Bedside Manner: Can it be Taught?

Bedside manner is a term usually associated with physicians, not nurses. Is that because the Angel of Mercy stereotype expects that nurses are innately equipped with ideal skills for interacting on all levels with patients and their families, relegating bedside manner to a non-issue status? Not necessarily so.

I mention the topic because I was reading an article about the bedside manner of physicians and how it is addressed (or not) as part of the medical school curriculum. One faculty member stated that bedside manner cannot be taught—you either have it or you don’t.

Oh, my! I certainly disagree with that statement. Of course, bedside manner can be taught. To say it can’t be done is to excuse the behavior of those who aren’t willing to learn.

There are many facets involved in getting the message across to medical students and residents, but perhaps the most important one, according to a recent study, is the modeling of what constitutes good bedside manner by faculty and attending physicians.

The study took place at five major medical centers and involved a cadre of physicians who met weekly for behavior exercises and discussions to improve their interactions with patients. The idea was that when they put their newfound skills to use, the students and residents would learn by observation. Using a control group for comparison, the results of the study proved modeling to be highly effective.

It was the modeling aspect that caught my attention because of a foolish and imprudent willingness to model my behavior after a nurse who was not the best example. The emergency room was my nursing milieu of choice and the head nurse of the department was highly skilled and capable. She was also tough and crusty, as opposed to warm and fuzzy, and sharp-tongued remarks by her to staff and patients alike were the norm.

It is embarrassing to think about now (and has been for many, many years), but for much too long I imitated her behavior, that bordered on rude, if not crude. It seemed to be the ER culture and I allowed myself to fall right into it. Those who know me now would have a hard time believing that conformity was ever important to me but I think wanting to fit in had something to do with my less than ideal behavior.

My message to nurses is that bedside manner is important, especially in the presence of young or new nurses. The main benefit, of course, is to the patient but being a good example to other nurses ultimately benefits greater numbers of patients. It is a simple, but sometimes overlooked, premise that the most effective teaching is often done by example.

Any thoughts on this subject are welcomed.