The aim of this article was to review research on emotional communication in medical interviews in terms of predictors, physiological correlates and effects of clinicians' responses to patients' signals and concerns, and individual differences between patients. Four questions on emotional communication were explored: What factors predict clinicians' response to emotional cues and concerns? What happens in the brain and body of both patients and clinicians during an emotional conversation? Are there individual differences in patients' responses to emotional talk during medical interviews? Do clinicians' reactions to emotions affect health outcomes? Based on the reviewed scientific evidence, further research should be done on the predictors of clinicians' responses, physiological correlates of behaviour, individual differences and impact on outcome.In communication skills training programmes, a better understanding of the described phenomena may have an impact on training clinicians to deal with emotions during clinical interviews.
"I am worried, Doctor!" Emotions in the doctor-patient relationship
19 December 2022