what types of communication filters are present
A female doctor attempting to explain to her 27-year-old male patient that his severe acne can be cured with a specific drug, but the side effect of the drug might be that he will be temporarily bald.
Filters present?
What might be the result of this discussion if these filters remain in place?
How can the doctor and her patient overcome the potentially negative effects of these filters?
To realize that the bald look is "in" and bald is "" for some women?
nope
The filter is the patient's suspicion of the side effect of this drug.
no
In the given scenario, several communication filters may be present. Let's break them down:
1. Gender Filter: The fact that the doctor is female and the patient is male can be a potential filter. This filter may affect their perspectives, assumptions, and expectations during the communication process.
2. Professional Filter: The doctor's role as a healthcare professional can also act as a filter. It may influence the language used, the level of technical information shared, and the doctor's assumption of the patient's understanding.
3. Age Filter: The patient's age can also be a filter. As a 27-year-old, he may have different expectations, communication styles, and levels of health knowledge compared to older or younger patients.
Now, let's consider the potential results if these filters remain in place:
If these filters are not addressed or recognized, there may be misunderstandings and misinterpretations between the doctor and the patient. The patient might feel confused, reluctant to ask questions, or fail to fully understand the potential side effect of the medication. The doctor might make assumptions about the patient's level of understanding and fail to provide sufficient information to address his concerns.
To overcome the negative effects of these filters, the doctor and her patient can take the following steps:
1. Cultivate Open Communication: Both the doctor and the patient should establish an open and non-judgmental atmosphere, encouraging the patient to freely express his concerns or questions.
2. Active Listening: The doctor should actively listen to the patient's concerns, empathize, and validate his feelings. This will help in building trust and understanding.
3. Use Plain Language: The doctor should avoid using technical jargon and strive to explain medical terms in a clear and understandable manner. This will help the patient grasp the information effectively.
4. Provide Visual Aids: Visual aids, such as diagrams or infographics, can assist in visually explaining the side effects, potential benefits, and risks of the prescribed medication. This can enhance the patient's understanding.
5. Encourage Questions: The doctor should actively encourage the patient to ask questions and clarify any doubts. This will ensure that both parties are on the same page and that the patient has a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
By acknowledging and addressing these filters through open communication, active listening, plain language, visual aids, and promoting questions, the doctor and the patient can effectively overcome the potential negative effects of these filters and facilitate a more successful and productive discussion.