Insights
Enhancing Communication Skills Among Healthcare Professionals
By Daleep Manhas, April 2025
In the whirlwind of social media buzz and endless information overload, a quiet yet powerful force stands out—effective communication. Imagine a doctor’s warm smile or a nurse’s gentle reassurance lighting up a patient’s anxious face. This is the magic that nurtures doctor-patient relationships, the heart and soul of medicine. It’s not just for physicians; it ripples through bedside caregivers, paramedical staff, clinics, hospitals, and even the humble corner drugstore. Yet, at its core lies the sacred bond between doctor and patient—a connection that can heal as much as any medicine.
A revealing study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine analysed 112 recorded doctor-patient encounters, uncovering a startling truth: doctors interrupted patients in 67% of cases, listening for a mere 11 seconds before cutting in. Some waited as long as 234 seconds, while others jumped in within three—hardly time to catch a breath!
In today’s internet era, patients and their families arrive armed with a flood of information, true or false, about their ailments. Dismissing them risks eroding trust. Instead, as Dr. V Ravi, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon, wisely notes, “Patients come bursting with anxiety and information. I listen, then use visual charts and models to guide them to the facts. Half the treatment is done when they feel at ease.” This highlights a critical need: structured courses on the art of listening, a skill central to compassionate care.
Good communication is the lifeline of healthcare. It builds rapport and trust, making patients more likely to share vital details and follow advice.
A study from the Ochsner Journal shows that doctors who communicate well foster confidence, reducing the chance of complaints or legal issues, especially during adverse events. The goals are clear: establish empathy, ensure accurate diagnoses, provide clear instructions, and encourage shared decision-making. Yet, surveys reveal a gap—patients often feel doctors overestimate their communication skills, craving more understanding and less jargon. Simple acts like acknowledging concerns, showing compassion, and explaining treatments in plain language can transform care. Nonverbal cues—eye contact, a nod, a calm tone—speak volumes, weaving a human connection beyond words.
In India, where healthcare demands are vast, communication skills are even more vital. With diverse languages and cultures, a doctor’s ability to connect can bridge gaps. AI tools, like chatbots offering health tips in regional dialects, could empower rural patients. Globally, the American Medical Association advocates for communication training, noting its impact on patient satisfaction. In busy clinics, AI can handle routine queries, freeing doctors to focus on complex cases, while reminders and tailored advice enhance follow-ups.
The Path Forward
Effective communication isn’t a skill to master once—it’s a lifelong pursuit. HCPs must embrace training, leverage AI, and prioritise listening. A doctor who explains a diagnosis with a smile or a nurse who holds a trembling hand can turn fear into hope. As we navigate this digital age, let’s remember: medicine is an art, and communication is its brush. By honing these skills, healthcare professionals can deliver not just treatment, but transformation.
