Session 111 Allison and Ryan discuss how to improve patient communication which will ultimately lead to better patient outcomes, improved physician satisfaction and so much more! Ryan and Allison are taking another spin in this episode as they talk more about doctor-patient communication. Communication is probably the most important part of healthcare and in building relationships with your patients. Note that a better understanding about your patients leads to better job satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and the outcome as well. And even as a premed, you can learn these skills now. The better communication with your patients, the better you will be at it when you set foot into medical school and so on. This episode has been sparked by a recent article in The New York Times called Doctor, Shut Up and Listen which was written by Dr. Nirmal Joshi. He quotes about a lot of studies that talk about communication breakdown and what that leads to. Additionally, here are some interesting facts and figures that were also mentioned in the article:: In The Joint Commission, they found that communication failure rather than any lack of technical skills or understanding, the communication failure was at the root of over 70% serious adverse health outcomes in hospitals. Two out of three patients leaving the hospital not knowing their diagnosis. 60% of cases where patients walk away from a doctor’s visit not understanding what they’re supposed to do, instructions, counselling, etc. Considering these alarming statistics and the huge, huge impact communication has on improving patient care, Ryan and Allison have laid out six tips on how to improve your communication with patients to better understand and better speak to them. 6 Tips for Better Communication with Your Patients Introduce yourself. Only 1 in 4 doctors don’t introduce themselves. Assumed authority is not cool. Acknowledging not just the patient but also the family members around How to introduce yourself to the patients Saying your name using just your first name vs. adding “Dr.” to your name (What are your thoughts? Leave your comments below.) Identifying yourself clearly as the member on the team Speak in layman’s terms Actively translate technical, medical terms into simpler terms Check if your patients understood you. The “teach back” method Be adaptable. Slow down and adapt to the situation. Attend to other needs/questions of your patients. Show empathy and share a piece of your time with the patient if they threw you a curveball. Gain a better understanding of what’s going on their life Interacting with a noncompliant patient Take the time to know who they are and their life in general. Just be honest. Patients want the truth. Don’t beat around the bush. Be honest to yourself in terms of how you deal with your patients. Be honest when you don’t know something. One more bonus tip! Communicate effectively with your team.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKxjmpD7vfY The New York Times article written by Dr. Nirmal Joshi, Doctor, Shut Up and Listen Episode 66: Physician, Paralympic Athlete and So Much More Listen to our podcast for free at iTunes: medicalschoolhq.net/itunes and leave us a review there! Check out our partner magazine, www.premedlife.com to learn more about awesome premed information.