Teaching doctor-patient communication: A proposal in practice

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2008

Authors

IP Carvalho (Author) FMUP; RR Silva (Author) FMUP; VG Pais (Author) FMUP; M Figueiredo (Author) FMUP; I Castro-Vale (Author) FMUP; A Teles (Author) FMUP; S Almeida (Author) FMUP; R Mota Cardoso (Author) FMUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: Each - European Association for Communication in Healthcare

International Conference Communication in Healthcare

Oslo, Setembro de 2008

Other information

Abstract (EN): Traditionally, doctor-patient communication was considered a matter of “art” and “vocation”, and a topic for informal learning. Recently, studies have shown the importance of communication skills in medical practice. The doctor-patient relationship is built upon a set of characteristics of both participants that require the use of skills which can be learnt and taught. Knowing how to listen, how to observe, how to communicate, how to inform, how to identify emotions, how to act, and how to deal with specific communication challenges are basic skills that are crucial in effective medical practice. Doctor-patient communication skills are today considered an important component of medical education, although it is often a subject difficult to integrate in medical curricula. In the current work, the authors describe the program of Communication in the Doctor-Patient Relationship, initiated in 2001 in the Medical School of the University of Porto, part of its undergraduate program. In this course, students first learn communication skills through theoretical presentations and role-playing practice. After mastering these skills, students use them in real situations, through interviews with real patients. Both role-playing and interviews with real patients are subject to class discussion and evaluation.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific