Communication in Medical Practice - Surfeit or Dearth
Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Communication in Medical Practice - Surfeit or Dearth
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:
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Hamish Simpson
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:
(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)
Full text available for: Communication in Medical Practice - Surfeit or Dearth
Year: 1999
Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Over the past two decades, concerns about communication standards within the medical profession in the UK and their ethical implications have been prevalent. This period has witnessed profound changes in medical information availability and doctor training, raising the question of whether these changes have improved communication within the profession and public satisfaction with doctors. The perspective presented here stems from the experiences of a pediatrician working in Kelantan, Malaysia, within an institution that has embraced modern medical education approaches. The focus of this article is on clinical communication, particularly between doctors and patients, while acknowledging the broader responsibilities of medical educators and researchers.
Importance of Effective Communication in Pediatrics
Effective communication in pediatrics is pivotal, particularly between doctors and parents during consultations and at the bedside. The ability to convey medical findings and treatment options to concerned parents—who often experience anxiety when their children are ill—is crucial for effective patient care. However, many doctors may not recognize deficiencies in their communication skills. Issues such as jargon, language barriers, and lack of time often hinder clear dialogue. Despite theoretical training and initiatives aimed at improving these skills, practical application remains inconsistent. Notably, differences in parental expectations, such as the more accepting attitude observed in Kelantan compared to Western settings, can further complicate effective communication and necessitate a proactive approach from doctors to engage parents in discussions about their children's health.
Conclusion
The challenges of communication within the medical profession, both among healthcare providers and with the public, are significant. There exists a gap between the knowledge available to doctors and its application in daily practice. Despite advancements in medical education and a growing emphasis on information technology, effective communication, which is crucial for high-quality patient care, does not always receive adequate attention. To bridge this gap, a commitment to improving communication skills is essential, alongside good leadership and modeling of behavior for trainees. Successful communication does not require extensive resources but rather a focus on the timeless values of service, teaching, and research, ultimately aimed at enhancing patient care and promoting public health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are the main reasons for communication failures in healthcare?
Communication failures arise from various factors including lack of training, shortage of time, use of jargon, and some doctors' views on their communication responsibilities. Effective communication is essential for proper diagnosis and management of patients.
How can doctors improve communication with parents in pediatrics?
Doctors can improve communication by using clear language, involving parents during consultations, providing written information, and recognizing the emotional impact of children's illnesses. It's vital to encourage parents to voice concerns and ask questions.
What is the importance of communication among healthcare professionals?
Clear communication among healthcare professionals is crucial for effective patient treatment, coordinated services, and quick referrals. It involves timely sharing of information and collaboration within clinical departments to ensure optimal care for patients.
How can the public improve their understanding of medical advice?
The public can enhance their understanding by being informed about prevalent diseases, available services, and preventive measures. Doctors should actively participate in public health promotion, educating communities about health issues and encouraging engagement with medical professionals.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Communication in Medical Practice - Surfeit or Dearth�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Disease:
Disease refers to the medical conditions affecting individuals, often requiring patient care and treatment. The relevance of disease in this context emphasizes the importance of effective communication between healthcare professionals and patients to ensure proper understanding and management of illnesses, as well as the role of doctors in educating the public about prevalent health issues.
2) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses the science and practice of diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases. Clear communication is essential in medicine to ensure patient understanding and satisfaction. The evolving landscape of medical information necessitates consistent and effective dialogue among healthcare professionals to enhance patient care and address community health needs.
3) Discussion:
Discussion is integral to the medical profession, facilitating exchanges between doctors, patients, and colleagues. Engaging in meaningful discussions enhances collaborative decision-making, influencing clinical practices and patient outcomes. The article underscores the need for ongoing dialogue in various contexts, including education, clinical service, and public health initiatives.
4) Knowledge:
Knowledge refers to the understanding of medical concepts, procedures, and patient care. It is insufficient alone without effective communication; thus, the article highlights the necessity of bridging the gap between knowledge acquisition and its practical application in clinical settings. Physicians must effectively relay knowledge to patients and colleagues to enhance care.
5) Quality:
Quality in medical practice pertains to the standards of care provided to patients. The text discusses the relationship between quality communication and improved patient outcomes, stressing that higher quality care necessitates clear, accurate, and timely exchanges among healthcare providers and with patients in various health-related contexts.
6) Language:
Language serves as a primary tool for communication in medicine, impacting interactions between healthcare providers and patients. The article highlights challenges related to language barriers, especially in multicultural settings, and underscores the need for sensitivity in communicating medical information, ensuring understanding regardless of linguistic differences.
7) Teaching:
Teaching is a critical component of the medical profession, influencing the development of communication skills among future healthcare providers. The article emphasizes the importance of incorporating communication training into medical curricula, advocating for effective teaching methods that prepare students to convey empathy, clarity, and respect in their patient interactions.
8) Family:
Family plays a pivotal role in paediatric healthcare, often functioning as the primary caregivers for children. Good communication with families is essential for understanding medical conditions, treatment decisions, and emotional support. The article stresses that engaging parents and family members in discussions enhances patient care and satisfaction.
9) Perception:
Perception relates to how the public views the medical profession and its practitioners. The text outlines varying perceptions of doctors' roles and the implications for patient trust and engagement. Understanding these perceptions is crucial for healthcare providers to tailor their communication and public health strategies effectively.
10) Developing:
Developing contexts in healthcare refer to emerging trends and practices in medicine, especially in less affluent nations. The article discusses how communication practices evolve in developing medical systems, stressing the necessity for continuous improvement and adaptation in communication strategies to meet diverse healthcare needs effectively.
