Communicating with your patient and their families:
Quality communication can improve patient outcomes, here are some valuable resources to help you get there.
Strong communication skills help prenatal and postpartum providers understand their patients’ symptoms, making it easier to diagnose and treat accordingly. Communication skills form the foundation of a positive patient-provider relationship leading to greater patient satisfaction and better patient outcomes. When patients are engaged in their healthcare, it can lead to improvements in safety and quality. It is important to take steps that make them feel understood and valued during their visit with you.
Here are some tips (adapted from Stanford Medicine) to help improve communication skills for yourself and your staff:
Prepare for each visit
by taking a minute to review the patient’s chart before the clinical encounter so that you can make the interaction more personal.
Take time to really listen to your patients
and answer their specific questions. Do not interrupt or rush patients, and when they have a concern, address that concern. Do not dismiss it. Keep your body language open and receptive (i.e., do not cross your arms, look at your watch, etc.). Do not provide generic information—tailor what you say for that patient.
Take each patient’s personal circumstances into account
because those circumstances can impact their health and outcomes. Make sure you acknowledge successes and give guidance for challenges they are facing. A personalized approach will improve satisfaction.
Don’t forget to watch your patient’s body language
because it can tell you more than what the patient is telling you.
Summarize your conversation
at the end and give your patient a chance to ask any additional questions.
Professional Development Courses for Providers communication skills
