Health care providers can learn to communicate better with
patientsDecember 19th, 2012 in Health Medical students, doctors
and nurses can be taught to use a more holistic, patient-
centered approach during medical consultations, focusing on the
person and not just their medical complaint, finds a new review
in The Cochrane Library. Furthermore, short term training (less
than 10 hours) was as effective as longer-term training.
Patient-centered care, which figures prominently in the new U.S.
healthcare reform bill, is being promoted for its potential to
encourage good health behavior and health outcomes, and to
possibly reduce healthcare costs. "Our study showed that
healthcare providers can be trained effectively to involve
patients in those patients' own health decisions. Providers,
including those still in training, can acquire skills to enhance
their communication with patients about their concerns and
treatment options," wrote review authors Francesca Dwamena, M.D.
and Robert Smith, M.D., of the College of