Communication Strategies for Patients with Diabetes / 임상당뇨병

ABSTRACT

Communication with patients is a very important process in medical care to establish close relation (rapport) for diabetes management. Medical personnel have to communicate differently according to the characteristics, socioeconomic status, and family support available for each patient. We can use two different communication tools (verbal and non-verbal) to build rapport with patients. It is necessary to choose suitable language based on patient education level and background. We can reinforce patient' motivation regarding diabetes management by using positive messages (i.e., the benefits of diabetes management) or negative messages (i.e., the harmfulness of uncontrolled diabetes). We have to consider every patient as a human being, not just their disease. Understanding, careful listening, and empathy for diabetic patients will make rapport and lead to better diabetes management.