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Communication skills for the anaesthetist
Author(s) -
Cyna A. M.,
Andrew M. I.,
Tan S. G. M.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2009.05887.x
Subject(s) - subconscious , medicine , active listening , relevance (law) , communication skills , medical education , psychology , alternative medicine , psychotherapist , pathology , political science , law
Summary Anaesthetists have traditionally focused on technological and pharmacological advances when considering the provision of anaesthetic care. Anaesthetists are expected to be able to communicate effectively with peers, patients, their families and others in the medical community; however, few details are provided regarding how this might be achieved. Recent evidence suggests that communication practices should include a consideration of conscious and subconscious processes and responses. This model has potential relevance when learning and teaching how to communicate effectively in the stressful environment of anaesthetic clinical practice, and includes: reflective listening; observing; acceptance; utilisation; and suggestion. Understanding these processes could allow the development of a learnable framework for effective communication when the usual strategies are not working. This concept could also be used to facilitate communicating with surgeons and other colleagues, with potential benefits to patients.