NAME: Tammy Lin
OCCUPATION: Physician
Effective listening in medical contexts means give-
I like to think of listening to my patients as a process of discovery. Coming up with an accurate diagnosis and devising an effective treatment plan can be a puzzle. I have to search for as much information as possible about patients’ health—
Knowing how to listen is an essential skill that allows me to do my job. With every patient, I focus on giving my full attention, not interrupting, and remaining open to whatever the patient would like to tell me. Nonetheless, my patients also have an obligation to be engaged listeners and honest participants in their own health care. Clearly, it’s important that they listen in order to understand the options they have for treatment, and I encourage them to paraphrase the information I’ve shared. (When patients paraphrase in their own words, it shows that they comprehend what I’ve said. Asking them to repeat my exact words is not particularly helpful!) I also welcome and encourage questions, letting patients know that no question is too silly or simple. If I’m giving complex instructions (like information on taking a medication at a specific time of day), I either encourage patients to take notes or provide them with written materials they can bring home. Sometimes the process of writing down the information helps patients process and absorb it. Because patients may be distracted during their visit, they may not fully understand or remember what I tell them.
A particularly difficult listening challenge involves sharing and hearing bad news—
The next time you see your doctor, remember that it’s a mutually beneficial listening process. For a physician to arrive at an accurate diagnosis and come up with a successful treatment plan, the patient must be prepared to share all of the information related to his or her health situation (for example, current medications, recent life changes, and so on). Before your next visit, write down your questions and don’t be afraid to ask about anything you don’t understand. Be prepared to listen to your doctor, and help your doctor listen to you.