Practical tips to help physicians improve communication with patients

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• Introduce yourself and your role
• Address the patient by name and use common courtesy
• Make nursing your partner
• Ensure that the patient knows and understands the plan of care
• Explain what the patient can expect (tests, procedures, consultations)
• Address questions
• Understand that house staff, care partners, and consultants impact your communication scores
• Respect the patient's privacy
• Be aware of what you do and say in front of patients
• Include the patient's family when appropriate
• Ask patients and visitors how they are being treated and if they need anything
• Discuss pain management and set expectations
• When necessary, apologize--try to right a wrong
• Role model good behavior and address bad behavior