Communication in haematology

Abstract

The doctor-patient relationship is an extremely vital determinant in the process of diagnosis and treatment. [[!--[[Diff id="12"/]]--]]When two people meet,[[!--[[Diff id="13"/]]--]] it meets two worlds consisting of different genetic features, experiences, family conditions, interests, beliefs, emotions and such a difficult diagnosis. Myeloma, lymphoma, and leukemia brings about a hostile connotation. The hematologist-patient relationship is difficult and asymmetrical from the very beginning. With the advantage of knowledge and competence, which enable a doctor to apply not only the diagnosis but also treatment, a certain level of interference and even the patient's further functioning.

The communication seems to be easy. However, being able to understand another human being, evaluating and seeing things, the way they do is not that simple (empathy). Nevertheless, it is the basis of trust and agreement, without which there is no cooperation essential in the process of treatment and recovery. In recent years, it has been estimated that the level of credibility of words is 7%. The tone of voice is evaluated much higher (38%). It is worth mentioning that the tone of voice makes the most stable and the least controlled way of expression during our life. The highest credibility is assigned to the facial expression as well as the movements of our body (arrangement of our arms and limbs, torso and head). The way we look at each other has always played a major role in contacts with other people.

Difficult situations in communication with a patient can be resolved by Socratic questioning, among which there is the so Socrates’ test. It is known to be very useful and effective, when it comes to engaging the patient in the course of treatment. In the hardest situations, the analysis of life balance and value system is crucial, as well as searching for answers concerning the sense of life.

The greatest danger in a successful doctor-patient relationship lies in the lack of time caused by excessive bureaucracy development, which does not decrease due to the technological progress, small number of doctors, overwhelming procedures, in other words, a huge burden.

Good communication is supposed to meet one goal, that is, following the patients, accompanying them in this difficult or perhaps the most difficult time of their lifetime.