Essential Human Communication Skills in OmpathStudy

UNIVERSITY EXAMINATION 2021/2022 SCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY (REGULAR) UNIT CODE: BBS2201 UNIT TITLE: HUMAN COMMUNICATION SKILLS DATE: TIME: 2:00 PM DURATION: 2 Hours MAIN EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS: Answer Question ONE (1) and any other TWO (2) questions. (4 Marks – 1 mark each) Information gathering: Enables the clinician to collect accurate patient history and symptoms for diagnosis. Building rapport: Helps develop trust and a therapeutic relationship with the patient. Patient education: Allows the doctor to explain diagnoses, procedures, and treatments clearly. Decision-making support: Facilitates shared decision-making by involving the patient in their care. (4 Marks) Attachment Theory, originally developed by John Bowlby, postulates that early relationships with caregivers form the basis for how individuals relate to others throughout life. In the context of medical communication: Patients may unconsciously project attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant) in interactions with healthcare providers. A secure attachment style fosters trust and openness, improving communication. Understanding attachment behaviors helps clinicians tailor their approach to promote comfort, reduce anxiety, and enhance cooperation. Recognizing these dynamics improves empathy and promotes patient-centered care. (3 Marks – 1 mark each) Active listening: Fully concentrating, understanding, and responding to the patient without interrupting. Use of plain language: Avoiding medical jargon to ensure patient understanding. Non-verbal communication: Maintaining eye contact, appropriate facial expressions, and body language to convey empathy and attentiveness. (3 Marks – 1 mark each) Voluntariness: Consent must be given freely without coercion or undue influence. Disclosure: The patient must receive all relevant information about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives. Capacity: The patient must have the mental capacity to understand the information and make a decision. (3 Marks – 1 mark each) Psychological state: Anxiety, depression, or fear can amplify pain perception. Previous pain experiences: Past experiences influence current pain tolerance and response. Cultural and social factors: Cultural beliefs and support systems shape how pain is expressed and managed. (4 Marks – 1 mark each) Procedure-specific risks: Potential complications directly related to the procedure (e.g., infection, bleeding). Anesthetic risks: Possibility of adverse reactions to anesthesia, including allergic responses. Failure or limitations of treatment: Risk that the treatment may not achieve the desired outcome. Alternative options: Risks associated with choosing or declining alternative treatments, including no treatment. (10 Marks – 2 marks each) Paternalistic Communication Doctor makes decisions with minimal patient input. Emphasizes doctor authority; patient is passive. Shared Decision-Making Doctor and patient collaborate in making decisions. Respects patient autonomy; builds trust. Doctor-Centered Communication Focuses on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment only. Often closed-ended questions; less psychosocial focus. Patient-Centered Communication Encourages patients to express concerns and values. Uses open-ended questions and active listening. Informative Communication Doctor provides detailed medical information; patient decides. Suitable for informed patients wanting autonomy. (10 Marks – 2 marks each) Improved Diagnosis Clear history-taking leads to accurate assessment. Increased Treatment Adherence Patients are more likely to follow instructions when they understand and trust the doctor. Better Patient Satisfaction Empathy and listening make patients feel respected and cared for. Reduced Medical Errors Clear communication minimizes misunderstandings and mistakes. Enhanced Doctor–Patient Relationship Builds trust, encourages openness, and long-term care continuity. (20 Marks – 5 points, 4 marks each) Respects Patient Autonomy Upholds the patient’s right to make informed decisions about their body and care. Reinforces ethical and human rights principles in clinical practice. Builds Trust and Transparency Demonstrates honesty and professionalism, enhancing doctor–patient relationships. Encourages open dialogue, making patients more comfortable and cooperative. Reduces Legal Risks Protects the healthcare provider against accusations of assault, battery, or negligence. Legally required for all non-emergency procedures. Improves Treatment Compliance Informed patients are more likely to adhere to agreed plans, as they understand purpose and risks. Reduces dropout and dissatisfaction rates. Enhances Patient Satisfaction and Safety Patients feel respected and valued, leading to a more positive healthcare experience. Encourages reporting of side effects and asking questions, thus improving outcomes. (10 Marks – 6 points, ~1.67 marks each) Patient Expectations Believing a treat