Medical Consultation – Resonating with Patients, not exchanging digital information

Historically, the medical consultation has been seen as a process during which patterns of words/meanings are exchanged between individuals, in the same way that digital computers exchange information. Recent developments have characterised the human brain as using analogue processes. This suggests that human interaction should instead be seen as a process of resonance or synchronisation. The implication is that teachers should recognise communication as a complex, highly personal ability developed through life long experience and that success should be seen as staff being able to resonate with their patients and effectively ‘feel what they feel’.