Abstract
Purpose
To provide a simple, practical guide to communication skills which might be useful to practising anesthesiologists.
Source
Selected citations from the literature on patient-physician communication, and the personal observations of the authors based on their reading and experiences.
Principal findings
Basic communication skills are introduced, and then their application to clinical anesthesiology described. The possible benefits resulting from the enhancement of clinical communication are outlined. Strategies for tackling four commonly-encountered situations — handling others’ feelings, imparting information, explaining complex concepts simply and breaking bad news — are presented. By taking a skills-oriented approach, we hope that readers will be encouraged to view this area of their work as one that can be improved upon with continued observation and practice.
Conclusion
Communication skills can enhance medical practice and improve patient outcomes. We suggest that all anesthesiologists should give thought to their effectiveness in this area.
Résumé
Objectif
Présenter un guide simple et pratique des qualités relationnelles utiles aux anesthésiologistes en exercice.
Source
Citations choisies dans des articles sur la communication patient-médecin et observations personnelles des auteurs basées sur leurs lectures et leurs expériences.
Constatations principales
Nous décrivons les qualités relationnelles fondamentales et leur application à l’anesthésiologie clinique. Nous indiquons les avantages possibles de l’amélioration de la communication clinique. Nous présentons des stratégies pour aborder quatre situations habituelles — tenir compte des sentiments d’autrui, transmettre des informations, expliquer simplement des concepts complexes et annoncer une mauvaise nouvelle. En choisissant une méthode axée sur des techniques, nous souhaitons que les lecteurs seront encouragés à considérer cet aspect de leur travail comme pouvant être amélioré par l’observation et la pratique.
Conclusion
Une bonne communication peut rehausser la pratique médicale et améliorer l’évolution du patient. Tous les anesthésiologistes devraient songer à leur compétence dans ce domaine.
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Smith, A.F., Shelly, M.P. Communication skills for anesthesiologists. Can J Anesth 46, 1082–1088 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03013207
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03013207