Reassurance and explanation
- the need for reassurance may be the main, often the sole, reason for the patient presenting to the doctor
- inappropriate reassurance is dangerous to the patient and damaging to the doctor's credibility and should be as planned and deliberate as any other medical skill
- reassurance is unlikely to be effective without an appropriate degree of explanation, as well as adequate history-taking and examination. The doctor needs to explore the patient's understanding and fears concerning the symptoms, especially such potentially sinister symptoms and signs as chest pain, headache or a lump
- reassurance requires trust and this depends on good communication. The doctor has to take into account differences in patients' intelligence and education, medical experience, ethnic background, social class and personality
- reassurance also carries more weight if there is a strong bond between doctor and patient. This comes from continuity of care, which may make it easier for the patient to accept the doctor's judgment
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