Question

Scenario:

Lack of communication between health care provider and patient In this scenario the male health care provider (Dr. Smith) is standing while talking to a woman who is seated at the end of an examination table. The female patient, Connie Jones, is clothed only in a paper gown and is staring down at her hands which are clenched together in her lap.
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER BASED ON THIS SCENARIO:
1. How would you describe the communication that occurred between the provider and the patient?
2. How did the provider’s interruptions of the patient’s communication contribute to or take away from the provider’s information gathering?
3. Describe how the provider’s nonverbal behaviors communicated his status and role to the patient? What specific examples support your observations?
4. What cues from the patient did the provider miss?
5. Identify three or four behaviors (verbal and/or nonverbal) that would help to enhance an interpersonal relationship between the provider and the patient

Answer 1

Dr. Smith's communication with the patient, represented by his standing position and interruptions, likely decreases the effectiveness of information gathering and the patient's comfort. To improve the situation, Dr. Smith should sit at eye level with the patient, actively listen, ask open-ended questions, and maintain appropriate eye contact.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the described scenario, the communication between Dr. Smith and the patient, Connie Jones, seems to be lacking in empathy and effectiveness. The patient's body language, such as her staring down at her hands and clenching them, indicates discomfort or anxiety, which Dr. Smith appears to miss. Dr. Smith's standing position while talking to a patient sitting in a vulnerable state wearing only a paper gown can convey a sense of authority and dominance, potentially exacerbating the patient's discomfort.

The provider’s interruptions during the patient's communication likely detract from his information gathering, as they prevent Connie from fully expressing her concerns and providing valuable context for her symptoms. By not allowing the patient to speak freely, important information could be missed, and the patient may feel undervalued and less inclined to share.

Three or four behaviors that would enhance the interpersonal relationship between the provider and the patient include: 1) Dr. Smith sitting down to be at eye level with Connie, creating a more open and equal communication dynamic; 2) using active listening techniques, such as nodding and verbal affirmations, to show understanding and concern; 3) asking open-ended questions to encourage the patient to share more information; and 4) maintaining appropriate eye contact without staring, which can be reassuring and show attentiveness without intimidating the patient.