'Bad manners'-refocusing on 'bedside manner' as a core professional behaviour for doctors

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Management
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Healthcare systems face global pressures impacting care delivery.
• Individual healthcare professional behaviors significantly influence patient experience.
• Deterioration in bedside manner is linked to workload, burnout, and efficiency-focused cultures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize literature on doctor-patient communication.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for improving patient and carer experiences.
• To emphasize the importance of bedside manner in evolving medical practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature synthesis on doctor-patient communication.
• Identification of core professional behaviors impacting patient experience.
• Development of practical recommendations for healthcare professionals.

Main Results:

• Three core professional behaviors are identified to positively impact patient experiences.
• Adhering to social norms and courteous behavior enhances patient trust and confidence.
• Effective communication skills are fundamental to medical training and practice.

Conclusions:

• Bedside manner remains critical despite systemic challenges and technological advancements.
• Training in patient interactions and behavioral coaching are essential for medical education.
• Rebuilding trust requires prioritizing patient-centered care and respectful communication.