Factors that Inhibit Communication

Question 1

Identify “roadblocks” to effective communication

Answer 1

1. Medical & Dental Terminology
2. Reading ability
3. Level of education
4. Readiness to communicate
5. Pressured to communicate
6. Environment
7. Comfort & Confidence in healthcare provider

Question 2

Explain how barriers to communication interfere with establishing rapport

Answer 2

Unfamiliar words – professional terminology, consent forms, med hx forms, directions

Words in a new context (6 mm “deep” “pocket”)

When they here lesion they think gapping hole

Patient may be embarrassed or intimidated – do not ask

Question 3

Identify “avoidable” barriers to communication that can be controlled by the clinician

Answer 3

Contradicting 
Criticizing 
Ridiculing
Sarcasm
Indifference or cliched statements
Lecturing 
Offering unsolicited advice