Patients are often overwhelmed by the amount of medical knowledge that is being presented to them. They often don’t think their doctors explain it to them well enough. In contrast, doctors believe the patient doesn’t always listen or follow their advice as they should. Misinterpretations or lack of good communication is not just frustrating but can be dangerous. I find many times a patient comes to me from another doctor’s visit and do not understand what was told to them.
How Can Doctors Improve Their Communication With Their Patients?
1. Listen! This is the most important thing. It is sometimes difficult when we are so harried, but oftentimes if we listen carefully enough, the patient will give us an answer. Not all diagnoses need to be made with a costly medical test. Sometimes, chest pain is not a heart attack but just a nasty encounter with a boss.
2. Explain! It is easy just to hand over a prescription for a medication. But, if the patient doesn’t know why they are taking it, chances are they won’t be taking it as they should.
3. Advise! We are not there to dictate treatment plans to patients. We are there to give the best advice and let patients decide what is best for them. They may not always agree with us, but the final decision rests with them.
4. Repeat! Patients may not always get it at the first pass. Say it in different ways and ask questions to make sure they understand what you are telling them. Many times we talk in medical terms that patients may not understand.
5. Nurture! Be kind and caring. Try to understand what the patient is feeling. Address their fears and help them cope with uncertainties.
What Can Patients Do To Improve Their Communication With Doctors?
1. Listen! It goes both ways. Doctors are asking you something or telling you something for a reason. Listen to what they are saying. You may not agree with them but keep an open mind.
2. Ease up! Patients expect perfection in their doctors. We are human. We get tired, hungry, etc. We may not be having our best day. When a patient gets angry at us, it may because we are having a bad day. Your anger may be justified but ease up a little and try to see it through the doctor’s viewpoint. And getting aggressive or hostile is never going to get you anywhere with your doctor. We remember those things.
3. Ask! I find many patients coming from their specialists with questions. I try to answer them but don’t always know what the specialist was thinking. Ask! Speak up! Advocate on your behalf!
4. Relax! Many patients are nervous coming to the doctor and they forget concerns that they had wanted addressed. The doctor is their to help you and has your best interests at heart.
5. Notate! Write your questions and concerns down and bring that with you. Make notes at the visit if you find this beneficial. If a doctor recommends a medication over-the-counter, ask them to write the name for you if you are unsure.
Much has been said about the doctor-patient relationship and I think it often needs to improve. It is not a one-way street and both sides need to make an effort. Understanding is key to a patient following medical advise and their needs to be an understanding on both sides.
