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Writer's pictureSelvaraj Balasubramani

COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR Health Care Workers


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Script for this Podcast:


Communication Skills

The importance of communication skills in healthcare


Host: Hello and welcome to the Surgical Educator Podcast. I am your host and today we will be discussing the importance of communication skills in healthcare. Effective communication is a vital component of healthcare and has a profound impact on patient outcomes. It is the key to building trust with patients and creating a positive healthcare experience. Joining us today is Prof Dr.selvaraj, a Neonatal & Pediatric Surgeon who will share his insights on the importance of communication skills in healthcare. Welcome, Dr.Selvaraj!


Dr. Selvaraj: Thank you for having me!


Host: So, Dr.Selvaraj, why is communication so important in healthcare?


Dr. Selvaraj: 1. Communication is important because it is the foundation of the patient-physician relationship.

2.As physicians, we need to be able to communicate effectively with our patients to understand their symptoms, concerns, and needs. When patients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to trust their physicians and follow their recommendations.

3. Effective communication also helps physicians to make accurate diagnoses, provide appropriate treatment, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.


Host: That makes sense. What are some of the challenges that physicians face when communicating with patients?


Dr.Selvaraj: 1. One of the biggest challenges is the complexity of medical terminology. Physicians often use technical jargon that can be difficult for patients to understand.

2.Another challenge is that patients may feel intimidated or overwhelmed by the healthcare system, which can make it difficult for them to ask questions or express their concerns.

3.Additionally, physicians may have limited time to spend with each patient, which can make it difficult to establish rapport and build trust.


Host: Those are some great points. So, what are some strategies that physicians can use to overcome these challenges and communicate effectively with their patients?


Dr. Selvaraj:1. First and foremost, physicians need to speak in simple language that patients can understand. It is important to avoid using medical jargon and to explain things in a way that is clear and concise.

2.Physicians also need to be good listeners and allow patients to express their concerns and ask questions. Active listening and empathy can go a long way in building trust and establishing rapport with patients.

3.Lastly, physicians need to make the most of the limited time they have with each patient. This means being organized, efficient, and prioritizing the most important issues.

Host: What is patient-centred approach in communication skills doctor?

Dr.Selvaraj: A patient-centered approach to communication is to acknowledge the whole person, their personality, life history, and social structure in order to develop a shared understanding of the problem, the goals of treatment, and the barriers to that treatment and wellness. One of the patient-centred approach is Calgary-Cambridge Interviewing Framework for patients.

Host: Doctor, can you explain in detail regarding Calgary-Cambridge interviewing frame work for our patients?

Dr.Selvaraj: This Calgary Cambridge frame work we use for interviewing our patients.

This is a widely used approach to patient-centered communication that was developed in the 1980s at the University of Calgary and later refined at the University of Cambridge. The framework provides a structured approach to conducting patient interviews that emphasizes the importance of building rapport, eliciting the patient's perspective, and involving the patient in shared decision-making.


The framework consists of six stages, which are:


1.Initiate the session: This involves introducing yourself to the patient, establishing rapport, and explaining the purpose of the interview.


2.Gather information: This involves asking open-ended questions to elicit the patient's perspective on their health concerns, including their symptoms, concerns, and expectations.

3.Conduct a physical examination: This involves a targeted examination of the patient's relevant body parts, such as the affected joint or organ system.


4.Explain and share information: This involves providing the patient with information about their condition, including its causes, potential treatments, and prognosis.


5.Plan and negotiate: This involves working with the patient to develop a treatment plan that considers their preferences, values, and goals.


6.Close the session: This involves summarizing the key points of the interview, clarifying any misunderstandings, and ensuring that the patient understands what to expect next.


The Calgary-Cambridge framework emphasizes the importance of active listening, empathy, and shared decision-making in patient-centered communication. By following this structured approach, healthcare providers can improve patient satisfaction, the overall health outcomes, and can adhere to treatment.


Host: What is informed consent doctor?

Dr.Selvaraj: Obtaining informed consent is a core communication skill required of all graduating medical students. Before going to do any surgery or invasive medical procedures, the healthcare provider should get informed consent from patients which include

1. Explain the indication of why you must do that surgery or procedure to your patient clearly.

2. How you are going to do it also you have to explain.

3. The possible complications which may develop by doing that also you have to explain to the patient.

4. If a patient refuses to undergo the surgery or the procedure recommended, you must explain the consequences of that decision clearly to the patient.

5. In summary, effective communication skills are essential in the informed consent process, as they help ensure that patients fully understand the information provided to them and can make an informed decision about their care.



Host: Those are some great strategies. What advice do you have for medical students who are just starting out and want to improve their communication skills?


Dr.Selvaraj: 1. My advice would be to practice, practice, practice. Effective communication is a skill that can be learned and honed over time.

2. Medical students should seek out opportunities to practice their communication skills, whether it be through role-playing exercises or shadowing experienced physicians.

3. They should also seek feedback from their patients and colleagues to identify areas for improvement.


Host: Thank you for that advice, Dr. Selvaraj. That’s all the time we have for today. Thank you for joining us and sharing your insights on the importance of communication skills in healthcare.


Dr.Selvaraj: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to be here.


Host: That concludes this episode of the Surgical Educator Podcast on Communication Skills. Stay tuned for our next episode to learn about various important surgical problems.


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