Monday, December 1, 2008
- Communicate by using a professional demeanor and using a positive, supportive approach.
- Address patients formally; do not use their first name unless specifically invited to do so.
- Create a "shame-free"; environment. If patients appear to have difficulty learning new information, let them know that many people find complicated information hard to understand.
- Note any special needs such as hearing or visual impairments and adapt accordingly.
- Fashion a safe environment where patients feel comfortable talking openly with you.
- Use plain language instead of technical language or medical jargon.
- Sit down with patients to achieve eye-level communication.
- Use simplistic visual models to illustrate a procedure or condition.
- If you need to use an abbreviation or acronym, explain it and give an example.
- Reinforce your verbal instruction with written instructional tools, and encourage patients to share them with family members.
- Use simple line drawings to illustrate key concepts.
- Suggest that patients take notes to help remember instructions.
- Verify patients' understanding by having them repeat the important information back to you.
Theresa Shumard is a longtime sleep technician and medical columnist who works for DeVilbiss Healthcare in the role of clinical sleep specialist, sleep advocate and manager of education and clinical services. She publishes a blog titled "Let's Talk Sleep" at www.letstalksleep.blogspot.com for medical professionals in the sleep disorders community. You can reach her at theresa.shumard@devilbisshc.com.
