Let’s talk about effective patient-doctor communication.

Imagine walking out of a doctor's office with more questions than answers.

This was the experience shared by an acquaintance of mine last November.

They left a consultation without knowing their diagnosis, the treatment options available, or the associated benefits and risks.

Unfortunately, this is a common experience among users of the Ghanaian health system.

In this op-ed, I will explore the importance of patient-doctor communication, suggest ways Ghanaian health professionals can enhance this vital skill, and offer tips for Ghanaians to better advocate for themselves during medical visits.

Healthcare is fundamentally about human connection and trust.

While medical expertise is vital, it is the ability to convey complex information compassionately and understandably that truly makes a difference.

Patients are not passive recipients of care; they are active partners in their health journey.

Effective communication bridges this partnership, fostering trust and open dialogue.

Effective doctor-patient communication significantly enhances patient outcomes.

For instance, patients who perceive high-quality communication with their healthcare providers are 19% more likely to adhere to treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes and higher satisfaction levels.

Hospitals with higher patient satisfaction scores report 30% lower readmission rates and 20% fewer incidents of patient harm.

Additionally, effective communication has been linked to a 50% improvement in self-management of chronic diseases, a 40% reduction in patient anxiety, and a 25% increase in overall quality of life.

These statistics underscore the critical role that clear, empathetic, and consistent communication plays in fostering positive health outcomes and patient safety.

Doctors should start consultations by introducing everyone present, including themselves, the patient, and any accompanying individuals, specifying their relationship to the patient.

This simple step can help build trust and set a positive tone for the interaction.

In non-urgent situations, making small talk about non-medical topics like the weather or general pleasantries can further ease the patient into the conversation.

Instead of asking, "How are you feeling?" which might lead patients to focus on physical symptoms, doctors should use open-ended questions like, "How can I help you today?"

This approach encourages patients to share their concerns more freely and sets the stage for a more productive
consultation.

Allowing patients to speak without interruption is another crucial aspect of effective communication.

Research indicates that doctors often interrupt patients within the first 16 seconds of the consultation.

In Ghana, where patients may have multiple concerns, doctors need to practice patience and listen actively.

By allowing patients to express all their concerns, doctors can address issues more comprehensively and reduce the likelihood of late-arising concerns.

Asking, "Is there something else?" until the patient has no more concerns to share can ensure that all issues are covered without significantly extending the consultation time.

Prioritising patient concerns based on urgency and patient preferences is also vital.

Doctors should explore the primary concern with open-ended phrases like "Tell me more about..." followed by a pause to allow the patient to elaborate.

This method helps patients feel heard and respected, fostering a non-judgmental environment where they can share valuable diagnostic information.

During this time, doctors should avoid distractions such as reviewing medical records and instead focus on active listening.

Documentation and record reviews can be done after the patient has left, ensuring that the patient's narrative is fully captured during the consultation.

Understanding the patient's perspective is another key element of patient-centered care.

In Ghana, where cultural beliefs and practices significantly influence health perceptions, doctors should ask patients about their understanding of their illness.

This can provide additional diagnostic clues and help doctors tailor their recommendations to align with the patient's cultural context.

Exploring the patient's feelings about their illness is also important, as unexpressed emotions can hinder trust and confidence in medical care.

Doctors should avoid premature reassurance and instead validate the patient's feelings, which can help in building a stronger doctor-patient relationship.

When communicating a diagnosis, treatment options, and the associated benefits and risks, it is crucial for doctors to use the teach-back method to ensure patient understanding.

This involves explaining the information clearly and then asking the patient to repeat it in their own words.

For example, after discussing a treatment plan, a doctor might say, "Can you tell me what you understand about the treatment we just discussed?"

This technique helps confirm that the patient has accurately grasped the information, which is essential for informed consent.

In Ghana, where health information management is still fragmented, and patients often need to relay their health conditions and treatments to new providers, ensuring understanding through teach-back becomes even more critical.

This practice not only empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care but also enhances continuity of care across different healthcare settings.

Finally, expressing empathy is crucial in all medical interactions.

Ghanaian doctors can show empathy through verbal affirmations and non-verbal gestures, such as respectful silence or a comforting touch when culturally appropriate.

Recognising that their work involves emotional labor, doctors should strive
to convey genuine concern and interest, even when they are personally stressed.

This can be achieved through deep actions, where doctors fully engage with the patient's emotions, or surface actions, where they display empathy through facial expressions and body language.

By consistently practicing these communication skills, doctors in Ghana can improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes, creating a more effective and compassionate healthcare system.

Ultimately, communication in healthcare isn’t just about exchanging words—it’s about fostering understanding, trust, and a sense of partnership.

When patient and doctor truly connect, healthcare becomes more effective, more compassionate, and, quite frankly, more human.

Isn’t that the kind of care we all deserve?