How are you feeling
Is this what your patient feels
Reflect back you feelings
Video – A GP talks about the importance of their own emotion in making a diagnosis in consultations
Each consultation is a roller coaster of emotions. Some people come in angry, some come in sad. All this rubs off on the doctor and they share each emotion to a lesser or greater extent. This becomes a tool for diagnosis that should not be overlooked
How are you feeling
The emotion you feel as a doctor is a key that can open the cause and help with diagnosis and treatment. Are you feeling flat or positive? Are you angry or accepting? Cue into how your feel and acknowledge it to yourself.
Is this what your patient feels
This is the question to ask. If you as the doctor feel depressed it is likely your patient is depressed. If you are feeling angry it is likely your patient is angry. Your own response is the diagnostic test, it is the barometer of the patients emotion. It is the clue which can change the direction of the consultation and lead to a new diagnosis.
Reflect back you feelings
You can say you sense they are angry or sad or whatever emotion you experience. Ask they if this is the case and allow time for them to express how they feel. Use this as a cue to take you to the next level. Why are you angry? Do you think you are a bit depressed?. This can open up options for treatment or bring out unsaid issues