Use visual aids to teach patients and improve decision making

We all know that physician-patient communication is important. Poor communication, not deficient clinical skill, is the primary driver of malpractice suits; conversely, good clinical communication alone can improve patient outcomes. For example, patients of physicians with superior communication skills have been shown to have superior blood pressure control.  Fortunately, physicians generally recognize the significance of good communication, and often take the time to ensure that it happens.  Yet there remains a major challenge that these efforts do not address — that of managing numeracy, the ability of patients to make sense of numbers. Continue reading ... Your patients are rating you online: How to respond. Manage your online reputation: A social media guide. Find out how.
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Family Physicians Tags: Conditions Heart Patients Primary care Source Type: blogs