Doctor-patient communication tricks. Oncological study at Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Doctor-patient relationship is a very important variable in the oncological clinical consultation. METHODS: We have analyzed 100 outpatients oncological visits (first visits and follow up visits). We conducted an observational study of the extra verbal communication (non-verbal and para-verbal) with a structured observation grid. We have analyzed the three stages of the visit 1. Patient's admission, 2. Communication flows and 3. Information exchange between doctor and patient. RESULT: In the first visit doctor introduce himself (85%). In the follow-up visit the doctor has received the patient with a handshake (86%) while in the first examination in 100%. In the follow-up visit the short phase of pleasantries was present in 61% of cases, while in the first examination in 45% of cases. Doctor drawn an outline, a design or wrote a note in 45% of first examination and 25% of the follow up. CONCLUSION: Extra verbal communication is more important than the verbal. We suggest useful tips on what "do not" and what "do better" during clinical consultations. CONCLUSION: Against what it is often believed eye contact is not always necessary or useful in establishing a good doctor-patient relationship it depends on the patient's preferred representational system.