Vishal Parmar*

MBBS DCH MRCPCH UK, Pediatrician, Borivali, Mumbai, India

*Corresponding Author: Vishal Parmar, MBBS DCH MRCPCH UK, Pediatrician, Borivali, Mumbai, India.

Received: July 15, 2024; Published: July 31, 2024

Citation: Vishal Parmar. “Communication Skills For Healthcare Professional in Era of AI”. Acta Scientific Paediatrics 7.8 (2024): 17-18.

Communication Excellence in Indian Healthcare: Navigating the AI Era

Effective communication is the cornerstone of quality patient care in India's diverse healthcare landscape. While achieving membership qualifications is essential, continuous professional development in communication is paramount for navigating the complexities of patient interactions and emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). This paper examines the importance of lifelong learning in communication, drawing on illustrative clinical cases from Indian hospitals to underscore key principles and strategies for excellence in the AI era.

Lifelong learning in communication: An Indian healthcare imperative

Communication in healthcare transcends the mere exchange of medical information; it is the foundation upon which trust, empathy, and collaboration are built, contributing significantly to positive patient outcomes. The dynamic nature of Indian healthcare necessitates ongoing communication skill development for several reasons:

• Diverse Patient Demographics: India's vast population encompasses a wide range of languages, cultural practices, and health literacy levels. Healthcare professionals must continually adapt their communication styles to effectively engage with patients from all backgrounds. For example, a doctor in a rural Maharashtra clinic may need to learn basic phrases in a local dialect to connect with an elderly patient, while a specialist in Mumbai might employ visual aids to explain complex procedures to an urban family.
• Rapid Technological Advancements: The Indian healthcare sector is witnessing a surge in technological innovations, including telemedicine and AI-powered diagnostics. Healthcare professionals must remain informed about these advancements and effectively communicate their implications to patients. In a Delhi hospital, surgeons successfully performed a complex robotic surgery but faced challenges explaining the procedure to the patient's family. By employing patient communication and visual aids, the team was able to allay their fears and ensure informed consent.
• Patient-Centered Care: The shift towards patient-centered care in India empowers patients to actively participate in their health decisions. Effective communication is central to achieving this goal. A doctor in Chennai used motivational interviewing techniques to understand the concerns of a diabetic patient hesitant to adopt lifestyle changes. By actively listening and collaboratively developing a personalized care plan, the doctor achieved better adherence and improved health outcomes.
• Interprofessional Collaboration: Indian hospitals often have large, multidisciplinary teams involved in patient care. Effective communication among these professionals is crucial for seamless coordination and optimal treatment. A Mumbai hospital experienced a medication error due to miscommunication between a nurse and a junior doctor. In response, the hospital implemented regular team huddles and standardized communication protocols to mitigate such risks.

Coping with AI in communication: Ethical considerations and patient-centricity

Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare in India, with applications ranging from chatbots for patient inquiries to AI-powered diagnostic tools. While AI offers immense potential, healthcare professionals must adapt to this changing landscape while upholding ethical principles and prioritizing patient well-being.

• AI as a Tool: AI should be viewed as a tool to augment, not replace, human interaction. For instance, chatbots can handle routine inquiries, allowing doctors to focus on complex cases requiring empathy and nuanced communication.
• Complementary Skills: AI excels at data processing, but it lacks the emotional intelligence essential for building trust. Healthcare professionals must refine their active listening, empathy, and cultural competence skills to complement AI's capabilities.
• Human Touch: Patients often seek the reassurance and personal connection that only a human can provide. Even when utilizing AI tools, it's crucial to prioritize face-to-face interactions and ensure that patients feel heard and understood.
• Ethical Considerations: AI algorithms may inadvertently perpetuate biases present in data. Healthcare professionals must be vigilant in identifying and mitigating these biases to ensure equitable care for all patients.

A Bangalore hospital discovered that its AI-powered triage system was prioritizing patients with higher socioeconomic status, prompting immediate action to refine the algorithm and implement human oversight.

Strategies for Effective Communication in the AI Era

• Active Listening: Devote full attention to patients, observing both verbal and non-verbal cues. Utilize reflective listening techniques to demonstrate understanding and empathy.
• Clear and Concise Language: Avoid medical jargon and explain complex information in simple, relatable terms, using visual aids and metaphors to enhance comprehension.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be mindful of cultural nuances in communication styles and beliefs, tailoring your approach to the individual patient's cultural background.
• Shared Decision-Making: Involve patients in their care decisions by presenting options, explaining risks and benefits, and respecting their preferences.
• Non-Verbal Communication: Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice, as these non-verbal cues significantly impact communication.
• Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Regularly seek feedback from patients and colleagues to identify areas for improvement. Participate in communication skills workshops and training programs to stay abreast of best practices.

In conclusion, effective communication is fundamental to delivering high-quality healthcare in India. While passing exams is a significant milestone, continuous professional development in communication is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of patient care, particularly in the AI era. By embracing AI as a tool, prioritizing patient-centricity, and honing their communication skills, healthcare professionals can ensure that patients receive the compassionate, culturally sensitive, and ethically sound care they deserve.

Copyright: © 2024 Vishal Parmar. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.