Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development
Year : 2017, Volume : 8, Issue : 4
First page : ( 451) Last page : ( 457)
Print ISSN : 0976-0245. Online ISSN : 0976-5506.
Article DOI : 10.5958/0976-5506.2017.00384.9

A Survey of Doctors’ Awareness of the Role of Communication Skills in Developing a Caring Doctor-Patient Relationship

Deshpande P. Abhijit

Professor, Symbiosis School of Sports Science, Symbiosis International University, Pune, India

Online published on 29 December, 2017.

Abstract

Using a questionnaire and an interview schedule, a survey about the doctors’ awareness of the role of communication skills in developing a caring relationship was conducted with a sample of 75 Senior and Very Senior doctors. Questionnaires were circulated to all the 75 while additional in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 Very Senior doctors. A main question, followed by eight sub-questions, was posited and answers sought to validate the hypotheses formed. It was revealed that there existed general awareness about the positive role played by good communication in developing a caring relationship. However, there was scant understanding of the skills required to communication efficiently. Communication was largely associated with demagogy. Doctors were also not aware of the nature of communication studies as a serious discipline and its potential to provide a range of skills to communicate efficiently. Since there was little understanding of the skills involved, it was recommended that programmes of varying durations aimed both at medical students and practising doctors be developed. A list of sample topics that could form a curriculum for such programmes is suggested.

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Keywords

Communication skills, Competency modelling, Doctor-patient communication, Medical communication, Soft skills.

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