What should be assessed to understand a patient's comfort level with eye contact?

Understanding a patient's comfort level with eye contact is intricately linked to cultural factors. Different cultures have distinct norms regarding eye contact, which can significantly influence a person's comfort and willingness to engage in it. For some cultures, direct eye contact is a sign of confidence and honesty, while in others, it may be considered disrespectful or invasive. Therefore, assessing how cultural background impacts a patient's perception of eye contact is crucial in establishing effective communication and ensuring the patient feels comfortable. Recognizing these cultural differences allows healthcare providers to adapt their communication style to meet the patient's needs, fostering better rapport and understanding.