USMLE Step 2 CS - Tips for better communication with patients.

• Establish and maintain eye contact with the patient
• Talk slowly and clearly
• Use short sentences
• Refer to the patient by last name “Mr. Smith”.
• Don’t call patients by their first name, unless asked to do so.
• Talk with a pleasant face. Don’t take a history with a frown on your face.
• Deliver your sentences in a polite and soft manner.
• Don’t use a rough or annoyed tone in your conversation.
• Listen without interrupting or cutting off patients
• Show interest in what the patient is saying, with nonverbal body language, such as nodding or leaning forward while seated.
• Reassure patients about concerns, but don’t promise any miracle cures.