Establishing good rapport in anesthesiarelated doctor-patient communication: bridging the triangular communication between anesthesiologist-surgeon-patient

As we know doctor-patient communication is central in clinical practice. Communication skill has been an essential component of clinical competence to become a five-star doctor. In the other hand, there are major problems in doctor-patient communication that would lead to medical disputes even malpractice suspicions. With effective communication, a definitive theory would turn into high-quality medical practice and improve patient safety and satisfaction to a whole new level. Based on the Calgary-Cambridge observation guide, there is five point plan of tasks that embrace doctor and patient in daily interviews starting from initiating the session, gathering information, building the relationship, explanation, and planning, and closing. Those tasks would have been easily introduced when you are dealing with a good healthy patient. But in anesthesia-related, wide range of patients are met in different settings and conditions.1 Anesthesiology is a highly skilled and professional specialist. Tensions and workloads are the usual burdens for doctors who are trained and occupied in anesthesiology. Because of their habitual response to stress and aggressive terms, communications seems to be small and unnecessary obstacle in order to get the patient treated.1-2 It is common and undeniable that there is an internalized value in every anesthesiologist that still hold strong principles as the `second in command` in every situation, behind surgeon in operating theater, and behind leading physician in the intensive care or in pain management. Shared responsibilities between several parties could be minimized unfortunately with minimal contact and communication. These things are commonly seen among anesthesiologists in many countries. Besides, communication skill lecture for doctors are not widely implemented, not even among anesthesiologists or residency in their training.1-3 Communication skill has to be learned in all level of medical personnel. It is not a gift nor a rare talent but something that could be attained and practiced every day to get higher understanding and proficiency. How to make a good impression and spread sincerity in the doctor-patient contract is something that needs to be achieved to get better improvement and involvement. Professional workers in major companies and cities are constantly trying to impress their supervisors through walk-in interviews and presentations. Lots of books and literature are made to comprehend advice, ways, and many things to impress others. Communications have to work both ways and as physician especially anesthesiologist working with difficult patients in order to establish good rapport with patients or families, we also need to learn and work on our ways to communicate with them.1-2,4-9 There are several things to do to establish good rapport in doctor-patient communication especially in anesthesia-related problems.