Communication Strategies for Patients with Diabetes.

Ryu,  Ohk Hyun

doi:2016.17.4.257

J Korean Diabetes > Volume 17(4); 2016 > Article

Focused Issue

The Journal of Korean Diabetes 2016;17(4):257-260.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4093/jkd.2016.17.4.257 Published online December 30, 2016.

다른 환자, 다른 커뮤니케이션

류옥현

Communication Strategies for Patients with Diabetes.

Ohk Hyun Ryu

Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon, Korea. ohryu30@gmail.com

Abstract

Communication with patients is a very important process in medical care to establish close relation (rapport) for diabetes management. Medical personnel have to communicate differently according to the characteristics, socioeconomic status, and family support available for each patient. We can use two different communication tools (verbal and non-verbal) to build rapport with patients. It is necessary to choose suitable language based on patient education level and background. We can reinforce patient' motivation regarding diabetes management by using positive messages (i.e., the benefits of diabetes management) or negative messages (i.e., the harmfulness of uncontrolled diabetes). We have to consider every patient as a human being, not just their disease. Understanding, careful listening, and empathy for diabetic patients will make rapport and lead to better diabetes management.

Key Words: Communication, Diabetes mellitus, Disease management, Empathy, Motivation, Relation