Communication is key in healthcare from "summary" of When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi
In medicine, the art of communication is often overlooked. It is easy to focus solely on the technical aspects of healthcare, forgetting that at the heart of it all is a human being - a patient with fears, hopes, and questions. In the midst of busy schedules and endless responsibilities, it can be tempting to rush through conversations, to deliver diagnoses and treatment plans without taking the time to truly connect with the person in front of you. But what Paul Kalanithi understood, as both a doctor and a patient, is that communication is not just a nicety - it is a necessity. It is the bridge that connects the expertise of the medical professional with the needs of the patient. Without effective communication, there is a risk of misunderstanding, confusion, and ultimately, harm. Patients need to feel heard, understood, and respected. They need to be active participants in their own care, empowered to make informed decisions about their health. This is especially true in t...
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