The art of listening

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Even more ways to listen

Ask questions the right way. Use open questions to retrieve important information from the patient. Allow them the space to take a conversation where they want to. Too many closed questions will hamper communication and could mean you miss a vital piece of information
Objects. Be conscious of not creating additional barriers to good communication. Sit where there are no objects between you. Come out from behind a desk to sit directly across from the patient in the consultation room
Emotion. Show emotion that correlates to the emotion and attitude of the patient speaking to you. If a patient is distressed, a happy face is not appropriate
Mindful practice. Your ability to observe not only the patient, but also your own performance is critical. Take time to reflect on how a consultation went and how you exercised your listening skills to enhance the outcome
Respond appropriately. Empathic and conscious listening incorporates respect and understanding as you retrieve information and build a perspective. By all means be honest, but assert any opinions respectfully
Paraphrase. Paraphrasing allows you to summarise in your own words what you have heard the patient say. This is an excellent technique to improve listening and problem-solving skills. It reinforces that the message was correctly received and encourages the patient to expand if they have further information to add or want to correct you if they think you have misunderstood.

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