General Advice for Patient & Family Encounters

The way we communicate is often more important than our message: tone, volume, cadence

active listening and empathy
setting collaborative agenda with patients for during encounter
identify and meet specific patient concerns (FIFE)
explain clinical evaluation, investigations, and test results in an understandable fashion
collaboratively evaluate information from internet, media, or others
acknowledge and empathize with emotions
incorporate patient's psychological issues into discussions and future follow-up
remain caring and respectful when patients or families become angry or hostile

good communication skills are more efficient;

don't interrupt for 60 seconds!

seek pata data - why are you here?

body language: sit down, raise the bed, eye contact, crossed arms, checking the watch

open-ended questions apre quicker than focused

less unnecessary tests can cut down

"I'd be really interested in hearing more about"

"We need to focus in on..."

figure out your bias, don't ignore it; don't let it get in the way

culture, race, self-inflicted damage (smoking, obesity, drugs, promiscuity)

be wary of closed or suggestive questions

random thoughts

being a doctor is like piloting the plane from the ground;

communication helps make interviews more effective

enhances satisfaction

improve health outcomes

reduces lawsuits

essentials for interviewing

gather as much information as possible, from all possible sources
treat people with the same dignity and respect as you would want your family members treated
don't belittle
demonstrate confidence
be honest; if you're not sure, tell them
don't make promises
don't be confrontational/challenging in your approach
keep your distance and respect personal space; always ask permission first