Why measuring how well doctors communicate with their patients is important
When doctors communicate well, patients are more likely to feel that they are well-informed and involved in their health care decisions. This leads to a better understanding of diagnoses, treatments, and self-care options. Doctors’ clear and honest communication can help patients stay healthy, or if patients are sick, get better faster.
MHQP asked four questions on the adult survey to measure how well doctors communicate with patients:
- During your most recent visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?
- During your most recent visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?
- During your most recent visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?
- During your most recent visit, did this provider spend enough time with you?
MHQP asked nine questions on the pediatric survey to measure communication:
- Did this provider give you enough information about what was discussed during the visit when you were not there?
- Is your child able to talk with this provider about his or her health care?
- During your child’s most recent visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy for your child to understand?
- During your child’s most recent visit, did this provider listen carefully to your child?
- Did this provider give you enough information about what you needed to do to follow up on your child’s care?
- During your child’s most recent visit, did this provider explain things about your child’s health in a way that was easy to understand?
- During your child’s most recent visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?
- During your child’s most recent visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?
- During your child’s most recent visit, did this provider spend enough time with your child?
What you can do to better communicate with your doctor
- Speak up if you want your doctor to make eye contact. This means the doctor looks at you rather than at a computer or someone else. Tell the doctor if you prefer that you both sit down when talking.
- Ask your doctor to repeat back what you just said. That helps make sure that he or she clearly understands you.
- After your appointment, call the doctor's office if you have questions or concerns. You might ask to meet again with the doctor, either in person or by phone. Find out if there is someone else in the office you should speak with instead.
- Speak up about topics that matter most to you. For instance, if your doctor is talking a lot about reasons for a treatment, speak up if you would rather hear more about its side effects.
- Say something if you think your doctor is not being respectful. For instance you might say, "I feel like you are not really listening to me."
- Make a list of questions and concerns before meeting with your doctor. Bring this list to your appointment and refer to it while talking with the doctor. You might also bring a pencil or pen to write notes about what was discussed.
What your doctor can do to better communicate with you
- Your doctor should clearly explain medical problems. This includes:
- What your medical problem is, or might be.
- How he or she plans to diagnose this problem.
- What you can do to care for this problem at home.
- What kind of medicine to take, along with how much and how often to take it.
- When you can expect to start feeling better.
- Your doctor should pay close attention to what you say. He or she may repeat back what you said, or ask more questions. Your doctor will likely also write notes in your chart or enter information in the computer about what you discussed.
- Your doctor should show respect. This means that he or she asks about and respects your feelings, beliefs, and values when it comes to treatment and care.
