Physician Communication Skills Ruth Schaffan Self-Assessment Survey

One in five patients report communication problems with their doctor.

The Importance of Effective Physician Communication Increases patient satisfaction Improves medical outcomes Decreases malpractice lawsuits

Do physicians believe they communicate effectively with patients?

Methodology Developed one page self-assessment survey Obtained list of physicians from Medical Credentialing Office Mailed to 441 active staff physicians Conducted pilot study

Communication with patients is a major challenge of practicing medicine

How would you rate your overall communication skills with patients? Excellent:20% Very Good:57% Good:22% Fair:1% Poor:0%

How would you rate your overall communication skills with patients?

Physicians need more coaching/training in how to communicate with their patients

The primary area that provided the best training to develop your communication skills with patients

100% of physicians agreed that effective physician communication skills lead to increased patient satisfaction.

96% of the physicians agreed that effective physician communication skills lead to better medical outcomes for patients.

92% of the physicians agreed that a physician’s communication style may influence whether or not a patient will initiate a malpractice lawsuit.

What do you feel are the barriers to effective communication with your patients? Time Patient personality Language Patient cultural diversity Case load

Conclusions Physicians recognize that effective communication with patients: – Increases patient satisfaction – Improves medical outcomes – Decreases the potential for malpractice

Conclusions Physicians perceive they are effective communicators Most physicians recognize the need for additional coaching and/or training

Recommendations Increase 1:1 time with patients Provide techniques to communicate with challenging personalities Encourage use of interpreter services Maintain manageable case loads

Questions