Understanding Interpersonal Skills in Psychology Practice
TITLE
Describe what psychologists have discovered about practitioner and patient interpersonal skills (nonš„verbal communications and verbal communications).
ESSAY
Title: The Importance of Practitioner and Patient Interpersonal Skills in Psychology
Introduction
In the field of psychology, interpersonal skills play a crucial role in the relationship between practitioners and patients. This essay explores the findings of various studies on practitioner and patient interpersonal skills, focusing on nonš„verbal communication, and verbal communication.
Nonš„Verbal Communication (McKinstry and Wang, 1991)
McKinstry and Wang (1991) conducted a study involving 475 patients attending 30 doctors in 5 general practices in Lothian, Scotland. Patients were presented with 8 photographs depicting different styles of male and female doctors and were asked to rate which doctor they would be happiest seeing for the first time. The study revealed that 28% of patients would be unhappy consulting informally dressed doctors, highlighting the importance of attire in patient perceptions. Additionally, 41% of patients expressed greater confidence in doctors based on their appearance, with the most preferred attire being a male doctor in a suit and tie and a female doctor in a white coat.
Verbal Communication (McKinlay, 1975)
McKinlay (1975) studied lowerš„class individuals and underš„users of maternity services in Aberdeen, Scotland, focusing on the words used by practitioners during interactions. The research indicated that individuals who used maternity services less frequently had a lower understanding of the words used by practitioners. Interestingly, the study found that women often had a better grasp of the terminology than anticipated by practitioners, emphasizing the importance of clear and accessible communication.
Verbal Communication (Ley, 1988)
Ley (1988) investigated the frequency of patients forgetting practitioner advice and identified several factors influencing information retention. These factors included the order, amount, nature, and perceived importance of information, as well as patient characteristics such as age, anxiety level, and medical knowledge. Ley suggested that practitioners should employ simple language, present key information first, provide concrete and specific advice categorized by diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and repeat key points while summarizing information at the end of the consultation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, psychologists have made significant discoveries regarding practitioner and patient interpersonal skills, particularly in nonš„verbal and verbal communication. Understanding the impact of attire on patient perceptions, the importance of clear and accessible language in communications, and strategies to enhance information retention can improve the quality of interactions between practitioners and patients, ultimately leading to more effective healthcare outcomes.
Mark according to the levels of response descriptors in Table A.
SUBJECT
PSYCHOLOGY
LEVEL
A level and AS level
NOTES
Psychologists have made several key discoveries regarding practitioner and patient interpersonal skills, specifically focusing on nonš„verbal and verbal communications. These findings are as follows:
Nonš„verbal communication (McKinstry and Wang, 1991):
A study involving 475 patients attending 30 doctors in 5 general practices in Lothian, Scotland was conducted. Patients were presented with 8 photographs depicting individuals dressed in various styles. They were then asked to indicate which doctor they would prefer to see for the first time based on a rating scale of 0š„5. Additionally, patients were questioned about their confidence in the abilities of the doctors in the photos, expressed unhappiness about consulting any of them, identified the photo most resembling their own doctor, and answered closed questions about doctors' attire and specific clothing items. Results showed that 28% of patients would be dissatisfied consulting with doctors shown, particularly those in casual attire. The majority emphasized the importance of how a doctor dresses. Furthermore, 41% indicated they would have greater confidence in a doctor based on their appearance, with the most preferred being a male doctor in a suit and tie and a female doctor in a white coat.
Verbal Communication ā McKinlay (1975):
In Aberdeen, Scotland, lowerš„class individuals who underš„utilized maternity services were interviewed to assess the words used by practitioners. These individuals were independently scored, revealing that those who infrequently used maternity services had the lowest understanding level, particularly for certain words. Interestingly, the women often demonstrated a better comprehension of words than anticipated by the practitioners.
Verbal Communication ā Ley (1988):
Research by Ley focused on patients' tendency to forget practitioner advice, with factors such as the order, amount, nature, and perceived importance of information, along with patient characteristics like age, anxiety, and medical knowledge influencing this. Ley suggested that practitioners should employ simple language, present key information first, offer specific and concrete advice categorized by diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, etc., and repeat essential points, summarizing information at the end of the consultation.
These studies provide valuable insights into the significance of both nonš„verbal and verbal communications in the practitionerš„patient relationship, emphasizing the importance of effective communication strategies for optimal patient care.