Effective communication lies at the core of the excellent healthcare infrastructure. As a healthcare professional, you can profoundly influence your patients, through effective communication skills. These skills are imperative to build trust and improve the overall healthcare experience. In India, CAHO ( Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Professionals) is dedicated to offering several short-term upskilling certification programs and workshops for healthcare professionals. The organization also offers Communication Skills For The Healthcare Professional program to learn effective communication skills. Here we present a guide to equip you with essential strategies, tips, and tools to enhance your interactions with your patients, colleagues, and other visitors in the healthcare system!! Continue reading!!
Active listening is the first mandatory rule to be followed for patient-centred care. To build a strong relationship with your patients, you must focus on listening patiently to them. You must pay due attention to both their words and non-verbal cues, you must encourage them to express their feelings, and concerns freely, and encourage them to not hide their emotions. You should show genuine interest and compassion, and acknowledge their feelings and perspectives. Active listening would be highly effective in convincing your patients that you value their input and are dedicated to understanding their individual needs.
Then comes avoiding the use of medical jargon…yes you should simplify medical jargon so that you can convey your message to your patients in a language that they can understand easily. You must elaborate medical terms and procedures in easy words, always encouraging two-way communication through clear communication. Motivate them to ask questions and take part in the communication related to their procedure or treatment.
As we all understand every human being is different, as is each patient. Every patient has his or her preferences and needs. So, you should use a tailor-made communication style to accommodate everyone’s preferences. If you use this style, you can ensure effective and personalised communication with each patient. Use a simple and concise information-sharing style. Get them engaged and ask open-ended questions to know about their understanding and then adjust your information to share with them so that they should be more comfortable while talking to you about their concerns.
Non-verbal communication is equally important, your body language, facial expressions, and voice tone convey your message very effectively. You must maintain eye contact during conversations and should be warm and approachable in your talk. Keep a smile on your face and a gentle touch to comfort your patients and create a positive atmosphere. Your cordial behaviour would enhance the overall health experience, and reduce the anxiety of your patients.
If you are one of the healthcare organizations in India, you should explore the website of CAHO, get your staff enrolled in the required skill enhancement programs, and learn effective communication skills to ensure excellent healthcare services to your patients. Your staff can learn the necessary skills in a short period of time convenient to their duty schedules. Visit us now for further details and enrolment!!