About teaching MBBS & BDS students for effective communication with the patients and build a good patient - doctor relationship for better patient health outcomes

1. BARRIERS OF MEDICAL
COMMUNICATION
BY-Dr.Savitha A K
JUNIOR RESIDENTS
DEPT. OF PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS
KING GEORGE MEDICAL COLLEGE,LUCKNOW

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of session, the student must be able to: -
1. Define communication.
2. Importance of good and effective communication with patient.
3. Describe elements of successful communication with patient.
4. Describe barriers in successful communication.
5. Describe the concept of 'active listening’.

3. DEFINITION OF COMMUNICATION
Communication is the process of exchanging information, thoughts, or ideas
through verbal, non-verbal, or written means, facilitating understanding between
individuals or groups, through a common system of symbols, signs and behaviour.

4. IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNICATION WITH PATIENTS
1. Patient Understanding:
Ensures that patients comprehend their medical condition, treatment options, and
prescribed medications.
2. Informed Decision-Making:
It empowers patients to make informed decisions about their health, treatment
plans, and lifestyle choices.
3. . Building Trust:
Open and transparent communication fosters trust between healthcare providers and
patients, leading to a stronger doctor-patient relationship.

5. 4. Adherence to Treatment Plans:
Clear communication encourages patient adherence to prescribed medications and
treatment regimens, improving health outcomes.
5. Reducing Anxiety and Fear:
Addressing patient concerns and providing reassurance through communication helps
alleviate anxiety and fear associated with medical issues.
6. Enhancing Patient Satisfaction:
Ensuring that patients feel heard, respected, and involved in their care.
7.Effective Problem-Solving:
Facilitate the identification and resolution of any issues or misunderstandings that may arise
during the course of treatment.

6. 8. Empathy and Emotional Support:
It allows healthcare providers to express empathy, provide emotional support, and
understand the emotional impact of medical conditions on patients.
9. Facilitating Follow-Up Care:
Clear communication aids in conveying post-treatment instructions, follow-up
appointments, and ongoing care plans to promote sustained well-being.
10. Patient Education:
Communication is a key tool for educating patients about preventive measures,
lifestyle modifications, and the importance of regular check-ups for long-term health.

7. TYPES OF COMMUNICATION DURING MANAGEMENT
1. Diagnostic communication
• Try to take complete and relevant history for making the correct diagnosis
• Try to understand the patient’s concern- be empathetic
• This will help in patient management
• Be a good listener

8. 2. Interventional communication
• How to communicate bad news
• How to handle an chaotic and situations
where your temper is tested
3. Therapeutic communication:
• This is a special type of communication.
Patient should understand why the doctor
prescribed this medicine and where it will
work.

9. • The following can be indicative list which needs to be addressed to make
communication effective:
Greeting, establishing the rapport
Listening patiently
Having a favourable body language which includes the way we dress up, sitting
posture, eye contact etc.
Showing empathy (putting ourselves in patient/family position)
Not using unnecessary medical jargon
Not being judgmental
Clearing the doubts and confirming whether they have any questions
Greeting, thanking

10. BARRIERS TO MEDICAL COMMUNICATION:
1. Physical barrier
2. Psychological barrier
3. Language barrier
4. Cultural barrier
5. Systemic barrier

11. PHYSICAL BARRIER
• Environmental or physical factors that disrupt communication.
• Examples:
Noise in medical settings (e.g., hospital environments)
Physical barriers (e.g., patient’s room layout)
• Solutions:
Improve hospital design
Ensure proper technology and minimize noise

12. PSYCHOLOGICAL BARRIER
• Internal emotional or mental factors affecting communication.
• Examples:
Patient anxiety or fear about diagnosis
Healthcare provider burnout or stress
• Solutions:
Provide emotional support
Promote mental wellness
Foster empathy.

13. LANGUAGE BARRIER
• Challenges due to differences in language or medical terminology.
• Examples:
Patient’s limited English proficiency
Medical jargon unfamiliar to patients
Misinterpretation of medical instructions
• Solutions:
Use interpreters
Simplify medical language
Confirm understanding through teach-back methods.

14. CULTURAL BARRIER
• Differences in cultural backgrounds that affect communication.
• Examples:
Variations in health beliefs and practices
Different attitudes towards medical authority
Cultural norms influencing patient behavior
• Solution:
Respectful engagement, and accommodating cultural preferences.

15. SYSTEMIC BARRIER
• Organizational and systemic factors that hinder communication.
• Examples:
Inefficient healthcare processes (e.g., fragmented care)
Lack of time during consultations
Inadequate patient education resources
• Solutions:
Allocate adequate time for patient interactions
Improve patient education materials.

16. ACTIVE LISTENING
• Active listening is a communication technique that involves fully focusing,
understanding, and responding to a speaker in a way that demonstrates empathy
and genuine interest.
• It involves interpreting and comprehending the speaker's message, both verbal and
non-verbal, to ensure mutual understanding.

17. • Active listening is a fundamental skill in various interpersonal and professional
settings, including healthcare, counselling, education, and everyday communication.
• It enhances relationships, resolves conflicts, and promotes meaningful connections
in various personal and professional contexts.

18. KEY COMPONENTS OF ACTIVE LISTENING
1. Attending:
- Physically and mentally focusing on the speaker.
- Minimizing distractions and giving the speaker your full attention.
- Demonstrating non-verbal cues such as maintaining eye contact and using affirmative
gestures.

19. 2. Paraphrasing:
- Restating the speaker's message in your own words.
- Verifying understanding
- Shows the speaker that you are actively engaged in the conversation.
3. Reflecting Feelings:
- Acknowledging and validating the emotions expressed by the speaker.
- Demonstrating empathy and understanding of the speaker's emotional state.
- Reflecting feelings helps create a supportive and trusting environment.

20. 4. Clarifying:
- Seeking additional information or clarification when needed.
- Asking open-ended questions
- Ensures a more accurate understanding of the speaker's message.
5. Summarizing:
- Providing a concise overview of what the speaker has communicated.
- Helps to organize and clarify the information.
- It can be especially useful in longer conversations or complex discussions.

21. 6. Responding Appropriately:
- Offering appropriate verbal and non-verbal responses.
- Responding with expressions of understanding, validation, or encouragement.
- Avoiding interrupting the speaker and allowing them to express themselves fully.
7. Avoiding Judgment:
- Withholding personal judgment or criticism.
- Creating a safe space for the speaker to share their thoughts and feelings.
- Fosters trust and openness in communication.

22. 8. Providing Feedback:
- Offering constructive feedback that encourages further communication.
- Acknowledging the speaker's perspective and providing relevant insights.
- Feedback contributes to a dynamic and interactive conversation.

23. Strategies for Overcoming Communication Barriers
• Effective Communication Techniques:
Active listening and empathetic responses
Clear and simple explanations
Regular feedback and clarification
• Patient-Centered Care:
Involve patients in their care decisions, and ensure they understand their
treatment plan.

24. THANK YOU