Essential Human Communication Skills in Medicine

**UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION 2021/2022****SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES****DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY****BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY (REGULAR)** **UNIT CODE:** BBS2201**UNIT TITLE:** HUMAN COMMUNICATION SKILLS**DATE:** **TIME:** 2:00 PM**DURATION:** 2 Hours **MAIN EXAMINATION** **INSTRUCTIONS:** - Answer **Question ONE (1)** and **any other TWO (2)** questions. *(4 Marks – 1 mark each)* - **Information gathering:** Enables the clinician to collect accurate patient history and symptoms for diagnosis. - **Building rapport:** Helps develop trust and a therapeutic relationship with the patient. - **Patient education:** Allows the doctor to explain diagnoses, procedures, and treatments clearly. - **Decision-making support:** Facilitates shared decision-making by involving the patient in their care. *(4 Marks)*Attachment Theory, originally developed by John Bowlby, postulates that early relationships with caregivers form the basis for how individuals relate to others throughout life. In the context of medical communication: - Patients may unconsciously project attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant) in interactions with healthcare providers. - A secure attachment style fosters trust and openness, improving communication. - Understanding attachment behaviors helps clinicians tailor their approach to promote comfort, reduce anxiety, and enhance cooperation. - Recognizing these dynamics improves empathy and promotes patient-centered care. *(3 Marks – 1 mark each)* - **Active listening:** Fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to the patient without interrupting. - **Use of plain language:** Avoiding medical jargon to ensure patient understanding. - **Non-verbal communication:** Maintaining eye contact, appropriate facial expressions, and body language to convey empathy and attentiveness. *(3 Marks – 1 mark each)* - **Voluntariness:** Consent must be given freely without coercion or undue influence. - **Disclosure:** The patient must receive all relevant information about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. - **Capacity:** The patient must have the mental capacity to understand the information and make a decision. *(3 Marks – 1 mark each)* - **Psychological state:** Anxiety, depression, or fear can amplify pain perception. - **Previous pain experiences:** Past experiences influence current pain tolerance and response. - **Cultural and social factors:** Cultural beliefs and support systems shape how pain is expressed and managed. *(4 Marks – 1 mark each)* - **Procedure-specific risks:** Potential complications directly related to the procedure (e.g., infection, bleeding). - **Anesthetic risks:** Possibility of adverse reactions to anesthesia, including allergic responses. - **Failure or limitations of treatment:** Risk that the treatment may not achieve the desired outcome. - **Alternative options:** Risks associated with choosing or declining alternative treatments, including no treatment. *(10 Marks – 2 marks each)* - **Paternalistic Communication**Doctor makes decisions with minimal patient input. - Emphasizes doctor authority; patient is passive. - **Shared Decision-Making**Doctor and patient collaborate in making decisions. - Respects patient autonomy; builds trust. - **Doctor-Centered Communication**Focuses on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment only. - Often closed-ended questions; less psychosocial focus. - **Patient-Centered Communication**Encourages patients to express concerns and values. - Uses open-ended questions and active listening. - **Informative Communication**Doctor provides detailed medical information; patient decides. - Suitable for informed patients wanting autonomy. *(10 Marks – 2 marks each)* - **Improved Diagnosis**Clear history-taking leads to accurate assessment. - **Increased Treatment Adherence**Patients are more likely to follow instructions when they understand and trust the doctor. - **Better Patient Satisfaction**Empathy and listening make patients feel respected and cared for. - **Reduced Medical Errors**Clear communication minimizes misunderstandings and mistakes. - **Enhanced Doctor–Patient Relationship**Builds trust, encourages openness, and long-term care continuity. *(20 Marks – 5 points, 4 marks each)* - **Respects Patient Autonomy**Upholds the patient’s right to make informed decisions about their body and care. - Reinforces ethical and human rights principles in clinical practice. - **Builds Trust and Transparency**Demonstrates honesty and professionalism, enhancing doctor–patient relationships. - Encourages open dialogue, making patients more comfortable and cooperative. - **Reduces Legal Risks**Protects the healthcare provider against accusations of assault, battery, or negligence. - Legally required for all non-emergency procedures. - **Improves Treatment Compliance**Informed patients are more likely to adhere to agreed plans, as they understand purpose and risks. - Reduces drop