Reassurance

Factors influencing its effectiveness

• Development of trust:
  • • • “Free” trust from being respected as a doctor.
      • The consultation: listening.
• Doctor confidence.
• Exploration of health beliefs.
• The patient’s concept of the illness vs. the doctor’s concept of the illness (Balint).
• Examination can be useful reassurance (reassurance without words).
• Reassurance may well not be necessary:
  • • • Not required by patient.
      • Not required to be given by doctor.