Addressing Communication and Rumination in Physician/Patient Interactions: Implications for Treatment Compliance

Ralph Dell’Aqu

Abstract

Effective communication between physicians and patients is vital and necessary for proper medical care. The problem is that there are times in which misunderstandings can take place. Because of the nature of medical care and conditions, the effects of miscommunication can have devastating effects especially for those who have co-occurring medical conditions and mental health disorders such as depression. Thus, the article outlines the following: How to apply empathic interventions to build therapeutic rapport, identify rumination in communication with patients and manage rumination by promoting psychological flexibility.