know how to listen. Patients appreciate that the doctor shows interest, empathy and understanding, and that he transmits confidence when evaluating their condition. 

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Patients often complain that doctors do not listen to them, and feel that they are just a number or a token to be attended to. Therefore, to be a good doctor, it is not enough to have the knowledge; it is also necessary to know how to listen. Patients appreciate that the doctor shows interest, empathy and understanding, and that he transmits confidence when evaluating their condition. 

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Listening and generating a feedback dialogue helps to better understand the patient's problem and to make better treatment decisions. Sometimes, paying attention to the patient's emotions can help as much as a medical diagnosis. 

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Listening and generating a feedback dialogue helps to better understand the patient's problem and to make better treatment decisions. Sometimes, paying attention to the patient's emotions can help as much as a medical diagnosis. 

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The importance of listening to the patient

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Facilitating the expression of emotional discomfort, showing empathy, attention and acceptance, is a skill that the doctor must develop; however, he must be prepared to manage his own limits, detecting and referring complex emotional situations, in order to avoid over-involvement.

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Facilitating the expression of emotional discomfort, showing empathy, attention and acceptance, is a skill that the doctor must develop; however, he must be prepared to manage his own limits, detecting and referring complex emotional situations, in order to avoid over-involvement.

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Some strategies for developing satisfying and meaningful relationships with patients and their families are listed:

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Some strategies for developing satisfying and meaningful relationships with patients and their families are listed:

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1- It is essential that the health professional present himself with appropriate attire and careful hygiene. The first impression is crucial to building a good relationship.

2- Respect the patient's confidentiality and maintain his privacy.

3- Greet the patient with a handshake, while introducing himself formally.

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4- Greet the patient by name; be the first to greet.

5- Sit in front of the patient, preferably at the same height. Make the patient feel comfortable.

6- Make constant eye contact with the patient. Eye contact indicates that the listener is engaged.

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7- Show interest in what the patient and family member (companion) say, according to their verbal, non-verbal and paraverbal language.

8- The doctor must be alert to his non-verbal and paraverbal expressions, that is, his body language.

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9- Avoid using medical language; use vocabulary that is appropriate to the social and cultural needs of the patient and his or her family.

10- Nodding your head can convince the patient that you have understood his or her problem.

11- Do not interrupt the patient when he or she is expressing something. Allow enough time for him or her to answer a question.

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12- Constantly show interest in the patient. Never judge him/her.

13- Provide information about everything the patient or family member wants to know. When performing a medical procedure, inform the patient or family member about what it involves.

14- Always mention the course and prognosis of the disease, as well as its treatment.

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15- Ask the patient if he or she would like to add anything else, or if he or she has any questions.

16- Briefly summarize the medical interview to verify understanding.

17- Motivate the patient to ensure adherence to treatment, clarify the treatment plan.