The Importance of Interpersonal Relationships

Research supports the validity and importance of the doctor-patient relationship. All other relationships between medical personnel and patients are derivatives of this core relationship. Short interpersonal encounters of only one or two seconds can form a lasting impact. For this reason, these short patient/medical personnel contacts are very important. If the contact is negative, people will share this information with family and friends, and sometimes even strangers. Medical personnel need to be aware of the lasting impressions of these relationships.

Every  Patient Contact Counts (TM) teaches and practices the concepts and skills of interpersonal relating. For more information about this exciting program contact Ralph Schillace, Ph.D. & Associates, LLC at schillac@oakland.edu or visit ralphschillace.com for more information.

Next post will continue the Importance of Interpersonal Relationships.

Hello world!

My blog Every Contact Counts, It’s All About Relationships is the result of many discussions on the importance of our daily contacts.  Each day we have interactions with family and friends, as well as interactions with people we do not know. These include clerks in stores, at the bank, etc. The primary purpose of this blog is to talk about interactions and relationships that we have with medical personnel, at hospitals, clinics, and the doctor’s office.

Many of these interactions are very short–checking in at the front desk, being taken to the examination room, and sometimes just a technician popping in to state that the doctor is running late. However, these contacts are important. I know many times how frustrated I get when it appears that I am not important to staff members,  as evidenced by their continuing to talk to a coworker. and not noticing me standing at the counter.

My partner and I have started consulting business–Ralph Schillace, Ph.D. & Associates, LLC,  which offers a training program  to health care professionals that addresses these types of issues.

We have compiled many vignettes and scenarios from patients who have similar experiences and use these in our training program. If you would like to share your story, I would very much like to hear from you. 

Next time more information about interpersonal relationships.