Ever wonder how to make your consultation feel more like ateam effort with your patients? 🤝 Here's a tip to helpyou connect better and improve your marks in your SCA exam:
🔄 Why it Works:Patients present because they want you to help find a solution to their problem. If the patient feels that it is what you are doing they will remain engaged and helpful, making it easier to get the info you need to build a plan of action ⭐.
- Patients want to hear that you understand their problem so say it aloud.
- ‘You’reworried this back pain might be a slipped disc and you want an X-ray to findout if that is the case’
- Fully focus on the patients story without interrupting. It harms rapport if you ask questions to which the patient has already given you the answer in their story, and makes the patient less of a willing partner.
- Explicitly showing you care and want to help encourages the patient to tell their story,and answer your questions enthusiastically.
- ‘That sounds really difficult, let me see what I can do to help?
- You are the expert in consulting. Help the patient know how they can help make the consultation successful by explaining their role as you go along.
- ‘Lets go through some yes no questions to rule out more worrying things’
- Thinking out loud helps the patient to follow your thought processes and understand how your questions relate to solving their problem. It is a great skill to have.
- ‘You mentioned an X-ray. I know the guidance says most people won’t need one unless they have certain symptoms or signs. Let me check that out with some questions’
💡 Remember, effective listening and empathetic responses make a world of difference. Use active listening techniques—paraphrase, reflect, and validate emotions to ensure your patients feel heard and involved.
Author
N. Boeckx
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