Acknowledge their feelings as legitimate. "It’s completely normal to feel worried about this procedure." 3. Verbal Clarity and "Plain Language" Medical jargon can be a major barrier to understanding.
Let the patient finish their thought before responding. Research shows that patients, on average, are interrupted within 11–18 seconds of speaking. Skills for communicating with patients
Up to 80% of communication is non-verbal. Patients often trust what they see more than what they hear. Acknowledge their feelings as legitimate
Ask about their preferences or beliefs regarding treatment. "Are there any cultural or religious practices I should be aware of while planning your care?" 6. Managing Difficult Conversations Let the patient finish their thought before responding
Every patient brings a unique cultural background that influences their view of health and medicine. Recognize your own biases.
Explain the risks and benefits of different paths.
Effective communication reduces medical errors, increases patient compliance, and leads to higher satisfaction for both the patient and the provider.