Question

Mrs. Mincielli tells her doctor she is frightened. The doctor asks Mrs. Mincielli to explain. What behavior would further demonstrate the doctor's listening skills?

Answer 1

To demonstrate listening skills, a doctor should maintain eye contact, provide verbal affirmations, and use communication techniques such as paraphrasing to show understanding and empathy towards the patient's concerns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question centers around what behavior would further demonstrate a doctor's listening skills when Mrs. Mincielli expresses that she is frightened. To show active listening, the doctor could engage in several behaviors such as maintaining eye contact, nodding to encourage the patient to continue, and providing verbal affirmations like 'I see' or 'Go on.' Additionally, the doctor could use reflective communication techniques, such as paraphrasing what Mrs. Mincielli says to ensure understanding and show empathy. For instance, the doctor might say, 'It sounds like you feel quite startled by the situation, and it's causing you a lot of distress. Can you tell me more about what's bothering you?' This demonstrates that the doctor is not only hearing the words but is also processing the emotional content of what Mrs. Mincielli is saying. Overall, these actions contribute to a supportive consultation environment, where Mrs. Mincielli would feel heard and understood, which is crucial for effective patient care.