Question

At a recent visit, Dr. Shah told Anne that she will need to have her appendix removed. Anne feels nervous because she knows very little about the procedure, or what to expect during recovery. Dr. Shah, wants to put her patient at ease.

Think about verbal communication skills, nonverbal communication skills, and active listening skills that Dr. Shah can use. Write a short dialogue describing the ideal interaction between Anne and Dr. Shah. You may use the Internet to research further examples of these communication skills.

After conducting your research, write a paragraph describing the techniques used in the dialogue.

Answer 1

Dr. Shah employs empathy, clear verbal communication, active listening, and reassuring nonverbal cues to put Anne at ease about her appendix surgery. The dialogue showcases an ideal physician-patient interaction by addressing concerns and providing detailed information about the procedure and recovery process.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dr. Shah: "Hi Anne, I understand that the idea of surgery can be unsettling. Let's talk through the procedure and what you can expect for your recovery. It's called an appendectomy, and it's a very common and safe procedure."

Anne: "Thank you, Dr. Shah. What does the recovery process involve?"

Dr. Shah: "After the surgery, you'll spend a short period in the recovery room. Then, we monitor you for a few hours before you can go home. Most patients return to normal activities within 2-4 weeks. We'll schedule a follow-up visit to ensure everything is healing properly."

Anne: "That's reassuring to hear. Will I be in a lot of pain?"

Dr. Shah: "It's normal to experience some discomfort, but we'll manage it with medications. We will give you detailed instructions on how to care for yourself at home."

Anne: "Okay, that sounds manageable. Thank you for explaining everything so clearly."

Dr. Shah: "Of course, Anne. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. We're here to make sure you're comfortable and informed every step of the way."

In this dialogue, Dr. Shah employs several communication techniques to ease Anne's concerns about her upcoming appendectomy. Dr. Shah begins by acknowledging Anne’s feelings and expressing empathy, using an open and friendly tone – an example of effective verbal communication. Throughout the interaction, Dr. Shah maintains eye contact and nods while Anne speaks, which are vital aspects of nonverbal communication that create a connection. Active listening is demonstrated by Dr. Shah’s responses, which are directly related to Anne’s questions and concerns, providing clear and concise information tailored to her needs. Overall, Dr. Shah's approach incorporates reassurance, clear information, and an open dialogue to foster a trustworthy patient-physician relationship.