In the last article, we discussed 4 key attitudes conducive to Active Listening . In this article, we explore some techniques that will help us practice and inculcate this skill in our day-to-day practice. Let us begin with an example: ‘I am the Casualty Medical Officer (Emergency Room doctor), and a patient that has been involved in a fight is brought in. I examine the patient and find that there are a few superficial cuts and bruises on his face, and no other injury.
The patient insists that the hospital file a complaint with the police. I immediately tell the patient that as he does not have any major injury, he should go to the police station on his own and file the complaint there himself. I also add that doctors are busy professionals and our primary job is to look after patients and not file police complaints and reports. How do you think the patient and his relatives will…
