Hearing or listening? Respecting the voice of the patient through six simple techniques

Zachary I Merhavy^1,2, Thomas C Varkey², Christie Spann³

DOI: 10.32677/yjm.v2i3.4140

DOI URL: https://doi.org/10.32677/yjm.v2i3.4140

Publish Date: 19-12-2023

Pages: 122 - 123

Views: 5

Downloads: 6

Author Affiliation:

¹Medical Student, Department of Medical Education, Ross University School of Medicine, Bridgetown, Barbados, 
²Adjunct Professor, Department of Neurology, The University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, 
³Nurse, Department of Nursing, Corona Regional Medical Center, Corona, California

Abstract

Physicians and healthcare practitioners often hear the complaint that their patients don't feel heard. Many times, well intentioned practitioners can come off as not caring or dismissive by making simple easy to fix errors in communication. Because of these errors, the emotional portion of the therapeutic relationship can be harmed. One place where this often is seen is in the initial history and physical examination - as the colloquial statement entails, “First impressions are everything”. Herein, the authors provide some minor tips for improving the diagnostic utility of the history and physical examination of patients in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of care.