What message does avoiding eye contact while communicating with a patient convey?

Avoiding eye contact while communicating with a patient commonly conveys a message of being uninterested. When a healthcare professional maintains good eye contact, it demonstrates attentiveness and engagement in the conversation. Conversely, failing to make eye contact can suggest to the patient that the provider is not fully focused on them or their needs, which may be interpreted as a lack of interest in the patient’s concerns or feelings. This is particularly important in a therapeutic setting, as the patient may feel dismissed or undervalued if eye contact is lacking.

While other interpretations, such as being distracted or in a hurry, may also be relevant in different contexts, the primary connotation of avoiding eye contact centers around a perceived disconnection from the interaction, highlighting the importance of non-verbal cues in effective communication.