Page 14 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part One

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

From a safety standpoint, patient outcomes depend on

successful communication. Open communication increases
the likelihood that the physician will be provided with more

complete information, and the better the information, the
more likely it is that the patient will receive the best possible

quality of care. Open-ended conversation such as Tell me how
you’re feeling today or Describe your abdominal pain, and so

on will provide the detailed responses necessary to ensure
quality communication. Questions requiring a simple Yes or

No response may not be successful in communicating the
patient’s story. Successful communication leads to a more

accurate diagnosis and a better treatment plan. It may also well
be that, in the long term, effective communication skills save

time by increasing patient adherence to treatment. Successful
communication may not only promote long-term better health

for the patient and reduce potential liability, but also reduce the
need for follow-up calls and visits.

The foundation for a positive physician-patient interaction

is created by establishing a partnership with the patient
and developing and maintaining meaningful dialogue.

Accomplishing this in a brief office visit may be challenging, but
with adequate planning, these encounters can be structured in

a positive way. Improving communication with patients, listening
to their concerns, and facilitating active partnerships should

be central to any patient safety strategy. This paradigm of
2
communication may be a marked departure from the traditional

doctor-centered model.

2 https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2011/05/
partnering-with-patients-to-improve-safety

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