Active Listening in Dermatology Practice

Abstract

In the clinical practice of psychosomatic medicine, active listening, which is listening to the speaker in an empathetic and receptive manner, is an important attitude of physicians regardless of the department. Since visual inspection and palpation examination of skin lesions are important in dermatological consultation, the dermatologist must continue active listening while conducting these examination techniques, which requires some ingenuity.

Active listening helps develop a good patient-physician relationship and contributes to better outcomes. Moreover, it may enhance the humanity of physicians and develop a therapeutic self.