Clinical Communication Guiding & Supporting Those With Persistent Pain with Dr Mark Kargela
Jul 20, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Mark Kargela, a Specialist Physical Therapist and host of the Modern Pain Podcast, shares insights on managing persistent pain. He talks about the evolution of communication in healthcare, emphasizing collaborative approaches. Guided discovery and open questions are highlighted as key techniques for enhancing patient engagement. Dr. Kargela also delves into managing diagnostic uncertainty and fostering optimism in patients, advocating for a holistic and personalized approach to care.
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Ben's Early Communication Journey
- Ben Whybrow recalls university training focused on structured biomedical questioning without communication skills or difficult conversation training.
- Reading Louis Gifford's accessible pain books and advice from family opened his eyes to a biopsychosocial approach and better patient rapport.
Power of Guided Discovery
- Guided discovery involves asking open, Socratic questions that encourage patients to explore and reevaluate their pain perceptions.
- This collaborative stance helps patients lead their own understanding rather than receiving prescriptive expert explanations.
Ask About Mental Health & Feelings
- Routinely ask about mental health as part of medical history to understand psychological factors in pain.
- Use open questions about feelings and the personal impact of diagnoses to deepen patient insight and guide explanation.
