ME209 AIR TOPIC 1: Doctor- Patient Communication Substantial research has consistently shown that medical practitioners generally

communicate poorly with their patients. The negative impact of this on patients is significant. This project allows students to identify key communication skills necessary for an enhanced Doctor-Patient relationship and apply their knowledge to a scenario 1. ead the article! "#ey $ommunication Skills and %ow to &c'uire them( )*c+uire , Pitceathly! -..-/ 0 see website reference below. -. &pply the knowledge obtained from the article to the following scenario 0 "*r &hmad has been diagnosed by you with hypertension and has come to see you for a follow-up visit to discuss his treatment plan(. 1. 2hat considerations do you need to make )1/ to ensure that you communicate effectively with *r &hmad and )-/ promote treatment adherence.

3n order to communicate effectively with *r &hmad! it is important to first elicit his problems and concerns about his condition. This is achieved by establishing eye contact! encouraging him to share his perceptions and feelings! active listening and in'uiring about the social and psychological effects it has on him and his family. Then! *r &hmad will feel understood and can better cope with his condition. Secondly! 3 need to tailor information according to what he wants to know and finds important! addressing his main concerns and ensure that he understands his condition and his treatment plan. Thirdly! 3 need to e4plain and determine how much he wants to participate in deciding about treatment options! as the more involved he is! the more likely he will adhere to the treatment plan. Then 3 will discuss the treatment options to suit him and ensure he understands its implications. 5astly! 3 would show empathy and show him that 3 understand how he is feeling and encourage him to follow through with his decisions about treatment and advice about changing his lifestyle. To promote treatment adherence! 3 would specifically repeat the treatment plan he has decided on and consistently follow up with consultations and interviews to encourage him to adhere to it. &lso! 3 would address any concerns or problems to his compliance! and tailor the regiment to suit his habits and rituals. 3 would encourage him to self monitor through written records and suggest for him to find constructive sources of social support such as friends and family or support groups that can offer commitment! positive attitudes and ensuring his treatment activity continues. 6inally! 3 would stress the importance of compliance to the treatment plan and remind him of the ultimate goal in achieving a healthier lifestyle and better health to cope with his hypertension.