Communication skills in pain medicine

Abstract

This article considers why enhanced communication techniques are particularly important in pain management consultations. Background is provided from evidence in both primary and palliative care research. The techniques are introduced and explained and include generic communication skills appropriate for all consultations and more advanced techniques. The generic skills described are empathy, allaying anxiety, breaking bad news and shared decision-making. Advanced techniques are aimed at facilitating changes in behaviour and include coaching, mentoring and motivational interviewing. The focus is on the complexities of the chronic pain presentation and a variety of potential challenges in a consultation are explored. Example scenarios are used to illustrate how aspects of each specific communication skill might be useful to prevent avoidable distress, diffuse anger and assist patients to change behaviour. The expectation is that clinicians who communicate well will help patients to make informed decisions and empower them to optimize their own pain management skills.