11) Education:
Education in the medical field encompasses the training and development of healthcare providers. Effective educational strategies, particularly those focused on enhancing communication skills, are essential for improving patient care. The article advocates for prioritizing communication education alongside traditional medical training for better clinical outcomes.
12) Training:
Training involves equipping medical professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge for practice. The text emphasizes the importance of ongoing training in communication, ensuring doctors can effectively converse with patients and colleagues. It argues that communication skills should be an integral part of medical training programs.
13) Reason:
Reason pertains to the logical thinking involved in medical decision-making, both for practitioners and patients. The article suggests that effective communication aids in clarifying reasoning behind medical choices, helping patients understand their conditions and treatments, and fostering a collaborative approach to healthcare delivery.
14) Post:
Post refers to the period following patient treatment or discussions about care. The article highlights the need for effective post-interaction communication, ensuring continuity of care and clear follow-up instructions for patients. This includes providing clear documentation of medical findings and plans to both patients and referring practitioners.
15) Arrangement:
Arrangement denotes the organization of healthcare services and communication channels within medical settings. Effective arrangements facilitate clear and timely information exchange among medical staff and with patients, contributing to overall care quality. The text underscores the need for structured communication systems within hospitals to optimize service delivery.
16) Observation:
Observation is a critical skill in medicine, involving the careful assessment of patient conditions. The article highlights the importance of observing not just clinical signs but also patient and family concerns, reinforcing that effective observation requires strong communication to fully understand the patient experience and provide appropriate care.
17) Performance:
Performance refers to the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare services and individual practitioners. The article indicates that communication plays a significant role in performance, stressing that high standards of communication lead to better patient management and satisfaction, as well as more cohesive teamwork among healthcare providers.
18) Observing:
Observing involves not only clinical tasks but also the social and emotional contexts of patients' lives. The text emphasizes that effective observing helps identify patient needs, concerns, and stressors, enforcing the necessity for robust communication skills among healthcare providers to address these factors adequately.
19) Listening:
Listening is an essential component of effective communication in healthcare. The article emphasizes that active listening allows doctors to better understand patient concerns, fostering trust and more accurate diagnoses. It advocates for enhancing listening skills as a way to improve overall patient experience and satisfaction.
20) Epidemic:
Epidemic refers to the rapid spread of diseases within a community. The article discusses how communication swiftly changes during epidemics, underscoring the need for efficient information dissemination among healthcare providers and the public to manage health crises effectively and ensure timely access to care.
21) Meeting:
Meeting signifies the interactions between healthcare professionals to discuss patient care, treatment strategies, and service improvements. The article highlights the need for regular meetings to enhance communication, collaboration, and shared understanding of patient needs and medical practices among clinical teams.
22) Anxiety:
Anxiety is frequently experienced by patients and their families when confronted with health issues. The article points out that effective communication can alleviate anxiety by providing clear information, ensuring patients feel heard, and helping them navigate their fears regarding treatment and medical processes.
23) Nature:
Nature refers to the inherent qualities and characteristics of human interactions and relationships within healthcare. The article discusses the natural dynamics of doctor-patient communication, emphasizing empathy and sensitivity as key components in fostering positive interactions and improving overall patient satisfaction.
24) Doubt:
Doubt involves uncertainty or lack of clarity regarding medical information or treatment options. The article suggests that effective communication is essential to reduce doubt, helping patients understand their conditions and encouraging open dialogues that address misunderstandings or fears about health issues.
25) Anger (Angry):
Anger can arise from poor communication or misunderstandings between healthcare providers and patients. The article highlights that failures in communication often lead to patient dissatisfaction and complaints. It underscores the importance of proactive, clear communication to mitigate frustration and foster a more positive healthcare environment.
26) Diet:
Diet is a fundamental aspect of health and disease prevention. The article notes the role of healthcare providers in educating the public about healthy dietary choices as part of comprehensive health promotion strategies. Effective communication about diet can lead to better health outcomes within communities.
27) Life:
Life signifies the holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and social health. The article illustrates that communication extends beyond clinical matters to include discussions about lifestyle, environment, and family, which are critical for overall well-being and effective patient care.
28) Road:
Road metaphorically represents the journey of medical practice and the evolving nature of healthcare communication. The article suggests that navigating this road requires ongoing commitment to improving communication skills among healthcare professionals to enhance patient education, care delivery, and public health outcomes.
29) Pur (PĹ«r):
Poor communication is identified as a critical issue affecting the quality of healthcare. The article outlines various factors contributing to poor communication, including time constraints and training gaps, emphasizing the necessity for improvement initiatives to address these shortcomings and enhance both patient satisfaction and clinical effectiveness.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Communication in Medical Practice - Surfeit or Dearth�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Foreign language, Daily activities, Medical education, Medical profession, Disease prevention, Patient care, Traditional medicine, Medical information, Paediatrics, Ethical implications, Medical advice, Information technology, Academic excellence, Important information, Public perception, Medical school, Cultural difference, Underdeveloped countries, Mass media, Developing countries, Developed countries, Personal opinion, Communication skills, Family doctor, Quality Control, Clinical Practice, Medical training, Healthy Life-Style, Tele medicine, Health promotion activities, Work setting, Treatment option, Medical problem, Career advancement, Patient needs, Ethical issue, Verbal information, Saturation point, Teaching Hospital, Lumbar puncture, Laboratory Services, Communication failures, Medical terms, Good communication, Clinical skill, Follow-up consultation, Patient expectation.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.
Striking difference, Sick child.