'Effective communication & empathy key factor in doctor-

Effective communication and empathy are the key factors in interaction between doctors and patients, participants at a clinical medicine conference said here on Friday.

The Medicon Internation conference is being jointly organized by a private city-based super speciality hospital group, Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh and West Bengal Chapter of Association of Physicians of India.

"It is essential for us to understand the importance of engagement between medical professionals and patients in society in a way and in a language they understand," patron of the organising committee of the Medicon International 2019 and eminent physician Dr Sujit Kar Purkayastha said during the inauguration of the two-day conference.

Pointing out that doctors and medical staff are rising to the fact that every patient is unique having different background, needs and understanding, Purkayastha said effective communication and empathy should take centre stage in doctor-patient interaction.

President of the Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh, Prof Derek Bell said, "The reality is that the doctor-patient relationship is always special. We have to ensure it continues to be special."