This paper seeks to explore the application of neurobiology to further understanding the importance of developing, refining and modelling good bedside manner in psychiatry. The concept of a social synapse is used as a framework to understand the impact of verbal and non-verbal information that crosses between two attuned individuals. Research shows that widely distributed cortical and subcortical networks are involved in processing of social information and the perception of safety.
Conclusions:
Good bedside manner is proposed as the ability of a clinician to navigate the social synapse and make a patient feel at ease. Findings from neurobiology suggest that good bedside manner needs to be a more considered component of effective psychiatric health care.
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