• Magazine
    • Past Issues
    • Subscribe
    • Change Mailing Address
    • Surveys
    • Guidelines for Authors
    • Editorial Calendar
    • Editorial Deadlines
    • Dynamic Chiropractic
      • Newspaper
      • Subscription
    • The American Chiropractor
      • Magazine
  • Practice
    • Business Tips
    • Chiropractic Schools
    • Clinical & Technique
    • eBooks
    • eCourses
    • Sponsored Content
    • Infographics
    • Quizzes
    • Wellness & Nutrition
    • Personal Growth
    • Podcast
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19)
  • Resource Centers
  • Products & Services
    • Buyers Guide
    • Products Directory
    • Submit a Product
    • Vendor Login
  • Datebook
    • Become an Events Poster
    • Post an Event
    • View Events
  • Jobs
    • Jobs
    • Post a Job
  • Advertise
    • Advertising Information
    • Media Kit
    • Contact Us

Your Online Chiropractic Community

Chiropractic Economics Your Online Chiropractic Community
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Current Issue
  • News
  • Webinars
  • Chiropractic Research
  • Students

Mastering the fundamentals of patient communication

Student DC March 19, 2019

communication

A frequent question from students attending seminars and meetings is, “What can I do now to prepare myself to become the successful chiropractor I want to become?” The first step to developing these abilities is to try and practice a fundamental set of skills. Some of these skills such as patient examination and adjusting skills we are required to learn and practice. However, we sometimes get so busy we forget doctor/patient communication skills. It isn’t what you say; it’s how you say it or how what you say is perceived.

One example of how doctors and patients may communicate is through a report of findings. Just like adjusting or doing a patient examination, communicating the results of an evaluation is a fundamental skill. You might ask, “How do I develop the skill set I need to do communicate after an evaluation?” The answer is to practice. Pair up in groups or with a friend and role play. This will build your confidence and help you find a format that fits you. Before we begin will you agree to practice? Yes! Great! Let’s start.

Proficiency in presenting the results of an evaluation is important. This proficiency will help build a good doctor/patient relationship, establish you as the expert and show the patient that you care. A patient doesn’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

There are basic 4 questions, post-evaluation, which need to be answered:
1. What is wrong with me?
2. Can you help me?
3. How long will it take?
4. How much is it going to cost?

Regardless of the system you choose – a patient take-home folder system or a basic pre-planned outline – make sure you address those 4 basic questions.

There are a few things to consider in preparing the results for your patient:
1. Try to limit yourself to a 10-15 minute timeframe.
2. Keep it simple and to the point.
3. Use an outline or a system which will keep you focused.
4. Use terms a patient will understand.
5. Do not be overly technical.
6. Be sure the patient knows what to expect from you.
7. Be sure the patient understands what you expect from them.
8. Allow the session to be an enjoyable experience for you and the patient.

Fitting these elements together is the key and finding this fit is the fun part. Role play until you find what works for you. Practice with friends who are not in chiropractic school. Practice with your new student-patients. When you go home for break, practice with your parents or siblings. With so many scripts available to use and practice, your college library is a good resource to find information which will help guide you through the procedure. Try different types and see what works for you. Have your peers critique you. The idea is to practice to become proficient. When you are in the outpatient clinic, you should have a good grasp on presenting a report of findings and with just a little refinement, an easy transition to your practice after graduation. This is part of mastering the fundamentals. Stay focused, and practice, practice, practice!

Related Posts

  • Cash-based vs. insurance-based practice for chiropractors: Make the right choiceCash-based vs. insurance-based practice for chiropractors: Make the right choice
  • Direct Marketing: Advice you can use
  • Sherman College presents Miguel Hastings with honorary doctor of chiropractic humanities degreeSherman College presents Miguel Hastings with honorary doctor of chiropractic humanities degree
  • Where do you go to find patients?Where do you go to find patients?
  • F4CP Releases White Paper Detailing How Chiropractic Care Enhances the Patient ExperienceF4CP Releases White Paper Detailing How Chiropractic Care Enhances the Patient Experience

Filed Under: Career Development, Student DC

Current Issue

CE issue 18 cover

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • X (Twitter)
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube logoYouTube logoYouTube

Compare Subscriptions

Dynamic Chiropractic

The American Chiropractor

8430 Enterprise Circle, Suite 200

Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202

Phone 904-285-6020

CONTACT US »

Privacy Policy & Terms of Service

Copyright © 2023, All Rights Reserved

SUBSCRIBE TO THE MAGAZINE

Get Chiropractic Economics magazine
delivered to your home or office. Just
fill out our form to request your FREE
subscription for 20 issues a year,
including two annual Buyers Guides.

SUBSCRIBE NOW »

Latest Chiropractic News

  • Australia refines guidelines on pediatric chiropractic care
  • National practice expenses survey will include DCs
  • SCUHS announces 2023 Commencement speaker, Tracy Gaudet