Enhancing physician-patient communication.

Full Abstract

Physician-patient communication encompasses the verbal and nonverbal interactions that form the basis for the doctor-patient relationship. A growing body of research and guidelines development acknowledges that physicians do not have to be born with excellent communication skills, but rather can learn them as they practice the other aspects of medicine. Improvement in physician-patient communication can result in better patient care and help patients adapt to illness and treatment. In addition, knowledge of communication strategies may decrease stress on physicians because delivering bad news, dealing with patients' emotions, and sharing decision making, particularly around issues of informed consent or when medical information is extremely complex, have been recognized by physicians as communication challenges. This paper will provide an overview of research aimed at improving patient outcome through better physician-patient communication and discuss guidelines and practical suggestions immediately applicable to clinical practice.

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Author information

Author/s: Lee, Stephanie J (SJ); Back, Anthony L (AL); Block, Susan D (SD); Stewart, Susan K (SK);

Affiliation: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Review

Journal: Hematology / the Education Program of the American Society of Hematology. American Society of Hematology. Education Program (Hematology Am Soc Hematol Educ Program), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-; vol (issue ) : pp 464-83

Dates: Created 2002/11/26; Completed 2003/08/27; Revised 2008/02/12;

PMID: 12446437, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Patient Participation - methods
Physician-Patient Relations
Practice Guidelines as Topic
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