Communicating health information to patients

ABSTRACT

@#In evidence-based family practice, we place great emphasis on shared decision-making with the goal of helping patients make informed decisions about their care and subsequently to improve patient health outcomes. Appropriate decision-making in family practice is affected by information delivery and patient education and interpersonal clinician-patient communication. Effective communication is essential for improved health outcomes, adherence to treatment and patient satisfaction. Informed patients are more likely to participate actively in their care, make wiser decisions, come to a common understanding with their physicians, and adhere more fully to treatment. Communicating evidence can transform a physician-dominated relationship into one that is patient-centered relationship. Techniques to improve patient communication have been associated with greater satisfaction especially when patients are involved in the decision-making process. Research about medical evidence in a particular clinical encounter has shown equally important elements a) expertise of the provider; b) medical evidence; and c) the patient’s preferences, goals and concerns. These elements though separate, but when combined, results to a well-informed medical decision emphasizing the role of medical evidence in future communication and patient-engagement activities. Models of patient-centered communication are recommended.