"Soft Skills for Doctors" PowerPoint explores essential interpersonal abilities crucial for effective patient care. Topics include communication, empathy, teamwork, and stress management. Tailored for medical professionals seeking to enhance patient interactions and teamwork. Offers practical strategies and case studies for skill development. Aimed at improving patient outcomes and professional success.

1. Soft Skills For
Doctors
Dr.Usman Arshad
Dept Of Surgery
Mohiuiddin Teaching Hospital

2. 1
Introduction
• Soft skills are essential for doctors to effectively communicate with
patients and colleagues.
• These skills can improve patient satisfaction, promote better
outcomes, and enhance teamwork within healthcare settings.
• In this presentation, we will explore the key soft skills that doctors
should possess.

3. 2
Empathy
• Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of
others.
• Doctors who demonstrate empathy can build trust with their patients
and create a more supportive environment.
• By showing empathy, doctors can better address patient concerns
and provide personalized care.

4. Lack of empathy: Doctors who lack
empathy may appear cold or indifferent
to patients’ concerns, exacerbating their
anxiety, fear, or pain. This could result in
patients feeling neglected or mistreated,
leading to anger and potentially violent
outbursts.
WHAT NOT IS EMPATHY??
Pt– 16 days
stayed in
surgical ward
CKD ē corneal
opacity
BRAINSTORM

5. 3
Active Listening
• Active listening involves fully concentrating on what is being said,
understanding the message, and responding appropriately.
• Doctors who practice active listening can gather important
information from patients and make more accurate diagnoses.
• This skill also helps doctors establish rapport with patients and
ensure that their needs are met.

6. Read in between the lines.
Read that what is not said
1)Pt__ suffering from myopathy, went into quadriplegia ,
divorced
2) Pt __ domestic abuse impending uterine rupture husband
doesn’t consent caesarean

7. 4
Effective Communication
• Effective communication is crucial for conveying complex medical
information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Doctors who communicate effectively can educate patients about
their conditions, treatment options, and the importance of follow-up
care.
• Clear communication also fosters collaboration among healthcare
teams and minimizes misunderstandings.

8. Harms of ineffective communication :
1. Misdiagnosis and mistreatment
2. Patient dissatisfaction
3. Medication errors
4. Increased medical costs
5. Poor patient outcomes
6. Legal and ethical issues
7. Decreased quality of care

9. 5
Emotional Intelligence
• Emotional intelligence involves recognizing and managing one's
own emotions as well as understanding and influencing the
emotions of others.
• Doctors with high emotional intelligence can maintain composure in
stressful situations and navigate challenging interactions with
patients.
• This skill enables doctors to provide compassionate care and build
strong relationships with patients and colleagues.

10. 1. EI isn’t about suppressing emotions; it’s about
authentic expression.
2. EI rejects manipulation; it values genuine connections.
3. It’s not about perpetual happiness; EI embraces all
emotions.
4. EI is a skill that can grow with practice and self-
awareness.
5. It integrates emotions with rational thinking for
informed decisions.
6. Confronting difficult emotions is part of EI’s
constructive approach.
7. EI aims for balanced, appropriate emotional
responses.
8. Empathy, not self-focus, is central to EI.
9. It enhances, not replaces, cognitive intelligence and
technical skills.
10. EI is nuanced, varying across individuals and
influenced by context.

11. 6
Adaptability
• Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new situations, challenges, and
uncertainties.
• Doctors who are adaptable can quickly respond to changes in
patient conditions, treatment plans, and healthcare protocols.
• This skill is essential for handling unexpected events in a fast-paced
medical environment and ensuring the best possible outcomes for
patients.

12. 1. Rapid advancements in medical science and technology
2. Changing patient demographics and needs
3. Healthcare reforms and policy changes
4. Emerging diseases and pandemics
5. Integration of technological innovation ( ML & AI in
workflow automations)
6. Interdisciplinary collaboration in healthcare teams
7. Shift towards patient-centered care
8. Adaptation to changes in work environment and
organizational structures
9. Continuous professional development and learning
10. Coping with uncertainty inherent in medicine

13. 7
Cultural Competence
• Cultural competence involves understanding and respecting the
diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and practices of patients.
• Doctors who are culturally competent can provide more effective
care to patients from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
• By valuing diversity and promoting inclusivity, doctors can eliminate
barriers to healthcare access and improve patient satisfaction.

15. 8
Collaboration
• Collaboration is working effectively with other healthcare
professionals to deliver comprehensive and coordinated care.
• Doctors who collaborate well can enhance patient outcomes through
multidisciplinary teamwork.
• This skill promotes a shared responsibility for patient care and
encourages the exchange of expertise and ideas among healthcare
providers.

16. Your task

17. 9
Conflict Resolution
• Conflict resolution is the ability to address disagreements and
resolve conflicts in a constructive manner.
• Doctors who are skilled in conflict resolution can prevent
misunderstandings from escalating and maintain positive
relationships with patients and colleagues.
• By addressing conflicts promptly and professionally, doctors can
promote a harmonious work environment and ensure the delivery of
high-quality care.

18. • Open Communications
• Compromise
• Mediation
• Problem Solving
attitude

19. • You gave Clexane to pt converting his
ischemic stroke to activate
hemorrhage
• Mistakenly mixed drugs of 2 pt with
same name
• Caused a blood transfusion reaction
out of negligence / inattention
• Caused a gut puncture
• Caused / discovered a prev. Severd vas
in hernia repair
BRAINSTORM

20. 10
Conclusion
• Soft skills are vital for doctors to provide empathetic, effective, and
patient-centered care.
• By developing and honing these skills, doctors can enhance the
overall patient experience and improve health outcomes.
• Investing in soft skills can lead to better communication, increased
job satisfaction, and a more fulfilling career in medicine.