Can you give an example of how you have exercised excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a professional setting, especially in the context of patient care?

Well, I think a good example of me using good communication and interpersonal skills is when I dealt with this one patient who was very anxious about his upcoming trip to Africa. He had a lot of questions about vaccines and whether he would get sick. I took the time to explain all the necessary precautions and procedures, kept a calm tone the entire time, and tried to reassure him as much as possible. That seemed to put his mind at ease.

A couple of years ago, I was working with a patient who was planning a trip to several countries in Africa. The patient was particularly nervous about the health risks associated with the trip. I realised that simply giving the standard advice wouldn't suffice in this case. I made sure I thoroughly explained the recommended vaccinations based on the destination countries, possible exposure to diseases, and underlying health conditions. I talked him through each vaccination and the diseases they prevent. I also provided him with the CDC’s information sheets about each vaccine for his reference. Additionally, I emphasized the importance of hand hygiene, food safety tips, and things to pack in his travel health kit. I patiently answered all his questions to make sure he left feeling reassured and well-informed about his travel health precautions.

This answer demonstrates a higher level of detail about the care the candidate provided to their patient. It shows how the candidate took responsibility for educating the patient and tailored their approach to address the patient's specific concerns and queries. However, although the answer reflects the candidate’s role as a communicator, it could include more details about their interpersonal skills, taking feedback, and modifying advice accordingly.

As a Nurse Practitioner in a busy travel clinic, I once had a patient who was understandably anxious about travelling to East Africa. He was elderly, diabetic, and it was his first trip abroad. Recognizing the need for a detailed and patient approach, I started our consultation by asking about his concerns, which encompassed fears from having a diabetic emergency to contracting Malaria or Yellow Fever. I used this as a foundation to personalise my communication. I explained the travel-related health risks in detail and provided concrete preventive measures. I ensured he understood the significance of managing his sugar levels during the trip, the importance of staying hydrated, and eating safe food. I walked him through each necessary vaccine, and why they were critical to his travel in layman's terms. I supplemented our discussion with CDC’s visual aids and handouts about each disease and vaccination to reinforce understanding. I made sure to provide clear instructions for managing a diabetic emergency while travelling, offered written instructions, and showcased a demonstration of a glucometer. Post-consultation, I followed up with him to inquire if he faced any issues with the vaccination side effects or had any further queries regarding his travel health. This thorough approach helped alleviate his fears and resulted in a successful, uncomplicated trip, which he expressed gratitude for in a subsequent follow-up appointment.

This answer is exceptional because it provides a concrete example of the candidate using excellent communication and interpersonal skills. It shows the candidate's ability to provide personalized, comprehensive, patient-centred care. They foster therapeutic relationships by listening and addressing each concern, using visual aids, and following up post-consultation. It illustrates a strong sense of dedication towards educating the patient, caring empathetically combined with their comprehensive knowledge in travel medicine.