4. Communication Skills Flashcards
Define communication.
Communication is the ability to share information with other people and to understand the information and feelings conveyed by others.
State the different forms of communication.
- Verbal - Oral/Written
2. Non-verbal - Body language
What is commonly observed in terms of Body Language?
- Eye contact and movement
- Hand movement and parking
- Facial expressions
- Body gestures
- Way a person is sits
What are the key points required in basic communication skills?
- Being a good listener
- Being a good speaker
- Confirming your understanding
- Ability to obtain more information
- Ability to ask good questions
- Ability to interpret body language
What is are the 6 key points for effective communication?
- Comfort for patient and doctor
- Language
- Proper questioning/history taking
- Listen actively
- Reflecting and Summarizing
Name and explain the protocol recommended by doctors to establish effective communication.
SPIKES Protocol
Setting : Proper setting and environment
Perception : Understand patient’s perception of the condition
Invitation : Allow patient to give information
Knowledge : Explain medical facts to the patient
Emotion : Understand patient’s emotions and empathize
Summarize
What are the ten commandments of Communication?
- Thou shalt not do all the talking
- Thou shalt not force your convictions onto the patient
- Thou shalt not make assumptions
- Thou shalt not be patronizing
- Thou shalt not moralize/philosphize
- Thou shalt not compare
- Thou shalt not sympathize
- Thou shalt avoid jargon
- Thou shalt avoid lies and thoughtless honesty
- Thou shalt avoid inappropriate humor
What is normal distress?
Feeling of vulnerability, worry, powerlessness, sadness and fear
What is disabling distress?
Depression, anxiety, panic, social isolation, existential and spiritual crisis
How do you assess distress in a patient?
Using the NCCN Distress Thermometer
How do you manage distress and anxiety in a patient?
- Psychotherapy (Support, psychoeducation, CBT)
- Psychosocial Therapy (Social support)
- Pharmacologic (Benzodiazepines, Antidepressants)
How do you confirm a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder?
Confirmed if 5 or more symptoms seen in the same 2 weeks.
- Depressed mood
- Loss of interest/pleasure
- Weight/Appetite gain and loss
- Insomnia/Hypersomnia
- Psychomotor agitation/retardation
- Fatigue/Loss of energy
- Feeling of worthlessness/Excessive guilt
- Diminished ability to think/concentrate/make a decision
- Recurrent thoughts of death/suicide
What would you prescribe for a patient with Major Depressive Disorder?
- Sertraline 25mg-150mg per day
- Escitalopram 5mg-20mg per day
- Duloxetine
- Mirtazapine
Define bereavement.
It is the state of loss resulting from death
Define grief.
It is the distressing emotional response to any loss
