Navigating Communication with Seriously Ill Patients: Balancing Honesty with Empathy and Hope

Effective clinical communication is essential for patient retention,trust,and quality of life. This book provides a how-to guide for improving communication skills,with a focus on patient-centered care and addressing privilege,race,and power in the medical encounter. It offers practical tools and skills to help clinicians be clearer,more competent,and effective in their communication with patients.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Effective communication between clinicians and patients is crucial for improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of life. When clinicians communicate effectively, patients retain more information, build trust, and experience better health outcomes. A patient-centered approach, which prioritizes the needs and preferences of the patient, is the future of clinical care. This book provides a comprehensive guide on improving communication skills for clinicians, with a focus on patient-centered care.

The book is grounded in innovative and evidence-based methodology, honed through over twenty years of teaching in the VitalTalk training program. It covers foundational communication skills, such as active listening, empathy, and effective questioning. It also provides practical strategies for helping patients plan for the future, addressing challenging situations, and resolving conflicts with colleagues.

In this updated edition, the book emphasizes the roles of privilege, race, and power play in the medical encounter. It offers new tools and insights to help clinicians navigate this complex landscape with greater self-awareness and sensitivity. The book provides skills and roadmaps for clinicians to become more effective in sharing information, understanding patient concerns, and making recommendations.

By implementing these communication skills and approaches, clinicians can enhance patient engagement, build stronger relationships, and deliver high-quality care that meets the individual needs of their patients. This book is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals seeking to improve their communication skills and deliver patient-centered care.

Weight: 430g
Dimension: 228 x 155 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108925853
Edition number: 2 Revised edition