Domain 3: Communication, partnership and teamwork
Communicate effectively
- You must listen to patients, take account of their views, and respond honestly to their questions.
- You must give patients [including those with the legal authority to make healthcare decisions on their behalf] the information they want or need to know in a way they can understand. You should make sure that arrangements are made, wherever possible, to meet patients’ language and communication needs.15.
Good communication with employers and worker representatives is also important. The occupational physician must adopt the role of an independent adviser, prepared to communicate similar information to managers and workers alike. Also important is a willingness to listen to concerns, to keep managers updated on the progress of cases, and to share relevant information in ways that can be understood, including with those who have particular language and communication needs or who are of limited literacy.
Occupational physicians should provide necessary information about exposures and health and safety risks in the workplace in a clear, open and effective way.
- You must be considerate to those close to the patient and be sensitive and responsive in giving them information and support.
Occupational physicians should be willing, with their patient’s agreement or at their request, to share agreed information with a third party, such as a relative, partner, carer, helper, friend, or union representative.
31. When you are on duty you must be readily accessible to patients and colleagues seeking information, advice or support.