Effective Patient Communication: Strategies for Challenging Situations
Poor communication often results in poor treatment outcomes and patient dissatisfaction. Working with unhappy patients is more difficult and can add stress to an environment that may already be burdened by staff shortages and burnout.
For these patients, an ounce of skilled communication may prevent a pound of harm for everyone involved.
Our patient safety and risk management guide can help you improve communication with patients and families.
The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each healthcare provider considering the circumstances of the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.
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