Is communication a skill? Communication behaviors and being in relation.

Full Abstract

Patient-physician communication has been conceptualized as both a skill and as a way of mindful "being in relation" to the other. Summarizing research and theoretical analyses, the two approaches are differentiated. The skill-focused approach to communicative competence relies heavily on observed behaviors; the mindful being-in-relation approach emphasizes the perceived effects of the relationship on the participants. The distinctions between these two approaches are important to teaching and research. Teaching can, and should, focus on both changing behaviors and on the personal development of mindfulness in the learner. Research methods should routinely include both observer and participant responses. Reconciling these two views supports the thesis that good communication is both a skill and a way of being, that it is both innate and teachable, and that it must be cultivated by integrated methods of teaching and research.

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Author information

Author/s: Zoppi, Kathy (K); Epstein, Ronald M (RM);

Affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis 46202-5102, USA. kzoppi@iupui.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: Family medicine (Fam Med), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-May; vol 34 (issue 5) : pp 319-24

Dates: Created 2002/05/31; Completed 2002/11/07; Revised 2006/11/15;

PMID: 12038712, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Communication
Humans

Physician-Patient Relations
Teaching

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