The issues of medical ethics and deontology are very important nowadays. Deontology is a branch of medical science about the relationship of medical personnel with each other and with patients.
Basic models of communication with the patient
There are several models of communication with patients: paternalistic, interpretive, deliberative and technological. The first of them can be called paternal. This means that the doctor, upon admission of the patient, thoroughly examines him and prescribes a course of therapy. The opinions of the medical professional and the patient may not coincide, but the doctor must convince him of the correctness of his decision.
This model assumes that the doctor is always right. In doing so, he acts as a father or guardian. This type of communication is not always relevant, since often the patient turns out to be more educated than the hospital employee.
The second type of communication is informational. With him, the doctor practically does not communicate with the patient, conducting diagnostic procedures, but the doctor is obliged to provide all the information about the disease and possible methods of its treatment. Thus, the patient himself assesses the situation and his condition, chooses the appropriate treatment. The doctor must do everything possible so that the patient makes the right decision, without imposing his own on him. The interpretation model is similar to it.
The deliberative model implies communication between the doctor and the patient on an equal footing. The healthcare professional acts as a friend and provides complete information about the disease and possible therapy methods.
How to communicate with a patient
Communication between a doctor and sick people can be conditionally divided into two types: therapeutic and non-therapeutic.
In the first case, the physician treats his patient kindly, is polite to him, provides him with full information, answers all his questions. The doctor is obliged to calm the person down, to reduce his fear. It is known that family and friends can create a good environment. The physician needs to act as if he is part of the sick person's family.
It is also of great importance that the person needs to be convinced that the disease is curable and everything will be fine. During the course of treatment, the healthcare professional must be careful.
Communication can be both verbal and non-verbal. In the event that verbal communication is impossible due to deafness or blindness of the patient, the doctor communicates with him in writing or through cards. Body contact (touch) is also of great importance.
Non-therapeutic communication does not imply all of the above, but, nevertheless, today it is not rare in practice. Such relationships can only aggravate the patient's condition, cause him stress and even depression.
