Preview Adv Pat Comms (PREVIEW) Adv Patient Communication Skills Book Fe | Page 8

Chapter 1: Introduction
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“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken
place.” George Bernard Shaw
“The two words 'information' and 'communication' are often used interchangeably,
but they signify quite different things. Information is giving out; communication is
getting through.” Sydney J Harris
As a doctor, your ability to interact effectively with others – to ensure that all concerned
hear what needs to be heard whilst you demonstrate respect, compassion and
commitment to care - has a powerful impact upon your patients, carers and colleagues.
This is explicitly recognised within the third and fourth domains of Good Medical Practice.
A proactive approach to reviewing and enhancing your patient communication skills must
therefore be treated as equally important as any other clinical skill.
This book has been written to support you in your efforts to achieve and sustain
improvements. The fact that you are reading this page suggests that this is an area of
interest for you. We will introduce theories which we will bring to life through examples
and short exercises, helping you to crystallise your personal thoughts and experiences,
before outlining methods which you can employ to communicate more effectively.
Feel free to choose whether you prefer to read the book from cover to cover in the order
it is written, or alternatively to dip into each chapter either now, or as a resource for the
future.
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