Doctor-patient communication at the time of covid 19: A peep into the changing patterns

To achieve personal success, one must have the ability to communicate effectively.Non-verbal and verbal communication are two ways in which people express themselves. Communication can be verbal or nonverbal, and the latter refers to any communication that takes place through bodily motions (Patel, 2015, p. 90). The ability to communicate effectively with patients is very important for physicians(Street, 2007). Clinical practice necessitates empathetic patient-physician dialogue (Travaline et al., 2005, p.13). There is a great deal to be said about how doctors communicate with their patients (Travaline et al., 2005, p.13). The patient-physician communication includes not just information about prescriptions but also information about the condition, risk factors/causes, effective help-seeking, and information about treatment regimens (Stewart, 1995). To diagnose, counsel, provide therapeutic recommendations, and build a relationship with patients, a doctor must have effective communication and interpersonal skills (Garg, 2015, p.65).Taking these facts into consideration, it is clear that during the COVID-19 epidemic, the pattern of contact between patients and health professionals underwent significant changes and problems. With this in view, the present paper attempts to explore the changing pattern of communication between the patients and physicians and the challenges associated with it during the pandemic time of COVID-19.