471- For Clinicians: Improving Communication & Removing Treatment Barriers for Patients with Depression, Trauma
Sep 18, 2023
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Dr. Lawrence Amsel, a primary care provider and mental health clinician, discusses the challenges of treating patients with depression and trauma. The podcast covers communication barriers, improving empathy and understanding, techniques for effective communication, and strategies for working with clinicians. It emphasizes the importance of empathy without taking on others' pain and the significance of supporting patients who have experienced trauma.
Effective communication and building trust are crucial for treating patients with depression and trauma.
Active listening and the LEAP model can enhance patient-provider communication and shared decision-making.
Healthcare providers, including paramedics, can use empathetic communication techniques to engage patients and achieve better outcomes.
Deep dives
Improved Communication for Patients with Depression and Trauma
The podcast episode discusses common treatment barriers for patients with depression and trauma. The speaker emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills in helping these patients open up and receive appropriate treatment. He highlights the communication challenges faced by individuals with depression, trauma, and ADHD, including trust issues and difficulties in understanding medical information. The speaker suggests using open-ended questions and active listening as key techniques to improve communication and build trust with patients. He emphasizes the need for clinicians to focus on the patient's needs and perspectives rather than immediately jumping to treatment plans. By using these strategies, providers can create a safe and empathetic environment, resulting in better engagement and outcomes for patients with depression and trauma.
The Role of Active Listening in Patient Care
The podcast episode introduces the concept of active listening and its relevance in patient care. The speaker explains that active listening involves focusing on the patient's needs, understanding their perspective, and providing empathetic responses. He emphasizes the importance of being fully present during conversations without interruptions or distractions. The speaker introduces the LEAP model, which stands for Listen, Empathize, Educate, and Exchange. He encourages providers to actively listen to patients, restate their concerns in their own words, and inquire about their experiences. Through active listening, providers can gain a better understanding of the patient's needs, build trust, and enhance shared decision-making.
Addressing Communication Challenges with Patients in Paramedic Care
The podcast episode addresses how healthcare providers, specifically first responders in paramedic care, can effectively communicate with patients in need. The speaker recommends using the LEAP model, which involves listening to the patient's perspective, empathizing with their experiences, educating them about their condition, and engaging in a meaningful exchange. By actively listening and understanding the patient's viewpoint, providers can build trust and achieve shared decision-making. The speaker acknowledges the challenging nature of the job but encourages responders to take the time to understand the patient's needs and concerns. In situations where immediate medical intervention is required, providers can still communicate empathetically to ease anxiety and engage the patient as a partner in their care.
Active Listening and Verbal Responses
Active listening involves reflecting, normalizing, self-disclosure, highlighting, amplifying, and partnering. Reflecting is mirroring the client's concerns, while normalizing acknowledges the normalcy of their experiences. Self-disclosure allows sharing personal experiences, while highlighting and amplifying express admiration for their thoughts or feelings. Partnering emphasizes collaboration. Non-verbal communication, such as tone, eye contact, facial expression, and posture, also plays a crucial role in conveying empathy.
Exchange, Engage, and Negotiate
Exchange involves sharing information and asking for their ideas. Engage, educate, and encourage them to take the next steps towards their goals. Understanding basic human needs, like feeling loved, important, and belonging to a community, helps guide the exchange. Negotiating involves finding agreement and compromising, recognizing the patient's beliefs and limitations. Finally, laying out a plan together reinforces partnership and buy-in.
Lawrence Amsel, M.D., explains the unique challenges primary care providers and mental health clinicians face when engaging and treating patients with depression, and how to build trust and improve communication and outcomes.
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