Doctors' communication preferences

Delivering the right kind of communication approach to different people or groups

One of the tools I often use with clients is the Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). More info - Click Here.

It’s a really useful way to identify how individuals differ in the way they prefer to use their minds.

Do doctors communicate differently?

One area the indicator highlights is communication style. It shows whether people prefer to communicate in a systematic and factual way, or, in a way that explores opportunities and patterns. This was investigated in research published in Medical Education in 2004. The researchers argued that medics differed significantly from the general population and that intervention was needed early on in medical careers to support trainees in developing their ability to ‘flex’ towards the communication style of their patients.* Well, the doctors I work with are well-established and highly competent communicators well used to communication adaption with patients. But what they are able to reflect upon when reviewing their MBTI results is how their communication preferences affect other parts of their professional life. That is, how they communicate with other team members, managers, commissioners and other clinical colleagues. Crucial communication skills developed in the consultation room are transferable to other professional relationships, and the MBTI (and Emotional Intelligence) tools I use help doctors realise what they have got and how they can broaden their use.

Call 0754 0593476 or email me on alexishutson@yahoo.com to book your online MBTI test.

  *An awful lot of work has gone into the communication development of medical trainees in recent years. For interest, the paper also shows the preferences of male and female doctors. Click Here to visit link.