I would like to share some fundamental points on an important subject ” Communication with the patient”. there is no separate subject in the course about communication. some of it’s point are considered while teaching the process of case taking.
Case taking in homoeopathy is a multi-dimensional complex process. which demands the full exploration of a human being in it’s totality. It is not merely a gathering of some symptoms here and there through a certain frame of questions.
Firstly, Getting answer was my target & I was behind it all through the interview just like a bowler in the game of cricket who is always behind getting wicket. I lost the essence of the case many a times in this game of hitting the target. by that way I met with numerous failure.
So many questions arouses in my mind like,
– Is there anything wrong my technique of case taking ?
– Am I not able to find the correct similimum ?
– What are the reason behind all such such failure ?
Communication is not a momentary event; in fact, it is momentary intensification of a continuing communicative process that stats even occurred. communication is not merely the transmission of meaning from one person to another through symbols.
It involves the pathway :
Source > Sender > Send > Received > Receiver > Result.
The success of communication is measured not only in term of the term of the effective transmission of the message but also the achievement of the intended result.
The physician shouldn’t feel relaxed only on sending the message; he must also concentrate on what is the net result of the communication. This net result is the feedback which every patient gives to a physician.
“A homoeopathic physician must not be a good listener.” yes, yes, yes, we read & listen this sentence many a times in whole journey of bachelor.
Listening is an active pursuit and an eloquent silence. nothing facilitates human transaction better than listening does. listening may be termed as the “Life blood” of relationship, but just not speaking and sitting quietly doesn’t mean listening.
According to Rogers & Farson, “Active listening is an important way to bring about changes in people. Despite the popular notion that listening is a passive approach, clinical evidence and research clearly shows that sensitive listening is the most effective agent for the change of individual personality and group development.
Learning to listening is more difficult art than learning to ask questions stitching to a line of questions deprives the physician of looking for an evasive answer or an important clue which the patient drops.
=> Skills for active listening
Active listening requires a lot of concentration.
To master the art of listening, the following skills will help a homoepathic physician:
1) Look at the person; be patient.
2) Listen openly and with empathy to other person.
3) Stay in an active body postures to pay attention to listening.
4) First and foremost, don’t interrupt the patient.
5) Avoid distracing actions and gestures
6) Exhibit affirmative head nods and appropriate facial expression.
7) Ask questions. they show attention and interest.
8) Paraphase
9) Make smooth transitions.
10) Avoid over talking
11) Attend body language, not just words, pay attention to both emotional and cognitive message.
12) Maintain the self-confidence and self-esteem of other person.
13) Use examples during conversations.
14) Avoid making pre-adjustment.
15) Repeat Back.
16) Try not to defensive.
17) Be alert to language manipulation
18) Keep your mouth close but mind open.
19) Use all senses
20) Ask the other for his view or suggestions for cross-verification.
I hope my short effort on case taking will become little bit helpful to you guys.
Thank you team RHMC & Faculties who provide such a great opportunity for experiencing the clinical knowledge and clear the mind about case taking.
Thank you all.
