Page 21 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part One

SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication

her healthcare, which means the process should not take place

after certain medications have been administered or in a rushed
fashion just prior to a procedure.

Educate patients on the

reality of their situation
or medical condition.

Patients need to
understand that even

with all the medical
advances and

technology we enjoy
today, it is still possible

to experience less than
ideal outcomes which could not be predicted or prevented.

Unrealistic expectations on the part of the patient can work
quickly to destroy rapport. Therefore, efforts should be made to

keep expectations realistic. Well-meaning statements meant to
comfort an anxious patient (i.e., “Don’t worry, we will make you

well.” or “Don’t worry, this surgery will fix the problem.”) can
contribute to a patient’s unrealistic expectations. Remember,

false reassurances intended to calm anxious patients may create
unrealistic expectations.

Informed consent may be either express or implied. Express
consent is given in writing or verbally and generally speaking, is

required for surgery, anesthesia, invasive treatments, and those
situations specifically defined by statute as requiring consent

(for example, HIV testing). Consent not given by a patient in
writing or verbally but understood from the circumstances

surrounding the procedure or treatment at issue, is known as
implied consent. Implied consent normally is given in routine

office practice. Implied consent may be inferred when a patient

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