Imagine you’re about to start a physiotherapy session with a patient who’s been struggling with chronic back pain.
You’ve got your treatment plan ready, but something feels off. The patient’s body language seems hesitation, their eyes aren’t focused on, yours.
What’s possibly going on here?
This scenario highlights a classic communication mismatch, one that Charles Duhigg’s “Supercommunicators” can help us navigate.
As health care clinicians, you often find yourselves juggling not just physical treatments, but complex conversations that can make or break a patient’s recovery journey.
But what if I told you that grasping an understanding of the three types of conversations could help transform your patient interactions?
Let’s dive into Charles Duhigg’s “Supercommunicators” and explore how his insights can transform your approach to patient care and professional interactions.
The Three Pillars of Supercommunication
- “What’s this really about?” – The Problem/Solution Dialogue
- “How do we feel?” – The Emotional Check-in
- “Who are we?” – The Identity and Role Clarification
Let’s break these down and see how they apply in our physiotherapy world.
“What’s this really about?” – Cutting to the Core
Picture this: You’re explaining a series of exercises to a patient, but they keep interrupting with questions about their overall recovery timeline or something else that seems unrelated to the current conversation. Sound familiar?
This scenario highlights a classic mismatch in conversation types. You’re focused on the “what” (specific exercises), while your patient is concerned about the bigger picture or something else.
To bridge this gap:
- Pause and ask, “What’s your main concern about your recovery?”
- Clarify objectives and priorities together
- Ensure you’re both on the same page before diving into specifics
Remember, sometimes what seems like resistance is just a cry for clarity.
“How do we feel?” – The Emotional Undercurrent
Now, let’s talk about emotions. I’m sure you’ve had a patient who nods along to your instructions but doesn’t seem fully engaged. Often, there’s an emotional barrier we need to address.
Consider this approach:
- Check in with your patient’s emotional state: “How are you feeling about these exercises?”
- Acknowledge their emotions: “It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Let’s take it step by step.”
- Use empathetic language to build trust and rapport
By addressing the “how,” you create a safe space for patients to express their concerns and fears, leading to better engagement and outcomes.
“Who are we?” – Defining Roles and Expectations
Have you ever had a patient who constantly refers to what they’ve read online or heard from friends about their condition? This is where the “who are we?” conversation becomes crucial.
This type of dialogue helps establish:
- Your role as the expert physiotherapist
- The patient’s role as an active participant in their recovery
- The influence of external sources (social media, friends, etc.) on the patient’s perspective
Try this:
- Clarify your expertise while validating their research: “I appreciate you’ve done some research. It shows me that you are wanting to know as much about this problem as possible. Would you be interested in hearing how my expertise can complement what you’ve learned.”
- Encourage collaboration: “We’re a team in this recovery process. Your input is valuable.”
- Address external influences: “Let’s discuss what you’ve heard and how it fits with your specific situation.”
Putting It All Together: A Supercommunicator’s Approach
Imagine starting your next patient session like this:
- “What’s this really about?” – “Before we begin, what’s your main goal for today’s session?”
- “How do we feel?” – “How are you feeling about your progress so far?”
- “Who are we?” – “Let’s talk about how we can work together to achieve your goals, considering both my expertise and your personal experiences.”
By consciously incorporating these three types of conversations, you’re not just treating a condition; you’re engaging with a whole person. You’re becoming a supercommunicator.
Remember, breakdowns occur when you’re having different types of conversations without realising it. By aligning your communication approach, you can significantly enhance patient care, build stronger therapeutic relationships, and ultimately, achieve better outcomes.
So, the next time you feel a disconnect with a patient, ask yourself: Which conversation are we really having? The answer might just be the key to unlocking a breakthrough in your treatment approach.
Contact me to see how I can work with you or your team to take your communication skills to the next level
