Healthcare Providers

Whether in the busy hospital setting or the doctor’s office, communication between the patient and the healthcare provider is an essential component of effective healthcare. Time-after-time, studies find that a doctor/patient relationship that embraces open, two-way communication is linked to patient satisfaction, compliance to treatment plans, and better health care outcomes.

Did You Know? The American Board of Medical Specialties recently conducted a research study that profiles Effective Doctor-Patient Communication. Stephen H. Miller, M.D., M.P.H., president and CEO for ABMS is quoted as saying, “Physician communication skills are becoming increasingly recognized as being as integral to quality patient care as medical knowledge.”

The Institute for Family-Centered Care provides insight into the meaning of patient and family-centered care. And, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement is working to identify best practices and promising system changes that enable patient-centered care.