Which communication technique involves repeating what the patient has said?

The correct choice, which involves repeating what the patient has said, is reflective listening. This technique is fundamental in the healthcare setting because it helps ensure that the patient feels heard and understood. By paraphrasing or mirroring the patient’s words, the healthcare provider can show empathy and validate the patient's feelings and concerns. It also allows for any misunderstandings to be addressed immediately, as the patient has the opportunity to clarify or elaborate on their statements.

In contrast, active listening encompasses a broader range of skills, including not just repeating but also observing non-verbal cues and providing feedback to demonstrate engagement. While active listening includes aspects of reflective listening, it is more comprehensive and not limited to simply repeating what the patient has said.

Verbal summarization involves synthesizing and condensing what the patient has communicated into a brief summary, highlighting key points for confirmation rather than just repeating their words.

Empathetic responding refers to acknowledging and validating the emotions expressed by the patient, often going beyond mere repetition to connect with their feelings at a deeper level. This technique also reinforces the emotional aspect of communication, but does not focus solely on restating the patient's words.

Overall, reflective listening is distinctly characterized by the act of repeating the patient's words to build rapport and understanding,