Communication skills in the pediatric consultation

Abstract

The communicative skills in the patient physician relationship influence the level of satisfaction of patients and family members, in the therapeutic adherence, in the clinical efficiency, in the decrease of the number of complementary exams and in the satisfaction of the professional. The objectives of this article are to present tools for a more profitable communication in the different circumstances that professionals, parents and patients go through, and develop resources to overcome the conflict, which can inevitably arise. In communication so important is what is said as the way to say it. You have to know how to control both verbal and non-verbal and adjust it to the specific use of each situation. We also highlight as fundamental skills in clinical practice: cordiality at the beginning of the interview, exploratory questions, active and empathetic listening, acceptance, courtesy, congruence, assertive communication, time management and avoidance of interruptions. Finally, we will talk about “difficult situations” that can be generated in any interpersonal relationship and the different techniques that can help us turn conflict into something constructive.