Improving the Doctor/Patient Relationship in Medicine

By John M Grohol PsyD
September 14, 2008

Too often the benefits of “emotional intelligence” are hyped with very little real-world benefits. But emotional intelligence — the abilities to perceive, use, understand and manage emotions — is a core component of being human.

A commentary article in the most recent issue of the Journal of the American Medication Association argues that medical students and doctors-in-training could greatly benefit by more formal programs in emotional intelligence.

How would this help patients?

Physicians who communicate well with their patients and listen more carefully to their complaints score higher in doctor satisfaction scores, have fewer complaints filed against them, and may even help their patients’ health outcomes. Good doctor interpersonal and communication skills, the authors argue, are integral to helping patients get better.

We can’t argue that many doctors’ bedside manners are in the toilet. And if it help improves patient outcomes, maybe physicians could indeed learn a thing or two from their mental health brethren. Of course, doctor’s poor bedside manner (especially amongst certain specialties, such as surgeons) starts in medical school. So, as the authors argue, the place to teach emotional intelligence is also in medical school, making it a part of the core curriculum of doctors.

We think such skills should be taught, but you don’t have to focus on the term “emotional intelligence” as much as simply teaching good bedside manners, via pro-social interpersonal and communication skills.

Reference:

Grewal, D. & Davidson, H. (2008). Emotional Intelligence and Graduate Medical Education. JAMA, 300(10), 1200-1202.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues, and the intersection of technology and psychology since 1992.