Shut Up and Listen: A Guide to Clinical Communication Skills

An invaluable, concise guide to clinical communication skills, for students and practitioners of all health professions, including doctors, nurses, midwives, health visitors, vets, etc. Useful as a revision aid for the medical student. Develops a range of generic skills transferable across disciplines.

Summary: The title Shut up and Listen refers to the two most important skills in clinical communication: the ability to allow the patient to speak without interruption; and the ability to truly hear what the patient is trying to tell you. This concise 12 chapter guide gets to the heart of clinical communication skills with first class practical advice on essential topics such as Breaking Bad News, Dealing with Aggressive and Violent Patients, Discussing Sensitive Issues and Helping Patients with Difficult Decisions. Well illustrated throughout with witty cartoons.

Contents: Before the consultation; First impressions; Gathering information; Giving information; Helping patients with difficult decisions; Breaking bad news; Discussing sensitive issues; Helping patients to give up (smoking, drinking, eating, drugs); Dealing with aggressive and violent patients; Consulting through interpreters; Exams; Further reading