RP401 – USAFP 2017: Communication



Session Readings

 

Background:

Given that over 80% of diagnoses come from learning the patient’s story, and that eliciting this story relies on effective interpersonal engagement, it comes as no surprise that the ability to communicate effectively is an essential tool for every physician.  Not only does effective communication improve our diagnostic accuracy, it also allows us to better understand our patient’s context, and thereby to develop individualized treatment plans that are likely to be successful.

While this sounds straightforward, we are all aware of situations in which we have faced challenges communicating with our patients, their families, and our colleagues.   Consequently, considering these experiences, our reactions when they occur, the sources of those reactions, how those reactions impacted the care we delivered, and developing a plan to better cope with similar situations in the future is likely to improve our ability to care for our patients, interact with our colleagues, and develop personally and professionally.

Assignment (2 steps):

1. Reflect on a situation in which you had challenges communicating effectively with one of your patients and/or their family.  Come to the small group session with notes that:

  • Describe the situation. Be prepared to set the stage, being specific to others more fully appreciate the context of the situation.
  • Examine your affective (emotional) and cognitive reactions to the challenges you had communicating with your patient/their family.
  • Discuss whether this was how you thought you would react in such a situation. How have you reacted to similar situations in the past?
  • Analyze the ways in which your reactions impacted the care your patient received. NOTE: our reactions usually impact the care we deliver, the challenge is whether we are able to recognize this in, or after the moment.
  • Describe the insights you gained about yourself through reflecting on this experience and how you think it will impact your future practice of medicine.

2. Select one or more of the above resources to review prior to the small group session and come prepared to discuss what you found insightful about it.

New York TimesSunday Dialogue: Conversations between Doctor and Patient A series of letters that debate whether clinicians should be assertive or let the patient decide.
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TEDxYour Body Language Shapes Who You Are While we may be able to identify what body language implies about mood, we are less aware that body language can actually influence it. The implications for communication with patients and colleagues may be profound.
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New York TimesDoctor, Shut Up and Listen by Nirmal Joshi Listening and empathy aren’t just tools to help us be nicer – they improve patient outcomes.
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RSA ShortWhat is Empathy? An Animated RSA Short In this animated short, Dr. Brene Brown explains how empathy enhances connection while sympathy promotes disconnection.
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TEDx10 ways to have a better conversation Right now America is more polarized than ever. Our lack of effective communication is one of the main contributors to this polarization. In this TED talk, Celeste Headlee outlines some effective strategies for having a healthy conversation.
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Session originally created by: Adam Saperstein | | |