Effective communication is a foundation to any doctor-patient relationship and the first step towards building a successful treatment protocol. Often patients visiting the doctors have expectations of being heard patiently and treated empathetically. Being able to communicate with your patients in a manner that is easy for them to understand despite the terminology and concepts of ayurveda can be challenging sometimes.
However a vaidya equipped with “YUKTI” or ” YUKTI YUKT BUDDHI” can fill the gap and easily communicate with the patient in a manner that is easy for them to comprehend and be able to follow the prescribed regime. Here are a few pointers how vaidyas can bridge that communication gap effectively to treat their patients and start an effective journey towards healing.
Let us start this by understanding
What is YUKTI ?
YUKTISHCHA YOJNA SAA YUJYATE“ (Charak SutraSthana 26/31) translates to “any planning is called Yukti.” Broadly, Yukti refers to the strategic use of knowledge and skills to navigate complex situations. An Ayurvedic physician with Yukti can effectively bridge the communication gap, tailoring explanations to the patient’s level of understanding and readiness.
Ayurvedic texts emphasise the importance of a “Yuktigya Vaidya”—a physician adept in Yukti. Such a physician understands what to convey to the patient and what to withhold, depending on the patient’s mental and physical strength.
Ayurveda categorises patients into two types: Heena Bala (those with lower resilience) and Uttama Bala (those with higher resilience). Recognizing the type of patient is crucial for effective communication.
What is effective communication?
Effective communication is an amalgamation of many aspects but it can be broadly categorised into three major parts namely, body language, clarity of speech, and knowledge of the subject.
Body Language:
It is imperative to say that a smiling and welcoming demeanour of a doctor has a positive impact on the patient. Which helps them to be at ease and have the confidence to discuss their health issues openly with the doctor.
Being an active listener, having a proactive attitude while exhibiting empathy and maintaining eye contact and providing affirmations all have a positive impact while patients share their concerns. Showing genuine interest and asking relevant questions will foster a relationship of trust.
Clarity of Speech:
Speaking clearly and at a pace that the patient is able to follow should be at the core of the conversation. Explaining the complex concepts of Ayurveda or the treatment to be followed in a simplified manner that is easy for the patient to comprehend. Confident communication skills reflect positively on the doctor’s expertise and is reassuring for the patients.
Knowledge of the subject:
It is amply clear that an in-depth knowledge of Ayurveda and being able to comprehensively understand a patient’s health concerns should be at the core of effective communication. Regular reading and being actively part of discussion forums and keeping abreast with the ever evolving medical practices they all contribute to a doctor who is well informed. Enhancing the communication skill to effectively convey the diagnosis and the treatment plan so that it is easy for the patient to grasp information.
Communicating with Patients about their Disease
Observation and Diagnosis
Clearly stating the observation made and effectively conveying the diagnosis in simple understandable terms, is the best communication strategy.
Causes and Lifestyle Factors
Making the patient understand the possible lifestyle habits that are the contributing factors to the illness will help them understand the root cause of the disease. Eventually motivating them to make better choices for their health.
Outlining the Treatment Plan
Take time to explain to them the medication they need to take, the importance of following the dietary recommendations and lifestyle changes that they need to achieve optimal health. For Heena Bala patients, provide simplified explanations and avoid overwhelming them with detailed information. For Uttama Bala patients, a more comprehensive explanation can be given.
Setting Expectations
Communicate clearly of the expected outcomes of the treatment and the timeframe of improvement. This will help to manage the patient’s expectations and ease their anxiety related to their treatment
Follow Up
It is important to emphasise the importance of follow-up appointments to monitor progress and make adjustments to the treatment plans. Provide clear instructions when the patient needs to return for the next appointment.
Conclusion
Effective communication is the most important aspect of starting a treatment journey with the patient. The ayurvedic practitioner can bridge the gap with Yukti or strategic knowledge successfully and let those who are treated understand as well as follow their treatment plans. Doctors must have a positive body language, articulate pronunciation and be knowledgeable about the subject to establish an open relationship with their patients. Adjusting explanations to the level of patient resilience, either Heena Bala or Uttama Bala increases communication intake. Resulting in effective and desirable outcomes.