The Social Psychology of the Bedside

Abstract

This paper discusses the role of nonverbal communication in the establishment of rapport with a patient during a pre-operative interview. It is suggested that (a) observation of the nonverbal behaviour of the patient can provide a check on the validity of the information provided verbally by that patient, and (b) that the doctor can change his own nonverbal behaviours to assist him establish a relationship or extricate himself from one. The use of space, orientation, posture and eye-contact are discussed.