SOCRATES – YES communication model in medicine – a new paradigmatic framework for improving clinical and organizational communication
Autori:
Zoran Tomić, Danijela Marojević Tomić, Ivan Eugen Tomić
Sažetak
Summary
Communication in medicine is much more than the exchange of information. It is a bridge between people who find themselves in emotionally intense, life-critical, hierarchically sensitive, and time-pressured situations. Despite existing communication protocols, clinical practice still lacks a metaprinciple that encompasses all levels of communication within the healthcare system. The aim is to present and conceptually ground an integrative SOCRATES–YES communication model, based on Socrates’ method of guiding toward affirmative responses, and to consider its applicability across different forms of medical communication (physician–patient, physician–
family, physician–student, interdisciplinary teams, and organizational management). The paper is structured as a narrative, theoretical, and professional overview, drawing on relevant literature from medical communication studies, psychology, and communication theory. It proposes an integrative model and analyzes its application in clinical and organizational practice. The SOCRATES–YES model synthesizes Socrates’ method of eliciting affirmative responses, validation, emotional intelligence, and relational communication theory. The model consists of six steps: initial alignment, validation, Socratic guidance, formulating information and recommendations, feedback, and the concluding “yes” with encouragement. Through examples, this approach is shown to reduce defensiveness, facilitate acceptance of medical information and decisions, and improve collaboration at all levels of the system. The SOCRATES–YES model represents an original, simple, and widely applicable communication framework in medicine. Its use can enhance relationships with patients and their families, support student education, increase the efficiency of consultations, and reduce resistance to organizational change. As a metaprinciple, the model can be integrated into educational programs and clinical protocols to improve healthcare quality.