Disseminating effective clinician communication techniques: Engaging clinicians to want to learn how to engage patients. Issue 10 (October 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pollak, Kathryn I.; Back, Anthony L.; Tulsky, James A.
• Is Part Of: Patient education and counseling. Volume 100:Issue 10(2017)
• Page Start: 1951
• Page End: 1954
• Publication Date: 2017-10
• Subjects: Communication -- Teaching -- Disseminating; Patient education -- Periodicals; Health counseling -- Periodicals; Health education -- Periodicals; Counseling -- Periodicals; Patient Education -- Periodicals; Éducation des patients -- Périodiques; Counseling -- Périodiques; Éducation sanitaire -- Périodiques; 615.5071
• DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2017.05.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0738-3991

Abstract

Abstract: Patient-clinician communication that promotes patient engagement enhances health care quality. Yet, disseminating effective communication interventions to practicing clinicians remains challenging. Current methods do not have large and sustainable effects. In this paper, we argue that both top-down approaches (mandated by institutions) should be coupled with bottom-up approaches that address clinician motivation, confidence, and barriers. We need to engage clinicians in the same way we ask them to engage patients – strategically and with empathy. We discuss potentially innovative strategies to integrate top-down and bottom-up approaches in ways that fit clinicians' busy schedules and can inform policy.