Submission by: Nicole Hamburger, OMS III
Image accessed from: https://www.clipartkey.com/view/ihJxwx_14-cliparts-for-free-speak-and-listen/
A research study found that “patients spoke, uninterrupted, an average of 12 seconds after the resident entered the room.
One fourth of the time, residents interrupted patients before they finished speaking.
Residents averaged interrupting patients twice during a visit.”
–Rhoades DR, McFarland KF, Finch WH, Johnson AO. Speaking and interruptions during primary care office visits. Fam Med. 2001;33(7):528-532.
As a medical student on my second month of clinical rotations, I’ve found that it is crucial for healthcare professionals to take the time to truly listen to their patients. The patients know themselves best and when we take the time listen to their stories, it is our best chance at really making a difference in their lives. I found a quote from Rachel Remen, the Healer’s Art curriculum creator, that aligns with this.
Rachel Remen writes,
“the most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen.
Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention…a loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words”.
Daily Dose of Humanities 