How to Decode Nonverbal Communication in a Medical Setting

There are few places where communication is more important than in a medical setting. Patients and clients are sometimes scared and unsure. They probably have important questions to ask and are extra sensitive to the vibe they get from the health care personnel. Nonverbal communication plays a large part in this type of interaction. A qualitative study on patient satisfaction reported in the "British Journal of General Practitioners," found that nonverbal communication, particularly the physician's tone of voice and eye contact, was very important to the patient. The health care professional also must be able to decode the nonverbal messages of patients.

Instructions

• 1

  Focus on the tone of voice when speaking to a patient. They consciously listen for any note of annoyance or impatience. The health care professional should listen to the patient's voice, noting any fear or hesitance. Use silence and active listening skills to allow the patient to further verbalize his concerns if he wants to do this.

• 2

  Concentrate on the proximity between the health care professional and client. Physicians often use physical items, such as desks and computers to distance themselves from a patient. People who are ill are vulnerable and may feel exposed. Their bodies are temporarily not their own as a physician examines them. The professionals should be conscious of this and take all steps to speak respectfully to the patient and protect her privacy and dignity.

• 3

  Interpret signs of distress and pain in the patient. Some people are reluctant to complain or "cause trouble." Health care professionals should interpret nonverbal signs of pain or distress, such as pallor, tightening of the lips, grimacing or flinching. People who work in mental health may observe signs of self-neglect in a client's appearance. This may indicate a deterioration in the person's mental state.

• 4

  Use relaxed body language as a health care professional, so the client does not feel that he has to hurry. Dress appropriately. Some patients, in the "British Journal of General Practitioners" study, reported that they found the physician's white coat a barrier. However, other people might find this reassuring.