Putting it all together: Effective communication for impactful patient education
Effective communication in patient education often requires a combination of verbal, non-verbal, and written strategies tailored to the patient’s needs. Let’s summarise the key approaches:
- Use clear, simple language and avoid medical jargon.
- Engage in active listening, actively validate patient concerns and encourage discussion.
- Foster shared decision-making through actively involving patients in treatment choices.
- Be mindful of non-verbal cues, maintain open body language and appropriate eye contact.
- Provide simple, clear written materials to reinforce key messages and improve retention and help patient’s make informed decisions.
- Consider the use of digital tools where appropriate to support and reinforce patient learning.
