Module 2 – Unit 1: Project Work
Self-Assessment on Communicating with Patients
Think about your relationship with your patients now and/or in the past. Answer the questions below honestly. This will help you to understand your areas of strength and areas where you can improve. Use this self-assessment exercise in the future whenever you want to reflect on and improve your communication with patients.
| # | Question | Always | Some - times | Never |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Do you greet patients in a friendly way and introduce yourself? | |||
| 2. | Do you use small talk to make patients feel comfortable? | |||
| 3. | Do you apologize if patients had to wait a long time? | |||
| 4. | Do you explain to patients what you will do during the visit? | |||
| 5. | Do you listen carefully to patients? | |||
| 6. | Do you give the patient an opportunity to ask questions? | |||
| 7. | Do you give patients an opportunity to tell you what they know and believe about their health? | |||
| 8. | Do you explain your assessment to patients in a way that they can understand? | |||
| 9. | Do you tell patients about different options for treatment? | |||
| 10. | Do you encourage patients to be involved in the decisions about their treatment? | |||
| 11. | Do you share information about patients’ health problems with them? | |||
| 12. | Do you see patients as “partners” who can help you do your job better? |
Look at all the items you marked “Sometimes” and “Never.” What changes can you make in the way you communicate with your patients? How can you establish a helping relationship with them and help them to be more active in their health care?
Write your goals for the changes you want to make below.
| MY GOALS |
|---|
In order to have a good relationship with my patients, I will…
|