52 | www. Char l es tonPhys i c i ans . com | www.Hea l thL i nksChar l es ton . com THE POWER OF ACTIVE LISTENING By Colin McCandless It may sound like a simple thing, but it’s hard to underestimate the significance of listening and its impact on those we interact with on a daily basis in professional and social situations with co-workers, clients, family or friends. Active listening is a vital communication skill that involves being engaged and present in a conversation and demonstrating that you are endeavoring to understand the message the other person is conveying. It requires giving someone your undivided attention without distractions. Active listening builds trust between speakers and listeners and shows speakers that they are valued, and their words matter. Paul LaPenna, DO, a neurologist with Bon Secours St. Francis in Greenville, said that most of the time he can make a correct diagnosis just by carefully listening to a patient – even before imaging and labs. Active listening can also help avoid a misdiagnosis and improve health outcomes. While active listening may be helpful in demonstrating empathy, he emphasized that “what matters most is the intent of the listener.” This means showing dignity and respect to patients and indicating that what they’re saying matters and that the doctor genuinely cares about them and their well-being. One active listening technique Dr. LaPenna finds helpful is to let the patient talk uninterrupted for five minutes.
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