AS I SEE IT

Effective Doctor-Patient CommunicationA Hit or a Myth?

John R. Thurston, PhD

y credentials for writing this

physicians to be omniscient, omnipotent,

Ttie 20

article and Ttie 20 Suggestions

compassion-compounded, and available

at

Suggestions

(available

online

http://www.wisconsinmedicalsociety.

include

24/7. But in the real world of medicine,

org/_WMS/publications/wmj/issues/wmj_

many years as a patient, 29 years as a psy-

such persons are rare; and such unrealistic

v111n2/111no2_20questions.pdf) can serve

chology professor, and over 30 years as a

expectations could lead to routine disap-

as a helpful resource for such an under-

referenced

clinical

psychologist

herein

working

part-time

within the medical establishment.

As a psychologist, I've long been interested in the basic communication skills of

7\mid their strengths, most physicians can find

a few habits that could and should be modified

physicians. On a personal level, I've been

or even eliminated.

very impressed by the ability of my many

physicians to communicate their concerns
and a great deal of complex information
during the course of very brief consultations.
Is my positive view

regarding the

communicative capabilities of physicians

shared by other patients? Hopefully, yes;
but maybe not. It's possible that many
patients have developed some unique
and unrealistic notions regarding their
illnesses and what to expect from their
doctors. TV dramas, newspaper columns,
advertisements, folklore, breaking news,

pointment for the patient and further com-

taking. Each suggestion contains defini-

plicate communication between the physi-

tions, examples, and a format for change.

cian and patient.

Physicians seeking to improve their com-

Despite

obstacles,

most

physicians

munication skills can first compare their

probably believe they're good communi-

behavior with those listed on this standard.

cators. That might well be accurate, but

Then, progressing in the spirit of the old

there's always room for improvement. And

song, they can "accentuate the positive"

a quest for such improvement can be an

behaviors while "eliminating the negative"

interesting and challenging project.

ones en route to personal and professional

If a physician accepts this challenge,

improvement. Such changes require both

how should he or she go about it? A sys-

time and thought for their implementation.

and talks with other patients are among

tematic inventory of one's communication

While physicians are the focus for these

their influences. Patients may expect their

skills is a good start. Amid their strengths,

suggestions, with slight modifications this

most physicians can find a few habits that

approach could be employed by other

could and should be modified or even

health care professionals as well.

Dr Thurston is a clinical psychologist and professor emeritus of psychology at the University of

Wisconsin-Eau Claire who resides in Eau Claire,
Wis. He can be reached at thurstjr@charter.net.

eliminated. Perhaps a mere "tweaking"

Ultimately, the usefulness of Ttie 20

of one's communication skills is a respon-

Suggestions will be determined by the

sible and reassuring first step.

experience of physicians and other profes-

Developed

specially

for

physicians.

VOLUME 111 NO. 2

sionals who are willing to try them out.

49

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