Active Listening

Active Listening is a communication technique used in counseling, training, and conflict resolution, which requires the listener to fully concentrate, understand, respond and then remember what is being said. This is opposed to other listening techniques like passive listening and selective listening.

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Active Listening in a medical consultation

Overview

Active listening involves giving the speaker feedback, such as the nodding of the head or using body language and gestures to show the speaker that the listener is paying attention. It also involves the listener repeating back to the speaker what they have heard to confirm understanding and to check for accuracy.

Techniques

Active listening techniques include:

• Paraphrasing: The listener repeats the speaker's message in their own words to confirm understanding.
• Clarifying: The listener asks questions to clear up any confusion.
• Reflecting: The listener expresses understanding of the speaker's feelings.
• Summarizing: The listener reviews the speaker's main points.

Benefits

Active listening has many benefits. It helps to avoid misunderstandings, builds trust, and encourages the speaker to express themselves fully. It is a crucial skill in psychology, counseling, conflict resolution, and in many other fields.

In Medicine

In the field of medicine, active listening is a critical skill for healthcare providers. It allows them to understand the patient's concerns and symptoms accurately, leading to a more accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. It also helps in building a strong patient-provider relationship, which is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.

See Also

• Communication skills
• Nonverbal communication
• Empathy
• Patient-centered care

References

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