Good communication in psychiatry--a conceptual review

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Clinical Communication
• Healthcare Professional Training

Background:

• Clinician-patient communication is fundamental to psychiatric treatment.
• Limited practical training and theoretical frameworks exist for effective psychiatric communication.
• This review identifies principles for optimal clinician-patient dialogue in psychiatry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and define guiding principles for effective clinician-patient communication in psychiatric settings.
• To establish a theoretical basis for good communication practices in psychiatry.
• To inform training and clinical practice for improved patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A conceptual review methodology was employed.
• Analysis focused on identifying principles for achieving clinical objectives through communication.
• The review synthesized existing knowledge on communication in psychiatry.

Main Results:

• Five core principles for clinician communication were identified:
• 1. Patient-centered focus on concerns.
• 2. Positive regard and personal respect.
• 3. Shared decision-making.
• 4. Genuineness and personal connection.
• 5. Application of a psychological treatment model.

Conclusions:

• Identified principles, while broadly applicable, present unique implementation challenges in psychiatry.
• These principles can guide future empirical research into psychiatric communication.
• Clinicians can adapt and utilize these principles based on their individual skills.