Identification of Communication Skills in the Medical Interview in an External Consultation Clinic in Toluca, State of Mexico

Abstract

Objective: to identify the communication skills of General practitioners and specialists assigned to the Alfredo del Mazo Velez External Consultation Clinic (ecc) of the Social Security Institute of the State of Mexico and Municipalities (issemym). Methods: cross-sectional and descriptive study. 36 general practitioners and specialists were evaluated through the application of an instrument designed to identify communication skills which were divided in three headings: skills for expression, for observing and listening, and for showing empathy. The instrument classified the skills in: enough, fairly enough and not enough. A clear and demonstrative narrative was made from the results. Results: 18 general practitioners, 7 family physicians, 4 pediatricians and other 7 specialists were assessed. 83% was classified as enough in terms of skills for expression, 30.6% was enough when evaluating their skills for observing and listening and 50% as not enough. 33.3% was classified as enough in establishing a sympathetic relation. Conclusions: physicians show a favorable performance in the skill to express themselves; regarding to their abilities to observe, listen and be empathetic, a significant percentage of them had an inappropriate performance. It is necessary to promote the development of communication skills to improve the quality care to patients.