Beyond Bedside Manner: Positive Communication in Perioperative Medicine

Positive communication in perioperative medicine improves patient satisfaction, outcomes, and psychological safety. Grounded in the biopsychosocial model, it promotes shared decision-making and trust among patients and clinicians. It helps reduce anxiety and pain, but challenges remain. These include differing perceptions of "positive" communication, the stress of acute care, and limited research due to inconsistent methodologies and outcomes. Clinician well-being is crucial for sustaining positive interactions. Advancing the field requires evidence-based strategies and interdisciplinary collaboration to ensure effective, consistent communication in high-pressure settings and to bridge the gap between research and real-world clinical practice.