Effective communication is the cornerstoneudof the doctor/patient relationship.udThe British Medical Association, in its discussion paper onudcommunication skills education for doctorsud, highlighted fourudkey benefits of effective communication:ud• improve the doctor-patient relationship by helping theuddoctor seek the relevant information and recognise theudproblems of the patientud• help the patient to understand and comply with treatmentudinstructions, thereby improving patient satisfactionud• improve patient health - better communication and dialogueudbetween doctor and patient has a beneficial effect in termsudof promoting better emotional health, resolution ofudsymptoms and pain controlud• improve the overall quality of care by ensuring that patients’udviews and wishes are taken into account.udHowever, in the blame and claim world in which we live itudis also essential to help prevent litigation.
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