Table 2.
Perceived need for improving communication skills; in descending order
| Communication skills | Mean (SD) |
|---|---|
| Facilitate coping | 3.37 (0.90) |
| Handle denial | 3.23 (0.90) |
| Handle suicidal risk | 3.10 (1.04) |
| Handle withdrawal | 3.03 (0.91) |
| Tell/give bad news | 2.91 (1.09) |
| Handle anger | 2.90 (1.00) |
| Ask about psychosocial issues | 2.89 (0.97) |
| End the consultation | 2.88 (1.15) |
| Focus on patient's strengths and resources | 2.78 (0.98) |
| Elicit the patient perspective | 2.72 (0.83) |
| Elicit information | 2.55 (0.82) |
| Be open with patient's family | 2.50 (0.84) |
| Be sensitive to cues about worries | 2.44 (0.87) |
| Ask open-ended questions | 2.26 (0.93) |
| Explore concerns | 2.17 (0.85) |
| Be sensitive to emotions | 2.16 (0.88) |
| Avoid being dominant | 2.15 (0.92) |
| Communicate own feelings | 2.12 (0.89) |
| Listen | 2.01 (0.90) |
| Being empathic | 1.97 (0.89) |