How to Create Effective Communication Between Doctors and Patients

Effective communication is necessary to create a quality relationship between doctors and their patients. Doctors' schedules are usually busy, leaving them less time than they would like for each patient. Effective communication makes for productive time with the patient to help resolve medical issues. By keeping the channel of communication open, doctors can be sure that their patients feel comfortable around them. Creating effective communication also helps prevent misunderstandings regarding care.

Instructions

• 1

  Prepare a list of questions for the doctor before the appointment. Even if time is limited, having a list of questions will help keep the visit on track. According to Medical News Today website, doctors should also always encourage patients to ask questions about their medical care. This will also ensure that the patient believes that the appointment was productive.

• 2

  Check for misunderstandings between the doctor and patient. To prevent misunderstandings regarding medical care, doctors should verify that their patients understands what was discussed during the appointments, as well as any instructions they were given about care.

• 3

  Involve the patient in medical decisions. Doctors should ask patients their opinions on introducing new medication or new plans for care. Though the doctor is more knowledgeable about care, the patient should be incorporated in the decision-making process, so she feels respected and involved. According to the "British Medical Journal," patients who think that they are not involved in decisions about their care tend to leave their doctors.