Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues:

• Body language: posture, arms-crossed
• Vocal cues: hesitation, change in tone/volume
• Facial expression
• Affect and expressiveness

Acknowledge/Address cues as appropriate

• Patient cues must be recognized and acknowledged. The assumptions we form due to cues must be explored with the patient

• Immediate Response to Cues: acts as a confirmation to the patient that you are interested; helps to develop an atmosphere conducive to further disclosure

 Exercise: Why do you think patients consciously/unconsciously use subtle cues during the medical interview? How might the patient react/feel if these cues are unnoticed or ignored?

Exercise: You notice your patient doing the following, how might you tactfully address their cues:

1. Avoiding eye contact
2. Wringing their hands
3. Eyes becoming tearful
4. Rolls their eyes at you
5. Says ‘When can I see the REAL doctor?’

Silverman, J., Kurtz, S., & Draper, J. (2013). Skills for Communicating with Patients (Thrid Edit). London: Radcliffe Publishing.