Provider-Patient Communication Tools

According to a study conducted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, due to new methods of delivering and financing health care, the challenge of providing effective communication is more pressing than ever before. Provider-patient communication is key in the successful diagnosis and treatment of any illness or disease. Prior to becoming a physician, medical students are taught to be professional, uphold a patient's dignity and respect the privacy of all patients. Patients need to have confidence in their doctors and feel they can discuss any issue with them. Doctor-patient relationships are built on trust, knowledge, mutual respect, values, perspective and availability. Open communication is the key in an effective relationship between a doctor and a patient.

Expectations

• When people are looking for a doctor, they have many concerns and expectations. According to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA), patient expectations vary from patient to patient based upon the individual's needs and desires.

  Patients want to be treated with dignity and respect. They also want a doctor who is easy to talk to, listens well, spends time with them and truly cares about their health and well being.

  According to the AAPA, patients want doctors who are up on the latest medical techniques and research, are available and promptly answer all questions and concerns.

  Patients and doctors should both set reasonable expectations for a provider-patient relationship.

For Patients

• Become the model patient. As a patient, do not miss any of your medical appointments. Regular contact with your doctor is important in developing a good relationship and maximizing the outcome of your care according to the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

  The Robert Wood Foundation recommends that you educate yourself on your illness or condition. Know the causes, risks, treatments and prognosis. If there is something you do not understand about your illness, do not be afraid to ask.

  Between appointments, take notes. If you think of a question, write it down, and bring your notes with you to your next appointment. This ensures that that you will remember to ask the questions that are most important to you as a patient.

  Model patients should also be honest. If you do not understand, ask. If you do not feel like a treatment is helping, say so.

  Finally, always remember to follow the advice of your doctor.

For Doctors

• Exceed the expectations of your patients. A majority of patients expect to wait to see their doctor; show respect for your patients by arriving on time.

  Before meeting with a patient, review his chart. Take note of her previous questions and concerns. Showing an interest in your patient will allow him to be more at ease with you as their provider, according to the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).

  Let the patient talk.The AAPA also recommends not interrupting the patient when she is speaking. Listen to his concerns and then address these concerns when the patient has finished speaking.

  Providers should also address their patients in a friendly and pleasant tone. No patient wants to meet with a doctor who comes across as rude or uninterested.

  After examining a patient, doctors should empower patients to make healthy decisions. Doctors should also follow up with patients, especially when the doctor orders tests or refers the patient to a specialist.