Dermatológia pre prax 2/2022

Basic doctor-patient communication principles in outpatient practice

The ability to communicate well and effectively is one of the most important skills of doctors. It has a significant impact on the diagnostic and therapeutic outcome itself. According to thehealth care authority in Slovak republic 60% of complaints concern unprofesional attitude and communication with the patient. Many contemporary foreign authors even consider quality communication to be one of the factors in the prevention of medical and legal disputes. At the same time, some physicians still communicate with the patient dismissevely. The autor in the article emphasizes the need to communicate appropriately and effectively, while also offering useful tips and tricks how to achieve this.

Keywords: effective communication, empathy, therapeutic relationship, active listening