Bedside Manner Matters
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Good bedside manners are crucial in today’s fast-paced medical environment, especially as doctors face increasing pressures from electronic health records, care coordination, and tight schedules. Research indicates that while many physicians possess solid diagnostic skills, they often need to improve patient communication, a critical aspect of effective healthcare.
Poor bedside manners can lead to patient mistrust, resulting in excessive and unnecessary testing. For example, Saint Peter’s University Hospital found that inadequate communication skills contribute to cursory history taking, limited physical examinations, and poor decision-making in differential diagnosis. Effective bedside manners, including empathetic listening and clear communication, help build patient trust and confidence.
A study revealed that empathetic interactions can significantly improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. To address these challenges, some institutions are implementing comprehensive training programs. Saint Peter’s Advanced Course in Communication and Physician Examination, a 50-week program, teaches physicians essential communication skills through practical, real-patient interactions and detailed physical examinations.
Integrating emotional intelligence into medical training has shown promise, with improvements in the quality of patient-centered care. Studies suggest physicians responding to patients’ emotional cues can significantly enhance the therapeutic relationship and improve clinical outcomes.
Bedside Manner Matters: The Way You Connect with Patients Not Only Prompts Good Online Reviews, It’s Key to Patient Well-Being (Hochwald, Medscape, 6/24).
