PROFESSIONAL CULTURE OF MEDICAL WORKERS AND THE ART OF COMMUNICATION WITH PATIENTS

Annotation

This article provides a scientific analysis of the professional culture of medical workers, the art of communicating with patients, and the requirements of medical ethics and deontology. It also focuses on the importance of proper patient interaction in medical institutions, mechanisms for developing communication skills, empathy culture, trust factors in the doctor–patient relationship, and their interpretation based on international standards. Research results show that a high level of professional culture significantly improves a patient’s psychological state and increases the effectiveness of treatment.

Keywords: professional culture, medical ethics, deontology, patient communication, empathy, trust, communication skills.

Introduction

The development of modern medicine requires medical specialists not only to possess strong professional knowledge and skills but also to demonstrate high levels of culture, behavior, speech literacy, and communication skills when interacting with patients. A patient’s trust in the doctor is one of the most important psychological factors that influences the treatment process. It is difficult to achieve positive results in an environment where the professional culture of medical staff is insufficient.

Today, humanism, professional responsibility, and communication culture occupy an important place in the healthcare system. It is essential that communication between the doctor and the patient be sincere, respectful, and neutral. Therefore, the professional culture of a medical worker is not only a set of ethical norms but also an important indicator of the quality of medical services.

Main Part

1. The concept and essence of professional culture

Professional culture refers to the medical worker’s professional responsibility, adherence to ethical norms, appearance, speech culture, psychological stability, humane attitude toward patients, and communication skills.

The main components of professional culture include:

professional knowledge and competencies;

medical ethics and deontology norms;

social and psychological culture;

communication culture;

personal appearance and hygiene;

respect for the patient’s individuality.

When a doctor demonstrates a high level of professional culture, the patient develops trust, which ultimately increases the effectiveness of treatment.

2. Principles of medical ethics and deontology

Medical ethics is a set of norms that govern the behavior, professional conduct, and communication of medical workers with patients.

Deontology, on the other hand, refers to a doctor’s duties, responsibilities, and the ethical system that governs respect for the patient’s life and health.

Core principles include:

prioritizing the patient’s life and health;

maintaining confidentiality;

honesty and responsibility;

non-discrimination and respectful communication;

providing psychological support;

being impartial throughout the treatment process.

Compliance with these principles ensures that the medical service aligns with international standards.

3. The art of patient communication and communication culture

The art of patient communication refers to the doctor’s ability to interact with patients politely, sincerely, clearly, and in a psychologically comfortable manner.

It includes the following components:

3.1. Beginning the interaction

greeting the patient and introducing oneself;

asking about the patient’s condition and initiating the conversation politely;

understanding the patient’s fears, anxiety, and pain.

3.2. Demonstrating empathy

Empathy is the ability to understand the patient’s emotional state, listen attentively, and respect their feelings.

Doctors with high empathy levels build stronger patient trust.

3.3. Using clear and understandable language

Excessive use of medical terminology can confuse patients.

Therefore, a doctor must:

explain information in simple, clear language;

present issues concisely;

provide written recommendations when necessary.

3.4. The culture of listening

Active listening means focusing on the patient without interrupting, carefully understanding their concerns.

This helps quickly identify health issues.

3.5. Culture of physical interaction

During medical examinations:

informing the patient about each step;

respecting the patient’s personal boundaries;

strictly following hygiene rules — are essential elements of medical professionalism.

4. Psychological impact of communication on treatmen effectiveness

Research shows that warm, respectful communication between doctor and patient:

reduces anxiety;

decreases perceived pain;

increases medication effectiveness;

accelerates rehabilitation.

Thus, effective communication serves as a psychological tool that complements medical treatment.

5. International experience and modern approaches

In advanced healthcare systems, the communication culture of medical workers is given special attention. For example:

In the United States, the “Patient-centered care” model is widely used;

In European countries, “Medical Communication Competence” courses are mandatory;

In Japan, empathy and politeness form an integral part of medical protocol.

These practices significantly improve the quality of healthcare services.

Conclusion

The professional culture of medical workers is one of the key factors in effective patient communication. A doctor’s ethics, speech culture, appearance, empathy, and adherence to medical ethical standards play an essential role in the success of the treatment process. In an environment where the art of communication with patients is well-developed, trust increases, psychological wellbeing improves, and rehabilitation becomes faster.

Therefore, enhancing the professional culture of medical workers, continuously improving communication skills, and aligning patient communication practices with international standards remain crucial tasks.

References

1. Karimova M. Fundamentals of Medical Ethics and Deontology. Tashkent, 2021.

2. World Health Organization (WHO). Patient-centered Communication Guidelines, 2020–2023.

3. Smith J. Medical Communication Competence. New York: Elsevier, 2019.

4. Rasulov A., Nasriddinov U. Medical Culture and Doctor–Patient Relations. Tashkent Medical Publishing, 2022.

5. European Medical Association. Doctor–Patient Interaction Standards, 2022.

Avazbekova Rayyonaxon was born on March 12, 2008, in Andijan city, Andijan region of the Republic of Uzbekistan, into an intellectual family.

She is a first-year student of the Andijan Branch of Kokand University, Faculty of Medical Treatment, group 25-11.