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In today’s fast-paced healthcare environment, where doctors are often overwhelmed with electronic health records, care coordination, and time constraints, maintaining a good bedside manner can be challenging. Yet, this crucial aspect of patient care remains essential for both patient satisfaction and well-being.
Dr. Errol Ozdalga, assistant professor of medicine at Stanford University, notes that while some doctors possess remarkable diagnostic skills, they may lack the necessary communication connection with patients. “I’ve noticed there are certain types of doctors who are very intelligent but don’t have that communication connection with patients,” he explains.
The importance of balancing technical skills with emotional intelligence is echoed by Dr. Abraham Verghese, director of the Stanford Medicine 25 program, which emphasizes bedside exam skills. Verghese considers doctors who excel in both areas as “double threats.”
Defining Good Bedside Manner
Good bedside manner can be subjective, but it is often the first thing patients mention in online reviews, both positive and negative. Dr. Michael Cameron, a dermatologist in New York City, believes that treating patients with the same care and respect as family members is key. “Patients want to feel comfortable around their provider, so one way I do that is to try to get to know them as human beings, not just patients,” he says.
The Impact of Trust
Empathetic listening and effective communication build trust and confidence between physicians and patients, according to Dr. Nayan K. Kothari, chief academic officer at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. He highlights that poor bedside manners can lead to mistrust, unnecessary tests, and adversely affect patient well-being.
To address this, Saint Peter’s has introduced an Advanced Course in Communication and Physician Examination, a 50-week curriculum focusing on the essential skills of being a physician. This course combines didactic presentations and practical interviews with real patients, culminating in a final exam in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians in London.
The Art of Communication
For Dr. Ozdalga, teaching medical students the art of patient communication is deeply fulfilling. He emphasizes the importance of listening and showing genuine concern for patients’ agendas. While traditional medical education focuses on history-taking and physical exams, Ozdalga’s approach involves learning through observation and listening.
However, systemic challenges such as shortened patient encounters and staffing issues can hinder doctors from spending quality time with patients. Dr. Lisa Howley from the Association of American Medical Colleges acknowledges these barriers, suggesting that solutions are complex and multifaceted.
Addressing Emotional Intelligence
Dr. Stephen Berns, a palliative medicine professor at the University of Vermont, is encouraged by recent shifts in medical school admissions, which now place greater emphasis on emotional intelligence alongside academic achievements. “Medical schools are looking for someone’s emotional capacity and empathy vs. how many papers they’ve published,” he says. This change has positively impacted the skillset of students in patient-centered care.
Responding to patients’ emotional reactions is also crucial. Dr. Berns illustrates that acknowledging a patient’s emotions can significantly improve communication, particularly when delivering serious news.
A Personal Perspective
Dr. Cameron underscores the importance of empathy by drawing from his personal experiences. “I’ve been on the other side and have had to advocate for loved ones, so I’ve observed the good and the bad among doctors,” he shares. He believes that while not every healthcare provider has been a patient, empathy should always be at the forefront of patient interactions.
In conclusion, good bedside manner is vital not only for earning positive online reviews but also for ensuring patient well-being. As healthcare systems continue to evolve, fostering communication skills and emotional intelligence in medical professionals remains a critical priority.
