How can you use reflective listening to better communicate with physicians?

2 Why is reflective listening important for working with physicians?

Reflective listening can help you improve your communication with physicians for several reasons. First, it can help you avoid misunderstandings or misinterpretations that can lead to errors, conflicts, or frustration. By paraphrasing what the physician says, you can check your understanding and correct any gaps or inaccuracies. Second, it can help you build trust and rapport with the physician, as it shows that you are listening attentively and respectfully, and that you value their input and feedback. Third, it can help you enhance your collaboration and problem-solving with the physician, as it allows you to explore their perspectives, assumptions, and goals, and to identify areas of agreement or disagreement. Fourth, it can help you improve your patient care, as it enables you to understand the physician's diagnosis, treatment plan, and expectations, and to communicate them effectively to the patient and their family.

3 How to use reflective listening with physicians?

Using reflective listening with physicians can be challenging, but it is an important skill to have. To help you use reflective listening effectively, here are some tips: Listen actively and attentively by paying attention to what the physician says, their tone, body language, and emotions. Avoid distractions or judgments and show that you are listening through nodding, making eye contact, and using verbal cues. Paraphrase what the physician says by using your own words to summarize or restate what they said without adding your own opinions or interpretations. Ask open-ended questions to clarify or expand on the conversation; these should start with who, what, where, when, why, or how. Lastly, validate what the physician says by expressing appreciation or acknowledgment for what they shared. This can help you build rapport and empathy.

4 What are the benefits of reflective listening with physicians?

Using reflective listening with physicians can have many benefits for your communication, collaboration, and patient care. For instance, it can help you gain a better understanding of the physician's message and reduce errors or confusion. Additionally, it can foster trust and rapport between you and the physician, thus leading to a positive and respectful relationship. Reflective listening can also enable more effective collaboration and problem-solving with the physician, so that the needs and goals of both parties are met. Furthermore, it can improve patient care and increase your satisfaction and confidence as a healthcare professional.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?