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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