The foundation of trust is a good relationship. Good relationships are built upon effective communication. Discussions about high-value care can sometimes feel awkward. To patients it can seem like we are simply saying things like, “no antibiotics for that cold.” “No MRI for your sore back.” “No steroid injection for your sore elbow.” “Maybe we should skip the test for cancer.”
People don’t seek care for symptoms alone. They seek care for symptoms plus concern. Learning how to effectively elicit, normalize, and address these concerns is key to developing effective partnerships. The key elements are compassion and empathy.
Communication science can help us strategize, “script,” and practice effective approaches. While this is an emerging area of interest and study, in this module we provide some tips for effective communication with patients and colleagues.
This module was created in conjunction with communications experts at the Center for Health Communication, a collaboration between the Dell Medical School and the Moody School of Communication at the University of Texas at Austin.
