Do healthcare providers listen enough? Here's how to find out

When you book an appointment with the doctor, you expect them to listen to your concerns. But, oftentimes, the reality is otherwise. Amidst hundreds of appointments, healthcare providers end up skipping the listening part. Well, guess what, listening is not just a nice gesture, but a powerful tool that can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Dr. Leonard Berry (Institute for Healthcare Improvement in Boston and Henry Ford Health Detroit) and colleagues have emphasized the importance of improving care and strengthening the health care system with efficient listening. The findings are published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.Values-driven listening is crucialThe researchers noted that value-driven listening is crucial for treatment outcomes. They emphasized that it's more than asking questions. It’s about shooting the right questions, being present, and showing genuine curiosity and compassion.“Listening is the gateway to healing. It’s how we connect, understand, and ultimately serve better,” Berry said.Six listening strategiesThe researchers explained about six types of listening that improve patient care. Listening that is proximateThe researchers noted that being physically present is important. In an exam room, the provider will be able to understand more than they would from a message or chart note. Ensure your provider spends this focused time with you. Listening that is curiousCuriosity of the provider is crucial. This is when they ask open-ended questions and pay attention to your words, body language, and emotions. This can create space for honest conversation. Questions such as “What are your concerns about the plan of care we’ve discussed?” or “Do you have any questions?” are more than mere niceness. Listening that earns and enables trustThe listening should build trust. Your health care provider should be able to listen to your concerns without judgment, give you their full attention, and treat your input as essential.Listening aided by designThe listening quality can be affected by the design of the clinic or hospital. For instance, if the place is crowded, private conversations cannot happen Simple changes, like sitting during visits or creating ‘talking rooms,’ can make interactions more personal.Listening that empowersListening should result in action, including valuing staff input to improve efficiency.At Hawaii Pacific Health, a program called “Getting Rid of Stupid Stuff” led to hundreds of suggestions, including one that saved nurses 1,700 hours a month by removing a pointless documentation rule. When staff are empowered to speak up, care becomes more efficient, less frustrating, and better for everyone.Listening that fosters resilienceWhen the facility also supports health care workers emotionally, it would improve their ability to support patients. Some hospitals schedule time for these peer connections, creating space for reflection and support. Ask your provider how their health care system supports its workers.Listening is kindness“Do you care enough to listen?” Berry and his co-authors ask, as they emphasize that deep listening benefits all parties: clinician-to-patient; clinician-to-clinician; leader-to-clinical and non-clinical staff. “Your experiences, concerns, and insights are not just helpful, they’re essential. And when your care team listens with empathy and curiosity, it leads to better decisions, stronger relationships, and more personalized care. Kindness is not a luxury in health care; it’s a necessity. And true listening is one of its most powerful expressions,” Berry said.