The Mastery of Bedside Manners: Essential to the Practice of Medicine
摘要
In medicine, bedside manner is every bit as essential as scientific knowledge and technical skill. How a healthcare provider communicates and attends to patients—through words, tone, body language, empathy, and overall attitude—can profoundly shape the patient’s experience. A warm, respectful approach can turn an ordinary medical encounter into a deeply positive and reassuring one. Clear communication is a core skill explored in this chapter. It is about more than conveying information—it’s about forging a real connection and earning the patient’s trust. Here, we examine the role of civility in medicine, why trust lies at the heart of patient care, and what is meant by the “hidden curriculum.” We also share timeless recommendations from the Mayo brothers of the Mayo Clinic, whose wisdom continues to guide compassionate care today.