Here's how you can enhance patient care using nonverbal communication.

In a digital era where communication is largely built on texting or non-verbal cues, while it enables convenience, it can also makes people get lost in the art of face-to-face communication. Engaging in-person eye contact appropriately with patients, particularly with children, can foster trust and rapport. Indeed, becomes even more crucial when it comes to active listening. It also signifies that clinicians are fully attentive to their concerns. Studies have found that clinicians showing eye contact with patients are perceived more 'likeable' and 'emapathetic'. It can strengthen doctor-patient relationship and, therefore, adherence to clinical recommendations.

Estoy de acuerdo en que el contacto visual es de vital importancia. Cuando estamos frente al paciente, es lo minimo que este puede esperar de su sanitario mientras le expone las razones de su consulta. Estemos atentos a lo que nos quiere decir y no le restemos importancia al contacto visual, pues la mayor parte de las veces la observación nos dice más que mil palabras.

Knowing how to best exercise body language appropriately can help clinicians elevate the quality of communication with patients. Depending on patients' age and cultural variations, it is crucial that clinicians take time to understand and appreciate what is deemed 'welcomed' or 'appropriate' in specific culture. For instance, an open-stance approach is commonly perceived as the 'norm'. However, it isn't always the case for all cultural norms. On contrary, while closed postures are often not encouraged in western society, it can actually be perceived as 'polite' or 'socially apt' for some patients in specific cultural background. It is key to understand and embrace the versatility of body language, particularly in the healthcare setting.

Realizar una consulta frente a un sanitario que se encuentra de brazos cruzados, con nula expresión facial, sentado detrás de un escritorio y que solo se mueve para escribir en el ordenador, hará que el paciente no se sienta en confianza y piense que tiene poco o ningún interes en lo que le sucede. Cuidar el lenguaje corporal hará que el paciente se sienta más cómodo y con menos estrés para expresar aquello por lo que está consultando. También sentirá que su sanitario tiene un legítimo interés en ayudarle.

I agree with this method, patient most of thr time wants to be listened. That make them feel more comfortable and feel that they are understood.

In the digital era where information is disseminated in a lightening speed incessantly, silence has become a rarity and luxury in communication. At times, staying silent can even be considered as weakness and not welcomed. In my experience, silence can be an antidote of chaos. Being able to let silence sink in can help provide an undisturbed space for people to refresh and reflect their chaotic train of thoughts. In the realm of patient care, caregivers should allow and respect silence in communication with patients. It often implies an important moment of decision-making that can be much more profound than verbal communication. Do not take silence lightly; rather, turn silence to your advantage instead.

Sentir el silencio puede ser en ocasiones incómodo. Sin embargo, estos silencios son importantes cuando estas con el paciente. El silencio inconscientemente nos crea la necesidad de hablar para rellenar esos espacios, de esa forma podrás obtener mucha más información que puede ser muy valiosa a la hora de hacer un diagnóstico o de ayudar en la consulta que tiene. En muchos casos sirve de desahogo a los pacientes. Por supuesto, no basta con solo utilizar el silencio, también se debe mostrar empatía y un legítimo interés en las necesidades del paciente.

Totally agree with this method. Patient are more sensitive while they are sick. So empathy are very important making people feel relaxed.