Better communication with patients essential for better hospital

By Kim Tae-jong

What’s the most important element to make a hospital a top-class one? People may say it’s state-of-art medical equipment or skillful doctors.

For Kim Young-seol, dean of the medical school of Kyung Hee University, the answer is rather simple ― the medical staff’s thoughtful care for their patients.

“Doctors should first communicate with patients, fully considering their situation, as a first step to offering quality medical services,” Kim said. “That’s the most important factor that makes a high-class hospital.”

Patients often feel doctors are unfriendly, which consequently makes them think medical services or treatments are unsatisfying, he said.