Communication skills for pharmaceutical care

Abstract

Effective communication skills facilitate accurate identifications of patient's problems, improvement of the level of patient's satisfaction with the care, and patient's adherence to treatment. Furthermore, a good relationship with patients based on adequate communication lessens patient's anxiety and depression. A patient has his or her own position in a society as a citizen, as a worker and as a family member. A disease threatens such a social background of a patient. We need to recognize that patients suffer not only from diseases, but also from psychosocial distress. Such recognition is the most important basis to improve medical communication that establishes good relationship with patients. © 2007 The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan.