Although surveys generally show that most Americans are satisfied with their doctors, a significant communication gap appears to exist. For instance, in a recent survey of consumers by the American Medical Association, only 42 percent felt that doctors usually explained things well to their patients and only 31 percent believed that physicians spent enough time with their patients. It has also been found that the average amount of time a general practitioner spends with a patient is only seven minutes. Further one study found that most doctors interrupt their patients within the first eighteen seconds of their explanation of symptoms. The skills discussed in this chapter will help you to accomplish this goal.
Assertive behavior is an alternative to the above styles.
Assertive communication is a way of expressing how you feel or what you want while respecting the rights of others. It involve communicating in a simple and direct fashion without attacking, manipulating, or discounting those around you. Communicating in an assertive fashion allows you to express your needs and desires while keeping those around you comfortable and nondefensive. He had written down five important questions he wanted his doctor to answer before undergoing the procedure. On previous visits, the surgeon had been reassuring, but rather brief in her explanations.