Transforming the traditional doctor-patient relationship with effective communication

    The doctor-patient relationship is the core element of the healthcare system. A fundamental dynamic of the patient-provider relationship includes effective communication. The ultimate goal of effective communication is to enhance patient health outcomes and satisfaction. There are various other tangible benefits associated with good communication between doctors and patients, which may include:
  • Studies show that positive correlation between effective communication and health outcomes
  • Multiple studies also highlight the positive link between doctors’ effective communication and patient satisfaction.

Problems that arise in the doctor-patient relationship:

In the modern era, there are seismic transitions in the healthcare system. Today, patients play the role of health consumers and actively participate in medical decision-making. Despite the shift, this conventional relationship between a doctor and a patient is fraught with various complications. These issues often crumble the critical patient-provider communication and result in adverse consequences. 

Some problems that arise between doctors and patients include the following: 

 

Lack of adherence:

Lack of adherence is a serious issue that impacts the patients and the entire health care unit. Quality healthcare relies upon patients’ commitment to the treatment and therapies recommended by the doctors. According to statistics, more than 40 per cent of patients are vulnerable to significant risks by misunderstanding or neglecting the healthcare advice of their doctors. 


Racial disparities:

The disproportionate racial matching of patients and doctors inhibits effective communication. Constricted knowledge of the advantages of preventive care, cultural differences, inadequate health coverage, lack of physician recommendation and trust are some of the significant barriers contributing to racial disparities. Moreover, racial and ethnic minority groups are susceptible to limited healthcare literacy. 


Poor engagement:

In various circumstances, Patient care suffers due to poor engagement. Without adequate physician engagement, success and provision of quality healthcare are impossible. Some obstacles that result in poor engagement include barriers by patients due to cultural differences, unwillingness and ineffective education. On the other hand, high workload, negative attitude towards matters related to Patient safety, and reluctance on the part of doctors may also result in poor engagement. 


Poor outcomes:

Adverse doctor-patient relations can alter quality interaction and health outcomes for patients. It may even impact emotional health, symptom resolution, function and physiological measures. 


Why is effective communication critical?

Clear and effective communication may nurture patient trust in therapeutic relationships with their physician. Moreover, it also mitigates the risks of non-adherence. It also enables healthcare professionals to understand the crucial elements of patient adherence, including cultural norms and emotional challenges. Physicians also gain an opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the patient story and their rare symptoms and illness experiences. 


Call to action:

Modern times call for a modern solution. Use our communication planning application and ultimate patient empowerment solution available to individuals with IOS cellphones. Learn how to effectively tell a patient’s story within minutes and ask the right questions from your health provider during your health appointment. The application also renders an opportunity to gain credible video content related to chronic health conditions, including cancer and other health complications. 


Patient experience leaders: 

Our effective patient solution helps providers elicit the patient list while keeping them actively engaged and simultaneously reducing burnout among healthcare workers.

 

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