title: Effective communication skills. A guide for physician assistants.
abstract: Communication is a two-way process in which meaning is shared. To be effective, clinicians must assess appearance, environment, field of experience, language skills, tone of voice, listening abilities, cultural differences, and body language. Conscious awareness and continual evaluation of all elements of the communication process can significantly improve diagnostic skills and patient compliance, as well as strengthen the bond between patient and provider.
mesh_terms: D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D010550:Personal Space; D010823:Physician Assistants / Q000523:psychology*; D011361:Professional Competence; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations