Written by Mara Mussoni, Cancer Coach
Mara Mussoni, the first Cancer Coach in Italy and Europe has a specific mission: to improve the lives of people facing illness. Having personally experienced cancer twice, she has developed a specific and practical method to activate people's resources, enabling them not to be passive victims of the disease but to become active participants in their journey towards healing.
If there's one vital lesson I've learned throughout my career as a Cancer Coach, after assisting hundreds of individuals facing illness, it's that communication is paramount for people's well-being. However, I've noticed that many professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, as well as psychologists or counselors, make mistakes that can compromise the quality of their interaction with oncology patients.
In this article, we'll explore the 5 most common mistakes that 98% of healthcare professionals make, and I'll provide practical tips on how to avoid them to establish empathetic and effective communication.
Mistake 1: Lack of active listening or overactive listening
There are two sides to this situation. On one hand, some professionals, such as psychologists or counselors, may come from a background that instructs them to actively listen to their patients, sometimes leading to an excessive focus on listening. On the other hand, there are doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and others who, due to lack of time or bureaucratic constraints, may not listen at all.
For the former, excessive listening can be dysfunctional for patients, as it legitimizes complaining and demanding attention excessively, fostering a passive dynamic. Therefore, it's essential for professionals to strike a balance, encouraging patients to move away from negative energy and find strategies to keep the illness from dominating their lives.
For the latter, not listening and not showing active engagement risks undermining trust with patients, making it challenging for them to follow professional advice.
So, in which dynamic do you find yourself as a professional? Through the Cancer Coaching Master's program, this balance is established within the professional, reflecting in interactions with patients.
One of the major mistakes many healthcare professionals make is not practicing true active listening during interactions with patients. Too often, we're focused on what to say next rather than truly listening to what the patient is communicating.
Meanwhile: Take the time to actively listen to what the patient is saying, paying attention to both words and non-verbal expressions. Ask probing questions to demonstrate interest and understanding, directing the conversation so that complaints don't dominate.
Mistake 2: Using clichéd phrases
Another common mistake is using clichéd phrases that may seem empty and inauthentic. This type of communication can make patients feel misunderstood or underestimated. Recurring phrases like:
"Don't worry."
"Everything will be fine, relax."
"Don't think about your hair, we're saving your life."
"You're strong, everything will work out."
"Think positive, it's good for you."
And others...
These phrases highlight the professional's sense of inadequacy and their inability to manage the situation effectively, offering concrete help to the patient.
So, avoid these stereotypical phrases, which only create more frustration and anger, and start asking questions to delve deeper into the feelings of those in front of you, giving them permission to express their true feelings and showing genuine interest.
Mistake 3: Pitying instead of empathizing
Often, healthcare professionals fall into the trap of feeling compassion, which then turns into pity, rather than empathy. Compassion can be perceived as a superior attitude, while empathy implies a sincere sense of understanding and sharing the patient's emotions.
Make an effort to truly put yourself in the patient's shoes and understand their perspective. Show empathy through your words and actions.
Mistake 4: Seeking immediate solutions
Many healthcare professionals try to solve patients' problems too quickly, without truly understanding the complexity of their situation. This can make the patient feel neglected or ignored.
Often, they fall into directions that become "musts" for the patient. For example: "You must eat this and avoid meat, dairy, and sugar," "You must do yoga," "You must meditate," and more. A series of "musts" that the person cannot handle together, adding anxiety to the anxiety already present due to the illness.
Solution: Practice patience and understanding. Listen carefully to the patient's concerns and involve them in the decision-making process to find effective solutions together.
Mistake 5: Not asking questions and offering clichéd advice
Finally, a common mistake is not asking enough questions to fully understand the patient's situation and offering clichéd advice that may not be relevant or helpful, especially when not aligned with the patient's personal situation.
Solution: Ask open and thorough questions to gain a complete understanding of the patient's situation. Avoid giving clichéd advice and try to offer personalized and targeted solutions.
In conclusion, avoiding these common mistakes can make a difference in the quality of communication with patients and their overall well-being. Be authentic, empathetic, and dedicated in your approach, and you'll see positive results in your professional practice.
And if you truly want to make a difference in people's lives, distinguish yourself as a professional, and take a leap forward in your personal and professional life, contact me, and I'll be happy to welcome you to the Master in Cancer Coaching. It's the only program aimed at professionals in the helping relationship who want to Improve Life beyond treatment.
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Mara Mussoni, Cancer Coach
Mara Mussoni, the first Cancer Coach in Italy and Europe has a specific mission: to improve the lives of people facing illness. Having personally experienced cancer twice, she has developed a specific and practical method to activate people's resources, enabling them not to be passive victims of the disease but to become active participants in their journey towards healing. She helps individuals directly and indirectly affected by illness and she trains hundreds of care relationship professionals worldwide, equipping them with a specific method to utilize effective communication, approaches, and transformative strategies, making a difference in the lives of those they assist.
