Goals of Share

The weekly recap from How To Train Your Doctor​

Happy Sunday, Reader!

This week I published a satirical skit to highlight the communication gap that so often exists between clinicians and families – especially when the topic is the prognosis of a serious illness.

Communication is an interesting thing. It’s easy to forget that our communication preferences are just that – preferences. The way we best deliver and receive information is highly individualized, and those differences can easily lead to misunderstanding. Toss in the uncertainty that’s inherent to medicine, and the odds of miscommunication climb even higher.

But when doctors and families are trying to make high-stakes medical decisions together, clear communication is crucial to delivering values-centered care.

Here's the good news:​
We don’t have to blindly guess each other’s communication style. One of the simplest and most effective things we can do – on both sides of the hospital bed – is just… ask.

Clinicians can ask patients and families:​
​How do you like to receive medical information? What’s “enough” to help you make a decision? Who do you want in the room for important conversations?

For patients and families:​
​If you want the unvarnished truth, say so. If you prefer someone else receive the hard news on your behalf, say that too.

Of course, “simple” doesn’t always mean “easy.” The communication gap is part of being human. But even being aware of that gap can help you navigate tough decisions when it matters most.

Have a wonderful week,

Matt

This week's posts

The (brutally honest) Translator That's one way to bridge the communication gap... Watch Video

Services

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Resources

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Merch

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