SUCCESSFUL DOCTOR-PATIENT COMMUNICATION AND RAPPORT BUILDING AS THE KEY SKILLS OF MEDICAL PRACTICE

Summary. When two people are able to relate to each other, they form a mutual bond and respect – rapport. Building a successful rapport is the single most important factor in building a relationship. As the key to successful office-patient relationships, it is important to know that rapport begins to develop right from the very first conversation the doctor has with the patient. In order to ensure that rapport can be established, the doctor needs to be cautious of how patients perceive him/her by judging not only verbal but also nonverbal communication. By demonstrating energy, enthusiasm, respect, empathy, caring, understanding of sensitive intercultural issues from the start, the doctor will be able to begin the rapport-building process that together with communication competence represent key skills of medical practice