Three communication techniques you can use to support an anxious patient

Effect of waiting room ambience on the stress and anxiety of patients undergoing medical treatment
This systematic review and meta-analysis, published in Advances in Integrative Medicine, examines how the ambience of medical waiting rooms influences patient stress and anxiety levels. The authors identify key environmental factors that significantly impact patient emotional states, such as music, aromas, and (surprisingly) the presence of aquariums. The findings can act as a source of inspiration to create thoughtfully designed waiting rooms that can alleviate pre-treatment anxiety and enhance the overall care experience.

Validation: Defusing intense emotions
This Harvard Health article emphasises the power of emotional validation, and why our attempts might not be successful (hint: it does not work, if you don’t give it enough time to sink in!). The simple techniques explained here are particularly helpful when treating patients experiencing strong emotions.

‘Toxic positivity’ denies real feelings. Here’s how to do better.
In this short piece, columnist Steven Petrow explores the topic of toxic positivity and how the upbeat phrases we often say in an attempt to cheer someone up are an (unintentional) act of emotional suppression. With input from Harvard psychologist Susan David, he gives actionable advice on how to avoid these dismissive platitudes and what to do instead.

Shame in patient-health professional encounters: A scoping review
A review investigating the role of shame in interactions between patients and health professionals. While the primary focus is on shame, the review also considers related emotions such as guilt, embarrassment, and humiliation. The study aims to understand how these emotions manifest during clinical encounters and their impact on patient care.