Are you having a conversation, or only keeping up appearances?
Sometimes an interaction can look like a conversation, all the signs are there, but are we both actually sharing any new information? Or re we just keeping up appearances of a conversation?
This blog post offers some points of reflection and communication microskills to promote good quality conversations. Lets make sure we are listening for what matters, so we can create plans for better patient outcomes.
Reframing the “can of worms”
The “can of worms”. A phrase I hear from time to time from learners in communication skills sessions, referring to concerns about expression of emotions.
However, far from being a distraction, emotional expressions from patients are valuable data about what matters most to them, and will help with shared decision-making about their care.
Reframing the “can of worms” as important data, and using effective strategies to respond to emotion, can transform a clinical conversation, getting to the point more quickly, with more meaning for the patient and better rapport.
